Laboratory Section Manager

About the role

The laboratory manager provides scientific, operational, and personnel leadership for the Serology/Virology section of the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (AVDL).

Responsibilities

• Perform a wide variety of laboratory techniques to detect viruses, some bacteria, and prions from a wide variety of animal specimens and to detect antibodies against viruses, bacteria, and fungi in animal serum samples.
• Deliver accurate, timely and high-quality diagnostic testing service, quality management, ordering supplies and reagents, and maintenance of laboratory equipment in the Serology/Virology section.
• Ensure compliance with the accreditation requirements by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) and maintain the highest standard of quality management in the Serology/Virology section.
• Work content will include: receiving/recording of samples; preparing samples for testing; culturing various cell lines for virus isolation and serum neutralization tests; performing a wide variety of diagnostic tests including but not limited to: ELISA, direct & indirect immunofluorescence, PCR, serum neutralization, latex agglutination, and agar gel immunodiffusion.
• Interpret results of diagnostic assays conducted by laboratory technicians in the Virology/Serology Section and communicate the results to submitting veterinarians.
• Provide consultation to clients on test procedures and interpretation of test results.
• Write new standard operating procedures; periodically revise existing SOPs; assure measurement traceability by acquiring appropriate test controls and monitoring/charting the performance of such controls; monitor turnaround times of tests finalized; perform root cause analysis of non-conforming tests; assure the calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment; assist section head in writing reports for accreditation auditors; assist the Quality Manager in implementing requirements essential for the lab to maintain its accreditation status.
• Serve as immediate supervisor of all technicians in the Serology/Virology section. Implement proper cross-training and flexibility of scheduling to assure that technicians are able to handle unexpected surges in any given test. Conduct annual performance evaluation of technicians.
• Oversee the daily workflow of the Serology/Virology Section, including BSE (mad cow disease), CWD (chronic wasting disease), marine mammal, and routine veterinary testing. Ensure that all requested tests are setup promptly and results reported to submitting veterinarians in a timely manner.
• Order laboratory supplies and maintain reagent stocks; general laboratory upkeep and cleaning.
• Collaborate with other section managers and laboratory leadership to improve operational efficiency and client services. Support client outreach and education efforts.

Requirements

In-depth experience with Microsoft Office, Acrobat as well as general use of computer software packages. Ability to manage personnel and workflow, maintain equipment and facilities. Ability to supervise and train other technicians on laboratory techniques. Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing, including the ability to prepare reports and write standard operating procedures.

Physical Demands

• Manual dexterity; Lift up to 50 Lb.

Contact Information

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.