Clerk-Phone Communication & Front Desk Representative

Purdue University purdue.edu Open · verified Sep 18, 2026

West Lafayette Mid-level Communications

Mid-level Communications role at Purdue University. West Lafayette.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Welcome clients, clinics, owners, visitors, and students at the laboratory’s front desk
Guide sample drop-offs by handling forms, payments, receipts, case numbers, and questions
Manage calls and email inquiries, record messages, and connect people with laboratory staff
Keep records accurate while helping with data checks, package opening, and sample delivery
Support students in the Diagnostic Medicine Block Rotation with discretion and professionalism

What you bring

A high school diploma or GED
Six months to one year of clerical work in a medical clinic or veterinary office, or two years in customer service
Clear communication, multitasking, careful data entry, and dependable follow-through
Professional handling of payments, basic computer work, routine office tasks, and confidential information
A cooperative approach to keeping the workplace organized and supporting changing team needs

Who this fits

You’ll suit this role if you enjoy helping people, staying composed while solving client questions, and creating a positive front-desk experience. The position is based in West Lafayette and supports Purdue’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory. It may be filled at either S1 or S2, with the hiring manager choosing the level based on your qualifications.

From the employer

Job Summary

At Purdue University, your work can help move discoveries, service, and student learning forward. The Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is seeking a Client Services Representative to support front desk operations, client communication, phone coverage, and sample submission processes. In this role, you will be a welcoming and knowledgeable point of contact for clients, clinics, owners, visitors, students, and internal laboratory teams. Your attention to detail, customer service mindset, and ability to problem-solve will help support timely, accurate diagnostic testing and contribute to Purdue’s mission of making a difference in Indiana, across the nation, and around the world.

A strong candidate will be a customer-focused communicator who enjoys helping people and creating a positive first impression. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage phone calls, emails, paperwork, payments, and client requests while maintaining accuracy and professionalism. They will also be a collaborative team member who is willing to cross-train, support coworkers, and assist with changing daily needs. This role is a great fit for a thoughtful problem-solver who can remain calm, respectful, and resourceful when assisting clients, while also demonstrating dependability, confidentiality, and strong follow-through.

About us:

The Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) at the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine, located in West Lafayette, IN, is a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory that serves the state of Indiana by providing both routine and regulatory diagnostic services to support Indiana veterinarians, animal health officials, livestock producers, and animal owners.

What You’ll Be Doing

Serve as a welcoming first point of contact for clients, clinics, owners, visitors, and students.
Support sample drop-off by assisting with submission forms, payments, receipts, case numbers, and client questions.
Answer calls and emails, route requests, take messages, and connect clients with the appropriate laboratory staff.
Help maintain accurate documentation and provide backup support with data verification, package opening, and sample delivery.
Assist students during the Diagnostic Medicine Block Rotation while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and strong customer service.

This position could be filled at multiple levels (S1 or S2). The hiring manager will determine the job level based on the skills, experience, and qualifications of the selected candidate.

What We’re Looking For:

Education and Experience
Qualified candidates will need:

High School Diploma/GED
Six months to one year of clerical experience in a medical clinic/veterinary office OR
Two years of customer service experience

Skills Needed:

Provide friendly, professional service and create a positive experience for clients, visitors, students, and internal partners.
Use strong communication and multitasking skills to manage phone calls, emails, client questions, and daily front desk needs.
Accurately enter and review information while maintaining attention to detail, confidentiality, and follow-through.
Handle payments, basic computer tasks, and routine office responsibilities with professionalism and care.
Support a clean, organized, and team-focused work environment.

What is helpful:

Three years of clerical experience in a medical clinic/veterinary office