Section Head - Molecular Diagnostics

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical and Diagnostic Laboratory • College Station, TX

211d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Section Head, under direction, is responsible for daily oversight of the laboratory operations in the Molecular Diagnostics testing section, including budgetary matters, routine and regulatory testing, test development, client communications, quality assurance, safety, and employee well-being. Also responsible for scientific accuracy, completeness, promptness, and generation of associated laboratory results and ensures workflow coordination as well as appropriate and timely personnel management.

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Master's/Ph.D. in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years of related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of section-specific discipline.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and safety programs in a laboratory.
• Able to perform assigned assays with no technical supervision and considerable independent decision making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong managerial skills.
• Strong leadership ability.
• Ensures attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Nice To Haves

• Seven or more years of experience in molecular testing, specifically PCR, of microbes.
• Experience creating, validating, and using molecular assays for the detection and/or characterization of bacterial, viral, fungal, and/or parasitic organisms.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, primer/probe design, genome assembly workflows.
• Prior professional experience as a manager, preferably within a diagnostic laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine testing in the Molecular Diagnostics section when needed.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in the scientific discipline as appropriate.
• Ensures timely and accurate implementation of new or modified SOPs.
• Ensures consistency between TVMDL locations.
• Develops and validates diagnostic assays, generates and maintains related verification/validation records, and creates associated procedures.
• Implements new technologies and diagnostic capabilities.
• Evaluates, selects, and executes standard and advanced scientific techniques used in the Molecular Diagnostics laboratory.
• Teaches/trains/mentors personnel as needed.
• Participates as a productive team member in support of TVMDL objectives wherever feasible.
• Performs additional related duties as required or assigned by supervisor.
• Responsible for organizing timely and accurate sample processing and preparation by section staff.
• Provides scientific oversight for daily diagnostic testing in the section.
• Reads and records observations, results, and measurements into TVMDL's approved worksheets, checklists, and into the LIMS.
• Provides excellent customer service to laboratory clients.
• Adheres and conforms to quality assurance and safety programs and procedures in the laboratory.
• Serves as document manager for SOPs, procedures, forms, workflows, and other quality assurance documents.
• Engages in strategic review of new business opportunities which may include literature and market analysis.
• Responsible for the fiscal management of section expenses.
• May serve as liaison with regulatory agencies at the local, state, and federal levels when appropriate.
• Responsible for ensuring appropriate, adequate, timely and routine training amongst section staff.
• Responsible for staff recruitment, hiring, supervision, evaluation, counseling, development and termination for Student Assistants, Technicians, Lab Supervisors, and Scientists.
• Directly manages and coordinates the efforts of other supervisors in the section.
• Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards, and communication.

Benefits

• Eligible for a partially remote work arrangement for up to 16 hours per week.
• Parking permits available from TAMU at the expense of the employee.
• Considered an essential component of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) and remains operational for several 'open holidays'.
• Requires a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; TVMDL will cover all costs.
• Eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program administered by the US Department of Education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree