CWD Lab Technician

About this role

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: University Staff

Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile: Lab Technician

Job Summary: • Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease affecting deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer, and moose. The disease continues to spread throughout Wisconsin and across the United States, and there are currently no treatments or vaccines available. Because prion diseases may pose risks to public health, the World Health Organization recommends preventing the agents of all known prion diseases from entering the human food chain.

The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) plays a critical role in protecting consumers and monitoring the spread of CWD by providing diagnostic testing services. As hunting season approaches and testing demand increases, WVDL is temporarily expanding its workforce to support the additional workload and ensure timely processing of CWD samples.

Key Responsibilities • Perform pre-analytical tasks associated with Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) screening using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Organize, prepare, and document samples and work logs prior to testing.

• Read, record, and enter testing data and results into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) under the guidance and oversight of the Laboratory Manager.

• Complete and verify all quality control (QC) procedures and maintain required records to ensure testing accuracy and compliance.

• Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, including routine disinfection of benchtops, biosafety cabinets, and laboratory instruments.

• Adhere to all WVDL quality assurance, biosafety, and workplace safety requirements as outlined in laboratory Quality and Safety Manuals.

• Support the laboratory's efforts to provide accurate and timely CWD diagnostic testing to assist in disease surveillance and consumer protection.

• This position is expected to be seasonal and end in January 2027; however, there is a possibility of extension based on funding availability, program need and performance.  It is also possible that this position will be made renewable based on funding availability, program need and performance.

• Work schedule is Monday through Friday 7:45am - 4:30pm. Some overtime work may be available and/or assigned, including evenings and weekends.

Key Job Responsibilities: • Uses, maintains, calibrates, and sets up lab equipment and apparatuses according to established policies and procedures and documents activities

• Completes and acknowledges trainings

• Performs quality control, acknowledges documents, performs document reviews and/or writes and revises documents as assigned

• Coordinates and participates in a variety of routine technical duties by providing assistance to research and/or laboratory staff in testing and experiments

• Sets up, prepares, and cleans laboratory glassware, instruments, equipment, and laboratory work spaces

Department: Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory - Pathology/TSE

Compensation: $23.00/hr

Required Qualifications: • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing laboratory duties.

• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to accurately follow established procedures and protocols.

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and motions throughout the workday while maintaining accuracy and consistency.

• Ability to maintain focus and productivity in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory environment.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting quality and turnaround time expectations.

Preferred Qualifications: The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) will provide training to candidates who demonstrate the aptitude and willingness to learn. Ideal candidates will have f amiliarity and experience with tissue handling and preparation techniques. Familiarity with ELISA procedures, histotechnology, and immunohistochemistry is highly valued. Specific experience with TSE testing is also a plus.

Candidates should be detail-oriented, able to follow standard operating procedures, and comfortable performing repetitive tasks and motions associated with sample preparation and laboratory testing. Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accuracy in a fast-paced laboratory environment are highly valued.

Education: Minimum: HS Diploma or GED, plus two years of relevant experience Preferred: Bachelor's Degree

How to Apply: • Applicants are required to upload 1) resume , 2) cover letter and 3) contact information for three professional references including a current or former supervisor.  The cover letter must include detailed information that highlights your laboratory experience.

• To receive full consideration for this position, please submit your application before 11:59pm on Sunday, September 13, 2026 .

• Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Contact Information: WVDL Human Resources, wvdlhr@wvdl.wisc.edu

Institutional Statement on Diversity: Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university commu

Similar jobs

• Senior Lab Technician — Graphcore · Austin, Texas, United States
• Senior Lab Technician — Lydian · Boston
• Quality Lab Technician — Kraft Heinz · Davenport, IA
• Quality Lab Technician — Covestro · Baytown, TX
• Quality Lab Technician — Synthomer plc · US SC Chester
• Quality Lab Technician — Prysmian · Willimantic, CT
• Quality Lab Technician — Jabil · Mebane, NC
• Senior Laboratory Technician — Cgg · New York, United States