Position Function:
Provide support to veterinary pathologists and poultry veterinarians during post‑mortem examinations. Duties include active participation in necropsy procedures for a wide range of animal species (mammalian, avian, reptile, etc.) and maintaining necropsy laboratory facilities and equipment in a clean, organized, and ready‑to‑use condition. This position requires regular communication and coordination with pathology faculty, veterinary prosector, sample receiving staff, case submitters, and other laboratory personnel.
Salary Grade: 12
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Area of Specialization:
MVRDL
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Maintain cleanliness of floors, walls, tables, countertops, sinks, cabinets, equipment, and instruments in the necropsy, cooler, incinerator, and loading dock areas before and after necropsy activities.
2. Assist with the performance of necropsies, including preliminary setup and positioning of the animal carcasses.
3. Assist in the collection and labeling of tissue samples for ancillary testing and coordinate preparation of samples for submission to diagnostic laboratories.
4. Operate and maintain necropsy-related equipment, including hoist systems, ensuring safe and proper functioning at all times.
5. Maintain adequate supplies, solutions, fixatives, disinfectants, and equipment required for necropsy procedures and sample collection.
6. Perform quality evaluations of one-day-old chickens (chick-checks).
7. Manage the proper disposition of animal remains, including operating the incinerator in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements.
8. Maintain cleanliness and availability of laboratory coasts, uniforms, and other personal protection equipment (PPE) used by pathologists and other laboratory personnel.
9. Serve as a liaison with sample receiving personnel to ensure smooth coordination of necropsy cases and sample handling.
10. Support the laboratory quality assurance program.
11. Participate in the laboratory's response to foreign animal disease investigations or outbreak situations, including collecting samples from submitters' vehicles and performing vehicle disinfection.
12. Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and federal guidelines related to biosecurity and waste disposal.
13. Serve as a backup driver and courier for the laboratory's pick-up route.
14. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Ability to lift, move, or carry up to and occasionally over 50 lbs.
-or-
Any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education approved by the Department of Human Resources Management.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. Experience with laboratory animal care and handling.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent multitasking skills.
• Excellent time management and prioritization
• Skill in the use of computers and working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software packages.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards
• Proactivity and initiative
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/laboratory work environment.
• The employee is frequently required to stand for long periods, walk, use hands to manipulate, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.
• This individual is regularly required to sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Heavy lifting has been minimized where possible with a hoist system and wheeled equipment, but this individual will be required to lift up to 50 pounds. independently, and up to 200 pounds with group assistance.
• Duties will require wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, coveralls, face masks or face shields, gloves, or powered air‑purifying respirators (PAPR).
• Rabies vaccination and antibody titer checking is required.
• Work hours may vary, including occasionally working after 5:00 pm, weekends and holidays
• Frequent interruptions based on changing priorities and occasional exposure to requests from people other than the immediate supervisor.
• Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Please include a cover letter and resume along with names and addresses of at least three references.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
