Laboratory Assistant

Would you enjoy a career which allows you to help protect animal health through real laboratory work? The Laboratory Assistant position with the Department of Agriculture invites you to participate in important testing that keeps communities and livestock safe. Here, you will work alongside skilled professionals while gaining hands-on experience in an active laboratory setting. If you are looking for a great way to build valuable skills and contribute to meaningful scientific work, we want to meet you!

This position provides support within multiple sections of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory and assists with daily laboratory activities. It helps maintain testing accuracy, sample processing, and smooth operation of laboratory functions. As a Laboratory Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• Test Support: Assist technicians with setting up laboratory tests and preparing materials
• Equipment Care: Clean and maintain laboratory equipment and specimens as needed
• Sample Processing: Process laboratory samples once training is completed and approval is granted
• Data Entry: Enter information into the LIMS system under direction from experienced staff
• Supply Management: Stock and restock forms, supplies, and materials throughout laboratory areas
• Waste Handling: Organize and dispose of sample boxes and testing materials in a safe manner

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Temporary, full-time employment lasting approximately 8.5 months.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 1 day per month. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Additional Requirements:

• The candidate selected for this position will be required to be vaccinated against rabies prior to the start of employment and maintain a current rabies vaccination throughout the duration of employment.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• College-level instruction (final grade of B or higher) or significant laboratory work experience in handling Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2) biological lab materials.
• College-level instruction (final grade of B or higher) or significant laboratory work experience in Immunology and/or Serological Testing.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.