Parasitology Laboratory Manager and Quality Technician

Colorado State University•Fort Collins, CO

2d•$57,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time, in-person Administrative Professional position at the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (CSU VDL) in Fort Collins, Colorado. The position serves in two roles: Parasitology Laboratory Manager and Quality Technician. The employee works independently in the Parasitology and Quality sections to support operational and testing excellence, accurate diagnostic testing and reporting, and timely turnaround of client results. The role manages Parasitology section staff, including training, mentoring, scheduling, performance feedback, and resolution of staff or performance issues. It also performs technical quality work, manages Parasitology laboratory quality control, and supports quality-system documentation, equipment calibration and verification, audits, proficiency testing, and investigation and management of quality departures. Diagnostic work includes sample preparation and interpretation and reporting of routine and specialized parasitology assays and other advanced diagnostic assays. The position provides client service, supports compliance with applicable laboratory, university, and regulatory policies, and may travel in and out of state to support branch laboratories, meetings, trainings, outbreak testing, and other laboratory events. It is designated as an essential position and may require on-call, after-hours, weekend, holiday, or emergency work, including hours exceeding 40 per week during disease outbreaks or other important diagnostic efforts. The employee may need to report without delay on some weather-closure days and holidays. The position supervises one full-time Parasitology laboratory professional and may supervise student and non-student hourly employees as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related science field.
At least 1 year of experience performing diagnostic assays or related testing work.
At least 1 year of experience leading a team, managing projects, or related experience.
Must possess or obtain a valid driver’s license by the employment start date and maintain it in good standing during employment.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
Must safely lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Must complete a pre-employment criminal background check.
May be required to receive rabies vaccination upon hire and maintain protective titers, with blood draws scheduled by CSU Occupational Health.
Must be able to work on call and may be required to work after hours, weekends, holidays, and significant hours exceeding 40 per week during emergency or important diagnostic efforts.
Must travel in and out of state as needed.
Work involves handling or exposure to hazardous and/or zoonotic materials.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of experience with veterinary laboratory quality assurance/quality control programs.
Demonstrated advanced knowledge of veterinary-specific parasitology laboratory diagnostic methodologies.

Responsibilities

Work independently and reliably in the Parasitology and Quality sections to ensure operational and testing excellence.
Ensure diagnostic testing is accurate, follows quality and testing procedures, and is updated to reflect diagnostic test advancements.
Ensure client results are accurately reported and turnaround times are met.
Manage Parasitology section staff, including training and mentoring, organizing schedules, providing performance feedback, and addressing staff issues and performance concerns.
Perform quality technical work, including writing and reviewing standard operating procedures, worksheets, and work instructions; calibrating and verifying equipment; interpreting quality standards; documenting and investigating quality-system departures; and performing internal audits.
Manage Parasitology laboratory quality control and support strong performance in audits and proficiency testing.
Ensure quality-system departures are documented and appropriately managed.
Model effective work practices and ensure staff complete testing and other tasks promptly and minimize non-work-related activities.
Provide exceptional client service, minimize operational and testing issues, and appropriately resolve client complaints.
Conduct diagnostic assays, including sample preparation and interpretation and reporting of routine and specialized parasitology assays or other advanced diagnostic assays.
Ensure Parasitology staff comply with VDL, VHS, CVMBS, CSU, state, national, and other applicable policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Provide essential and emergency diagnostic services, including reporting to work during designated closures and holidays, responding to disease outbreaks and important diagnostic projects, and traveling to train or assist other laboratories.
Supervise one full-time Parasitology laboratory professional and student and non-student hourly employees as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.