Job Description

Microbiology Technician Il, (General Emphasis) Posting Number
req26476 Department
AZ Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Department Website Link
https://azvdl.arizona.edu Location
Tucson Campus Address
2831 N. Freeway Drive, Tucson, AZ 85705 USA Position Highlights

The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (AZVDL), with the University of Arizona, is seeking an onsite Microbiology Technician II (General Emphasis). This versatile position provides advanced microbiological test services, in multiple lab sections to support clinical diagnostics, disease surveillance, and outbreak response for laboratory clients, including state and federal and regulatory agencies. The incumbent will also be cross-trained to support broader laboratory operations.

The Microbiology Technician II (General Emphasis), performs routine and complex microbiological assays including molecular diagnostics, serological, virological, and other testing methodologies. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting diagnostic testing in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulatory standards, supporting internal assay development, verification, validation activities, preparing reagents, maintaining instrumentation, and documenting testing activities. In addition, assisting with quality assurance processes, maintaining compliance with federal and state program requirements, as well as supporting disease surveillance and outbreak response testing as assigned. The incumbent will work under moderate guidance, with increasing independence as proficiency is demonstrated. Work is performed in BSL-2/BSL2+ laboratory environments. Strict adherence to biosafety, biosecurity, regulatory, and quality management requirements is essential.

The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (AZVDL) is dedicated to providing accurate, timely diagnostic services that support animal health, disease surveillance, and the veterinary community throughout Arizona. As one of the first laboratories approved to participate in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), AZVDL plays a vital role in safeguarding against foreign and emerging animal diseases while supporting state and federal agencies, university researchers, veterinarians, and animal owners through high-quality diagnostic expertise.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological assays for the detection and diagnosis of infectious animal diseases in accordance with established protocols and regulatory standards.
• Troubleshoots technical issues and recommends procedural improvements to leadership.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and traceable records of all testing activities.
• Organize, analyze, and prepare data for laboratory information management systems (LIMS), database entry, reporting, and long-term archiving.
• Maintain thorough and reliable records to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance.
• Support equipment life-cycle management, including preventive maintenance (PM), calibration coordination, troubleshooting, documentation, and service vendor communication to ensure operational readiness and compliance.
• Perform routine administrative and laboratory support functions, including quality control monitoring, reagent and solution preparation, inventory tracking, and proper biological and chemical waste disposal in accordance with biosafety and environmental regulations.
• Maintain proficiency in assigned testing platforms, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards, regulatory requirements, and accreditation guidelines.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement activities, including SOP review and updates, corrective actions, and internal audits as assigned.
• Actively contribute to the development, optimization, validation, and implementation of new diagnostic assays and emerging methodologies to expand laboratory testing capabilities.
• Accurately and consistently perform laboratory procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated reliability, follow-through, and adaptability in a dynamic laboratory environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while contributing a positive and professional attitude.
• Skilled in applying aseptic techniques, laboratory safety protocols, and quality assurance practices.
• Ability to apply and adhere to SOPs, regulatory requirements, and quality management systems.
• Knowledge of and competent with laboratory information systems and general computer applications for data management and reporting.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications FLSA
Non-Exempt Full Time/Part Time
Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week
40 Job FTE
1.0 Work Calendar
Fiscal Job Category
Veterinary and Animal Care Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay
$20.33 - $25.41 Compensation Type
hourly rate Grade
5 Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator Career Stream and Level
PC2 Job Family
Veterinary Lab Job Function
Veterinary & Animal Care Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies
1 Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Kathy McCarthy | kmccarthy1@arizona.edu Open Date
7/10/2026 Open Until Filled
Yes Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.