HC Supervisor 4-Clinical Lab Science

This position reports directly to the Laboratory Receiving Section Head and is responsible for the leadership, administration, and operational management of both the Laboratory Receiving and Parasitology sections. The role oversees specimen receiving, accessioning, shipping compliance, parasitology testing, quality assurance, workflow coordination, and personnel management to ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality laboratory services. The Section Manager provides technical and operational leadership through staff supervision, process improvement, regulatory compliance, client communication, and implementation of quality systems, supporting efficient laboratory operations while fostering a culture of collaboration, scientific excellence, safety, and continuous improvement in alignment with the VDL mission.

Location and Work Environment

This position is located within the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) and requires on-site leadership and participation in daily laboratory operations. The work environment includes administrative, laboratory, and operational settings within a fast-paced diagnostic laboratory that supports animal health and disease surveillance activities. The Section Manager works closely with laboratory staff, faculty, veterinarians, researchers, producers, and external stakeholders while overseeing diagnostic testing and laboratory workflow. The position may involve exposure to biological materials, infectious agents, chemicals, and laboratory equipment, requiring adherence to established biosafety, safety, and regulatory protocols. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to operational needs in a dynamic laboratory environment. Occasional extended hours or schedule adjustments may be required to support laboratory operations, staffing needs, or emergency response activities.

Schedule

This position requires a flexible work schedule to support the continuous operations of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Regular work hours are typically Monday through Friday; however, weekend, holiday, and occasional overtime work are required.

Responsibilities

• Section Leadership, Supervision & Staff Development (30%)
  • Provide overall leadership and operational oversight for Laboratory Receiving and Parasitology sections.
  • Supervise laboratory procedures, techniques, and workflow to ensure accurate work, high-quality standards, and compliance with established protocols.
  • Hire, onboard, train, schedule, assign work, evaluate performance, and provide coaching and professional development for laboratory staff and student employees.
  • Direct personnel activities, including performance management, recognition, corrective actions, and other supervisory responsibilities.
  • Maintain job descriptions, competency assessments, and training documentation for section personnel.
• Laboratory Receiving & Specimen Management (30%)
  • Oversee evaluation, acceptance, accessioning, tracking, and distribution of incoming diagnostic specimens.
  • Ensure proper specimen handling, identification, routing, and chain-of-custody processes.
  • Coordinate assignment of accession numbers and client accounts to support accurate specimen identification and tracking.
  • Manage client communication regarding specimen submissions, discrepancies, documentation requirements, and billing issues.
  • Supervise front desk operations, including visitor coordination, client communication logs, documentation, and data entry activities.
  • Coordinate domestic and international shipment of specimens and infectious materials, including required permits, customs documentation, regulatory compliance, and Category B Infectious Substance and Dry Ice shipping certifications.
• Parasitology Operations & Technical Oversight (10%)
  • Supervise parasitology laboratory operations, procedures, and testing techniques.
  • Ensure accurate specimen processing, microscopic examination, interpretation of findings, and reporting of results.
  • Provide technical guidance and support to ensure high-quality diagnostic testing.
• Quality Management, QA/QC & Regulatory Compliance (10%)
  • Lead quality assurance and quality control activities in accordance with VDL quality systems, policies, and accreditation requirements.
  • Ensure laboratory procedures are performed according to approved standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Develop, review, and modify SOPs and proficiency testing documentation.
  • Investigate nonconforming work, conduct root cause analyses and risk assessments, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
  • Support internal and external audits, accreditation activities, and responses to findings.
  • Oversee equipment maintenance documentation and environmental monitoring systems to ensure compliance and operational readiness.
• Process Improvement & Operational Excellence (5%)
  • Participate in laboratory planning, renovation, and implementation of process improvement initiatives.
  • Research, develop, and update methods for specimen tracking, barcode systems, case file scanning, specimen routing, and chain-of-custody processes.
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, workflow, testing capacity, and service quality.
  • Research innovative solutions and recommend improvements within the section and across the VDL.
• Safety, Biosafety & Biosecurity (5%)
  • Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, biosafety, and biosecurity requirements.
  • Promote a safe working environment and adherence to established safety procedures.
  • Oversee safe handling of biological materials, chemicals, and laboratory equipment.
  • Support staff training and awareness related to safety practices and regulatory requirements.
  • Serve as the Laboratory Receiving/Parasitology representative on the VDL Safety Committee.
• Section Administration & Strategic Support (5%)
  • Manage daily section operations, workflow coordination, prioritization of activities, and resource allocation.
  • Participate in VDL leadership discussions related to operational planning, budgeting, and strategic initiatives.
  • Collaborate with information technology, facilities, and other departments to support operational needs and improvements.
  • Make independent operational decisions related to specimen handling, testing processes, and laboratory workflows.
• Miscellaneous Duties (5%)
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director and/or Section Head to support the efficient operation, strategic objectives, and service mission of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Requirements

• Required Qualifications:
  • BA/BS degree plus at least five years of related experience, or a combination of education and experience totaling at least nine years.
  • Experience working in a clinical, veterinary diagnostic, public health, or research laboratory environment.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate, timely diagnostic output.
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with laboratory staff, veterinarians, pathologists, and researchers.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior supervisory, lead, or management experience in a laboratory setting.
  • Experience developing, optimizing, or standardizing workflows and procedures.
  • Familiarity with laboratory regulatory compliance standards (e.g., accreditation or inspection processes).
  • Experience with automated identification systems and modern bacteriology instrumentation.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to improve laboratory efficiency and workflow.
  • Veterinary Technician Certification.
  • Demonstrated ability to follow laboratory quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), and biosafety standards.
  • Experience working in a high-volume diagnostic laboratory or equivalent setting.

Physical Requirements

The following physical activities are associated with essential functions of this position and can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Lifting: Ability to regularly lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Pushing/pulling: Ability to move heavy equipment or machinery.
• Standing/walking: Ability to remain on your feet for the duration of an 8-hour shift.
• Bending/stooping: frequently reaching toward the floor or working at low levels.
• Fine motor skills: picking up small components, typing or using precision tools.
• Reach: the ability to extend arms overhead or horizontally retrieve items.
• Visual acuity: close range vision for computer work.
• Auditory awareness: ability to hear warning signals, alarms or communicate in loud environments.

This position is considered essential and may require work during University holidays, shutdowns, or high-demand disease events.

About The Department

The University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is a national leader in providing rapid diagnosis of animal diseases, identifying emerging diseases, developing new diagnostic methods, and training diagnosticians and veterinarians. The VDL serves the interests of the livestock and poultry industry, animal research scientists and educators, and companion animal owners. We provide strong support to the state as the official laboratory of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health as well as supporting the national animal and human health system. The laboratory is a part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and serves as Minnesota’s only full-service laboratory for animal health diagnosis.

Pay

Pay Range: $34.82 - $35.86/hour, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Benefits

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions.
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
• Employee wellbeing program.
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
• Financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.