Senior Veterinary Research Specialist - Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

About The Position

The Senior Veterinary Research Specialist supervises technicians responsible for veterinary diagnostic microbiology operations within the University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Under the leadership of the faculty section head and Associate Laboratory Director, this position provides personnel leadership and oversight, supports a collaborative and coordinated team environment, and ensures laboratory activities are performed efficiently while maintaining rigorous quality and diagnostic standards. The role includes laboratory administration and staffing, inventory and equipment planning, benchwork in diagnostic microbiology, and quality assurance. It also serves as a principal contact for the Microbiology section and represents the section on laboratory committees. The position is a 100% full-time Academic Professional appointment on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after October 30, 2026.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Clinical Microbiology or a related field.
At least four years of work experience in microbiology.
Training in microbiology, virology, biochemistry, or a related life sciences field.
UIUC Division of Research Safety or equivalent training in general laboratory safety.
Safe Handling of Human Materials training.
Shipping Infectious Substances training.
Chemical Safety Training.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science degree in Veterinary Clinical Microbiology or a related field.

Responsibilities

Supervise technicians performing veterinary diagnostic microbiology work under the leadership of the faculty section head and Associate Laboratory Director.
Ensure appropriate laboratory staffing and assign staff according to laboratory needs.
Maintain inventory and order media, supplies, reagents, and other items for the VDL Microbiology and Food Safety sections.
Manage maintenance contracts for the VDL Microbiology section.
Represent the Microbiology section on the VDL computer committee and the VDL QA/QC committee.
Serve as the section’s principal contact, handling most calls from case coordinators, receiving, office staff, clients, residents, and students regarding clinical cases.
Oversee equipment data and software management, and enter and retrieve computerized data using Excel, PowerPoint, and Photo-Adobe Workshop.
Monitor metrics for the laboratory section and associated tests.
Monitor and plan equipment needs and replacements in collaboration with VDL Administration.
Approve time-off requests and payroll submissions.
Prepare samples and inoculate media.
Evaluate aerobic and anaerobic culture plates, isolate pathogens, and perform bacterial identification and susceptibility testing.
Provide backup for the Leptospira MAT test.
Draft and update standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Maintain assets within the quality system and oversee quality assurance and quality control of media, identification systems, and antimicrobial susceptibility panels.
Maintain quality assurance and quality control records for AAVLD accreditation.
Manage laboratory Q-Pulse records and assist staff with Q-Pulse, Core One For Labs, and other IT issues.
Ensure training documentation for all Microbiology personnel is completed in the quality system.
Manage reporting and processing of quality assurance variances and non-conformances with staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.