Job Description

Position Summary:

This position exists to support CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories by receiving, verifying, preparing, storing, distributing, and shipping specimens for testing; by attaching test documents and reporting results; by identifying and inserting appropriate charges to customers; and by separating specimens (possibly infectious) to submit for testing in multiple laboratory sections (spinning tubes containing blood/body fluids; creates aliquots of blood/serum/fluid/fecal specimens; determines how to split specimen and prepare for testing). The individual will open packages, accession submissions, separate and route specimens, greet the public in person and via phone or email, and answer questions regarding specimen submission. The individual will identify requests for testing not performed at CSU, contact customer, research and select alternate laboratory for submission, and prepare/package specimens for shipment. This is an essential services unit and the incumbent is required to report to work, without delay, on all/most weather closure days and various holidays throughout the year.

For full consideration, please apply by Friday, November 27, 2026, 11:59 PM (MT). This position will remain open until filled.

 

Work Unit Description:

Veterinary Health System:
The Veterinary Health System transforms our service units into a comprehensive veterinary medical center governed by responsible management that supports our units’ individual missions. Capitalizing on Colorado State University’s top ranking in veterinary medicine, and building on our tradition of providing high-quality compassionate care and achieving outstanding clinical outcomes, the Veterinary Health System broadens our expertise and skill to deliver the highest levels of customer service, employee satisfaction, and advancements in medicine through clinical service, diagnostics, research, and innovation.

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories:
Faculty and staff at the CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories (VDL) are among the nation’s finest in their fields of expertise and offer comprehensive diagnostic services. The mission of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is to provide timely, accurate and pertinent animal disease diagnostic services and educational outreach to veterinarians, animal industries and animal interests. The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will strive to meet the goals the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the University through research to develop new approaches to disease identification, investigation, prevention and through education of professional veterinary medical, graduate, and post-doctoral students.

  

Essential Job Duties:

• Accession and track specimens by scanning documents into LIMS, monitoring sample movement, and splitting specimens as needed.
• Prepare referral laboratory submissions by identifying outside tests, verifying specimen requirements, and completing submission forms.
• Package and ship specimens to referral laboratories in compliance with shipping and international regulations.
• Enter and maintain case data by logging cases, charges, notes, and shipping documents into databases and tracking spreadsheets.
• Provide client and laboratory support by answering submission questions, assisting with results inquiries, and communicating clearly and professionally.
• Process and distribute specimens and supplies by centrifuging and aliquoting samples, stocking supplies, and delivering materials to laboratory sections.
• Perform courier and facility support duties by retrieving packages, completing local courier routes, maintaining work areas, and documenting incidents and temperatures. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
• Valid Driver’s License - Must possess or obtain a valid driver’s license by the employment start date and maintain such in good standing for duration of active employment.
• Essential Services Designation - Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare.
• Shift Work - CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory does not follow standard University Holiday Schedule due to the nature of the business. Monday through Friday is typical schedule but rotation of holidays is required and occasional Saturdays needed.
• On-call Status - In the event of an emergency is declared by the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Director, needed to meet NAHLN requirements, overtime work or work outside normal operating ours will be required.
• Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials - Exposure to formalin & formalin-fixed tissues. This position handles samples that may contain infectious agents and must follow PPE guidelines and appropriate standard operating procedures.
• Special Requirements/Other - Must safely lift and carry items that weigh up to 50lbs. May be required to be rabies vaccinated upon hire and maintain protective titers (blood drawn on a schedule determined by CSU Occupational Health to evaluate status).

 

Supervision:

No formal supervisory authority.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma (or GED).
• 1 year experience analyzing and accurately accessing/transferring data.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience analyzing and accurately accessing/transferring data.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

 

Additional Information:

• Search Contact: Kat McMurdo at [email protected].

Salary Range

$40,000 - 41,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.