Microbiologist Supervisor #00064

DHRM • Harrisonburg, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is hiring a Microbiologist Supervisor for the Harrisonburg Regional Animal Health Laboratory. The laboratory conducts an average of 15,000 tests monthly and has supported responses to animal disease outbreaks. The supervisor oversees four laboratory sections and seven direct reports, while also performing diagnostic testing and assisting with laboratory procedures as needed. The role coordinates workflow and coverage across testing disciplines, serves as the technical testing specialist and site quality coordinator, and ensures adherence to internal and external quality standards. It also oversees daily testing procedures, supply and equipment management, and validation of new testing procedures. The position calls for collaborative work in a fast-paced, often high-pressure environment, with the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and provide respectful, timely feedback and correction when managing repolls.

Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of basic principles, information sources, and laboratory applications in bacteriology, parasitology, hematology, dairy microbiology, molecular testing, and serology as they relate to diagnostic and regulatory testing.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety hazards and quality control measures.
• Knowledge of test validation and comparison procedures.
• Experience supervising staff and managing laboratory workflow.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, co-workers, clients, and management in a team environment.
• Exceptional oral and written communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to evaluate testing procedures, develop logical conclusions, establish quality control, and diagnose and correct problems.
• Computer proficiency, including basic software and laboratory information management systems, and skill in using and maintaining laboratory equipment.
• Excellent visual and manual abilities, and ability to lift and manipulate heavy objects and work safely in a laboratory.
• High school diploma or GED required.

Nice To Haves

• A combination of related education, training, and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, including knowledge of medical technology, chemistry, biological science, or a related subject.
• Advanced knowledge in microbiology, biology, or a closely related scientific field.
• Familiarity with ISO 17025 quality standards.
• Experience in clinical microbiology and/or molecular diagnostics and work within laboratory quality control systems.
• Supervisory experience in a veterinary diagnostic or human clinical diagnostic laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff performing laboratory testing.
• Perform laboratory diagnostics and assist with laboratory procedures as needed.
• Coordinate workflow and coverage of testing disciplines and serve as the technical testing specialist.
• Serve as site quality coordinator and ensure adherence to internal and external quality standards.
• Oversee daily laboratory testing procedures.
• Order and maintain laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Oversee validation of new testing procedures.
• Prioritize projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Manage repolls respectfully and professionally, providing timely feedback and correction.

What This Job Offers

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