NMDA Veterinary Lab Specialist Associate

Department: New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) – Veterinary Diagnostic Services (VDS)

Location: NMSU satellite location, Albuquerque

Full-time, exempt position contingent upon funding. Standard work schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM.

About the role

The NMDA Veterinary Laboratory Specialist, Associate performs specialized technical, operational, and laboratory coordination activities within a veterinary diagnostic laboratory environment supporting animal health programs, disease surveillance, regulatory diagnostic services, and accredited laboratory operations. This position serves as a key resource for specimen accessioning, laboratory information management, quality management, diagnostic workflow coordination, and operational continuity.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate specimen accessioning, documentation, tracking, and chain-of-custody activities for veterinary diagnostic submissions.
• Maintain case information, testing documentation, and laboratory records within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Coordinate specimen routing activities and referral laboratory submissions.
• Support laboratory workflow activities and operational continuity across veterinary diagnostic laboratory sections.
• Maintain laboratory inventories and operational resource documentation.
• Coordinate specimen shipment activities and required laboratory documentation.
• Maintain laboratory records in accordance with quality assurance and laboratory operational requirements.
• Prepare and distribute diagnostic information utilizing established laboratory procedures.
• Support Quality Management System requirements and laboratory quality activities.
• Maintain compliance with biosafety requirements, infection control standards, environmental safety practices, and laboratory operational procedures.
• Maintain effective working relationships with laboratory clientele, referral laboratories, regulatory agencies, and laboratory personnel.
• Identify workflow concerns and support efficient laboratory operations through adherence to quality systems, established methodologies, and operational standards.
• May perform other essential duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma plus 1 year of relevant experience, or higher degree.

Working Conditions

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office laboratory environment.
• Light physical effort, including handling objects up to 25 pounds or standing/walking for more than four hours per day.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks; basic safety precautions are required.