Diagnostic Laboratory Accessioner - Bozeman

To be considered for Department of Livestock positions, applicants must apply and submit any required application materials through the State of Montana Careers Website at Statecareers.mt.gov.

This recruitment is posted as 'open until filled' with a first review of applicants on September 18, 2026.

Materials Required of Applicants:

• Cover Letter

• Resume

About this Opportunity!

Overview of the Department: 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.

Job Overview: This position provides laboratory support to the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, a bureau of the Montana Department of Livestock. Responsibilities include: 1) Overseeing the daily accessioning process; 2) Receiving and accessioning clinical specimens prior to testing; 3) Performing data entry and quality control for diagnostic testing specimens received and answering laboratory related questions from clients via phone or in-person. In addition to the laboratory specific duties this position performs important laboratory shipping and receiving duties. These duties encompass receiving, processing, and shipping supplies to clients, unpacking, initial review, inventory, acceptance, organization, accessioning, labeling and distribution of veterinary specimens within the lab, all in support of ensuring the compliant fulfillment of laboratory objectives.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities)-

Laboratory and Accessioning Procedures:

• Conducts laboratory accessioning processes, including sorting clinical specimens according to the laboratory section and properly labels specimen tubes and paperwork.
• Cleans and disinfects accessioning area, including countertops and gathers and disposes of biohazardous waste.
• Processes blood, serum, tissue, or other biological samples using specified, established protocols.
• Compiles and enters subject data into a database and ensures data integrity.
• Record information about biological specimens, such as but not limited to labeling, weight, size, submitter information, and physical condition.
• Procure and organize equipment and supplies used in the lab.
• Performs quality control processes, such as ensuring specimen integrity was not compromised during transport, matching required data on specimen collection tube to the paperwork submitted, and identifying and troubleshooting discrepancies.
• Follows appropriate policies/procedures for sample processing, including handling specimens, including compromised specimens.
• Provides support and services for equipment and in lab related activities.

Shipping, Receiving and Customer Service:

• Receives and opens shipments of clinical specimens sent to laboratory for testing.
• Unpack items to be stocked on shelves in stockrooms or storage areas.
• Pack, seal, label, and affix postage to prepare lab and other materials for shipping.
• Counts stock items, and records data manually or on computer.
• Arrange pickups, transportation, and delivering of lab materials and equipment.
• Scans paperwork into software and releases online orders that have been electronically entered into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Verifies all data was scanned properly into the software, corrects any identified errors and releases patient information and test request into the LIMS.
• Assures all test orders have been processed and researches any missing samples or orders.
• Responsible for sample storage and discarding samples in compliance with established laboratory procedures.
• Serve as a resource to testing sections by assisting with testing send-outs. Follow proper packaging and shipping procedures for sending biological samples to external reference laboratories.
• Fields questions from providers regarding sample testing status, allowable collection methods, and supply orders. '
• May write and review policies and procedures for section specific processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

Required for the first day of work:

• Good working knowledge of general laboratory principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of potential hazards in laboratory work, including biological and chemical hazards.
• Ability to enter data quickly and accurately.
• Strong computer and electronic skills, including experience entering data into selected software systems.
• Effective time management and organization skills.
• Strong attention to detail and observation skills.
• Strong troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to use reason and logic to identify and solve problems.
• Ability to facilitate collaboration and cooperation with others.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work activities without direct supervision.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Comfort with handling samples that are biological in nature

Physical and Environmental Demands:

The individual in this position will be 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 (such as an N95 respirator) 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. Rabies vaccination may be required.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• High school diploma or its equivalent.
• One year of job-related work experience in a clinical, veterinary, research laboratory or other related industry.
• Equivalent combinations of directly related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Licensing:

• On-the-job training and certification for approved shipper compliance is required, e.g., Division 6.2 Materials.

Preferred:

• Associate degree in chemistry, biology, or biological science, preferred.
• Additional degrees (BS, BA, MT, VT, HT, HTL) are preferred.
• A valid driver's license is preferred.