Diagnostic Laboratory Operations Coordinator, Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine: UTIA

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

9d • $45,000 - $55,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The College of Veterinary Medicine is hiring a Diagnostic Laboratory Operations Coordinator in the Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences department. The position provides operational, logistical, and customer service support for Diagnostic Laboratory Services (DLS) at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. It coordinates specimen transportation, laboratory intake and send-out testing, client access to diagnostic services, and communication among referring veterinarians, clients, laboratory personnel, and anatomic pathology staff. The coordinator ensures accurate specimen handling, chain-of-custody documentation, biosafety compliance, and efficient delivery of veterinary diagnostic laboratory services.

The role coordinates courier and shipping services, processes and tracks specimens, supports client and pathology services, and maintains related records and reports. It also assists with laboratory operations, client inquiries, scheduling, and communications. The position is based on-site in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of experience in a veterinary medical practice, human healthcare setting, pharmacy, diagnostic laboratory, logistics environment, or related healthcare support operation.
• Knowledge of specimen handling, transportation, and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety, biosafety, and infection control practices.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and practices.
• Knowledge of medical and veterinary terminology.
• Knowledge of records management and data entry procedures.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional customer service skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Skill in using computer software, database systems, and laboratory information systems.
• Skill in identifying and resolving operational issues.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to coordinate multiple activities and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse customer base.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive information.
• Ability to communicate effectively in emotionally sensitive situations.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States full-time without current or future need for employment-based visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology, Medical Technology, Biology, Healthcare Administration, or a related scientific or healthcare field.
• Experience working in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems.
• Experience coordinating shipping, courier services, or operational logistics.
• Experience providing customer service to veterinary clients or healthcare customers.
• Familiarity with veterinary diagnostic laboratory operations.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic medical records.
• Experience supporting shipping, logistics, transportation, or specimen management processes.
• Experience working within a veterinary teaching hospital, diagnostic laboratory, medical practice, or healthcare environment.
• Experience with customer-facing service operations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the daily operation of the DLS courier service, including routes, scheduling changes, backup coverage, service issues, usage reports, vehicle needs, and transportation supplies.
• Receive specimens from courier staff and verify specimen integrity, labeling, and documentation.
• Accession laboratory submissions, order tests, route specimens to appropriate laboratory units, and maintain chain-of-custody and tracking records.
• Review courier logs, approve bi-monthly courier hours, and maintain courier records and archived documentation.
• Communicate laboratory and transportation service closures and recommend improvements to specimen transportation and logistics.
• Coordinate DLS-sponsored shipping services and client support; monitor shipment activity, prepare monthly reports, review costs and service thresholds, and collaborate with the business office on charges and reporting.
• Review and process client requests for courier services and shipping resources; assist veterinary clinics with portal navigation and account access.
• Provide customer support about specimen submission requirements, shipping procedures, and available laboratory services, and maintain shipping utilization and client-access records.
• Receive and process specimens for internal and external testing; verify documentation and test requests; accession and track samples in the laboratory information management system.
• Prepare specimens for referral testing, including separation, packaging, labeling, and shipment, and maintain associated records.
• Receive and distribute incoming packages and specimens, collect specimens from designated hospital drop-off areas, and maintain specimen collection and drop-off locations.
• Support quality assurance activities related to specimen handling and documentation and follow biosafety, chemical safety, and laboratory compliance requirements.
• Respond to inquiries about anatomic pathology submissions, procedures, fees, expectations, and service options, including in emotionally sensitive situations.
• Facilitate communication of diagnostic information and reports between laboratory personnel and clients, as appropriate.
• Coordinate clinical student rotation schedules, duty assignments, and on-call schedules.
• Provide administrative and technical support for ordering, modifying, and maintaining laboratory reports and records in hospital information systems.
• Coordinate communication among clients, faculty, residents, laboratory staff, and clinical personnel to support timely diagnostic services.

Benefits

• Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and development and training opportunities.
• The university describes its employee values as focusing on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED