Clinical Laboratory Scientist

---

Job description

The Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL) is a bureau of the Animal Health and Food Safety Division of the Montana Department of Livestock. The laboratory is located within the Marsh Laboratory building on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman, Montana. The MVDL serves as the only accredited, full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Montana, and has a diverse caseload of domestic and non-domestic species. MVDL performs roughly 200,000 diagnostic tests annually for regional veterinarians and livestock producers in the disciplines of pathology, microbiology, virology, serology, and molecular diagnostics. This is a laboratory technician position involving the performance of hematology, chemistry, endocrinology, urinalysis, immunology and cytology techniques to identify and determine normal and abnormal values for the diagnosis of various veterinary conditions and diseases. This employee is expected to expertly and consistently perform species-specific procedures, assays, calculations, and interpretations in an accurate, comprehensive and timely manner. An understanding of data interpretation, the basics of veterinary disease, and quality system regulation is important for this position. This position is expected to occasionally interact with veterinary and livestock producer clients for the purposes of clarifying sample submissions, test scheduling, and communication of test results. The opportunity to cross-train and assist in the testing operations of other laboratory sections exists as dictated by testing demand and seasonality. The successful applicant must be comfortable performing job duties in a laboratory environment where exposure to zoonotic disease agents may occur. Employees must be aware of the risk of injury from chemical and/or biological hazards and take appropriate precautions to maintain a safe environment via the use of personal protective equipment and implementation of best practices. Repetitive motion, long periods of standing or sitting, and some lifting may be required. Weekend or extended work may be required in the event of a disease outbreak or other urgent situation but is not routine or the expectation.

Required: BS degree in microbiology or a related field Preferred: MS degree in microbiology or a related field, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) licensure and 1 year laboratory or veterinary laboratory experience.