University of Wisconsin - Madison

Position Vacancy ID: 77733
Title: MICROBIOLOGIST

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION Position No.Cert/Reclass Request No.Agency No.
EFFECTIVE DATE
12/6/2010
2850077733
285
NAME OF EMPLOYEE DEPARTMENT, UNIT, WORK ADDRESS
BETH ANGELL
WVDL/MSN PATH-TOXI/PATHOLOGY
VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC LAB-WI
445 EASTERDAY LN
 
CLASSIFICATION TITLE OF POSITION
MICROBIOLOGIST
CLASS TITLE OPTION NAME & CLASS OF FORMER INCUMBENT
 
AGENCY WORKING TITLE OF POSITION NAME & CLASS OF EMPLOYEES PERFORMING SIMILAR DUTIES
MICROBIOLOGIST
NAME AND CLASS OF FIRST-LINE SUPERVISOR
Dan Barr - Histology Technician Supervisor
DOES THE POSITION SUPERVISE SUBORDINATE EMPLOYEES IN THE PERMANENT POSITION? YES ___ NO ___
IF YES, COMPLETE AND ATTACH A SUPERVISORY POSITION ANALYSIS FORM
POSITION_SUMMARY - PLEASE DESCRIBE BELOW THE MAJOR GOALS OF THIS POSITION:
(See Attached)
DESCRIBE THE GOALS AND WORKER ACTIVITIES OF THIS POSITION (Please see sample format and instructions)
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 GOALS: Describe the major achievemants, outputs, or results. List them in descending order of importance.
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 WORKER ACTIVITIES: Under each goal, list the work activities performed to meet that goal.
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 Time%: Include for goals and major work activities.
TIME% GOAL AND WORKER ACTIVITIES(Continue on attached sheets)
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(See Attached)
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SUPERVISORY SECTION
a. The supervision, direction and review given to the work of this position is:
b. The statements and time estimates above and on attachments accurately describe the work
assigned to the position. (Please initial and date attachments)
Signature of first-line supervisor____________________________________________________Date_______________
EMPLOYEE SECTION
I have read and understand that the statements and time estimates above and on attachments are a description
of the functions assigned my position. (Please initial and date attachments)
Signature of employee_____________________________________________________________Date_______________
Signature of Personnel Manager____________________________________________________Date_______________
P-File Department of Employment Relations EmployeeDepartment File Cert Request Copy

 

Position Summary

The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) is a high volume diagnostic laboratory that provides a broad range of veterinary diagnostic testing services to approximately 2,500 clients. Laboratories are located both in Madison and in Barron.

This is a Microbiologist position that will work in Transmissible Spongioform Encephalopathy (TSE) diagnostics at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The work will involve multiple aspects of TSE diagnostics including performing sample collection and preparation; testing with TSE plate assays and performing specialized test procedures to analyze specimens for the presence of prion pathogens. Familiarity and experience with tissue handling and preparation techniques, ELISA procedures, and histotechnology and immunohistochemistry are a plus. Specific experience with TSE testing is also a plus.

The job also consists of technical laboratory work related to the preparation and processing of preserved tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologist and other scientists. It incudes all aspects of tissue trimming, histological processing, sectioning, and staining. Tissue specimens may be formalin-fixed or preserved by other means. This is precision work which often involves small and valuable biopsy specimens; thus considerable manual dexterity and care required. The ability to analyze techniques, trouble-shoot and maintain a variety of equipment, keep records, and provide quality control assurances is essential. Other duties include maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies and providing specialized technical assistance for necropsy activities. Basic computer skills are necessary. The ability to communicate clearly, interact effectively, and work well within a team-oriented operation is important.

Works under the direction of the Histo Tech Supervisor and the supervision of the Pathology Section Chief.

 

Goals and Worker Activities

A.65%Performance of specialized test procedures.
1.Organize and prepare samples and required work logs prior to test set-up.
2.Using techniques appropriate for the tissue, produce sections (slides) for microscopic examination. This includes fixation, trimming tissues, dehydration, microtomy, and staining. Experience and knowledge in the operation of histological equipment is required.
3.Perform TSE screening ELISA and IHC procedures. Perform the TSE testing according to standard protocols.
4.Read, interpret and record test results; enter data into appropriate software and the Universal Veterinary Information System (UVIS) where required.
   
B.15%Performance of miscellaneous laboratory duties and maintenance of laboratory work areas.
1.Decontaminate biohazardous waste by autoclaving, chemical, digestion, or incineration.
2.Maintain inventory of test kits, reagents and supplies used in the TSE laboratory and inform supervisor when supplies need to be ordered.
3.Maintain work area in a clean, orderly condition. Disinfect bench tops routinely.
4.Work as a team member on studies, committees and projects as assigned.
5.Complete work in compliance with the WVDL quality system policies and procedures.
6.Compose, review and document Standard Operating Procedures. Identify required changes at any time, consult with supervisor and update protocols as needed.
7.Communicate, interact and work well as a team member and also individually.
8.Perform routine maintenance on laboratory equipment and calibrate instruments and pipettors to assure accurate performance.
9.Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
   
C.10%Performance of essential collateral duties associated with TSE testing and program activities.
1.Organize TSE test work volumes into prepared periodic reports as necessary.
2.Maintain records of testing through hard copy and computer files.
3.Communicate with federal and state agencies as directed or required by the supervisor.
4.Verify and confirm that all QC records are completed and acceptably formatted for Section Chief and certifying agencies.
5.Train LTE staff in performance of the CWD ELISA and IHC.
   
D.5%Preparation of tissue specimens for microscopic examination.
1.Label slides with appropriate case number or other identification and match slides with lab unit paperwork for delivery to pathologists.
2.Perform special stains on tissues when requested by the pathologists.
   
E.5%Provide specialized technical assistance for necropsy activities.
1.Assist with gross pathological examination, specimen manipulation, and tissue collection. May work directly with a pathologist or may dissect alone in some cases.
2.Assist with the processing of diagnostic samples from the field in preparation for laboratory testing.
3.Clean and disinfect necropsy room and equipment.
4.Assist with rendering pick-up, incineration pick-up, and with tissue digestion.
   

Knowledge and Skills

  1. Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
  2. Experience with test procedures including enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).
  3. Ability to keep current and accurate records and enter data into database systems.
  4. Effective written and verbal communication skills, including teamwork and customer service skills.
  5. Must be highly motivated, careful and willing to adapt to new procedures.
  6. Knowledge of biological safety handling procedures and OSHA standards and appropriate disposal of biological hazards.
  7. Knowledge of quality control/quality assurance Standard Operating Procedures protocols.
  8. Knowledge of laboratory procedures, lab equipment operations and equipment maintenance techniques, including pipetting, microtomes, biological hoods, safety attire and equipment.
  9. Ability to maintain confidentiality of test results.