Laboratory Section Manager

University of Georgia

retirement plan

United States, Georgia, Athens

Jan 07, 2025

Posting Details

Posting Number	S13071P
Working Title	Laboratory Section Manager
Department	VetMed-Athens Diagnostic Lab
About the University of Georgia	Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.
About the College/Unit/Department	The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health. The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community http://vet.uga.edu/principles-of-community/
College/Unit/Department website	Vet.uga.edu/dlab
Posting Type	External
Retirement Plan	TRS or ORP
Employment Type	Employee
Benefits Eligibility	Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time	Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information	Monday - Friday 8a - 5p, additional evenings, weekends, or holidays may be required occassionally.
Advertised Salary	Commensurate with experience
Posting Date	01/06/2025
Open until filled	Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date	01/27/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Location of Vacancy	Athens Area
EEO Policy Statement	The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement	The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Information

Classification Title	Laboratory Professional AD
FLSA	Exempt
FTE	1.00
Minimum Qualifications	Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications
Position Summary	This position is responsible for managing the Serology/Virology section of the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Responsibilities include: performing a wide variety of laboratory techniques to detect viruses, some bacteria, and prions from a wide variety of animal specimens and to detect antibodies against viruses, bacteria, and fungi in animal serum samples. The position will also be responsible for staff supervision, quality management, and laboratory and equipment maintenance in the Serology/Virology section.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies	Knowledge and experience with a wide variety of virology, immunology, and microbiological techniques. Knowledge of sterile techniques, including the preparation and maintenance of cell cultures. Knowledge and skills in microtitration techniques, dilutions and micropipetting. Ability to accurately observe/interpret test results and communicate them to veterinarians. Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment on test procedures and interpretation of results. Ability to plan/prioritize tasks and function in a sequential and logical manner. Ability to troubleshoot test and equipment failures. In-depth experience with Microsoft Office, Acrobat as well as general use of computer software packages. Ability to manage personnel and workflow, maintain equipment and facilities. Ability to supervise and train other technicians on laboratory techniques. Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing, including the ability to prepare reports and write standard operating procedures.
Physical Demands	Manual dexterity; Lift up to 50 Lb.
Is driving a responsibility of this position?	No
Is this a Position of Trust?	Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?	No
Does this position require a P-Card?	No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?	No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?	No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)	Yes
Credit and P-Card policy	Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy	Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Diagnostic testing and reporting: Perform a variety of diagnostic tests for the detection of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and prions from animal tissues. Work content will include: receiving/recording of samples; preparing samples for testing; culturing various cell lines for virus isolation and serum neutralization tests; performing a wide variety of diagnostic tests including but not limited to: ELISA, direct & indirect immunofluorescence, PCR, serum neutralization, latex agglutination, and agar gel immunodiffusion. Interpret results of diagnostic assays conducted by laboratory technicians in the Virology/Serology Section and communicate the results to submitting veterinarians. Provide consultation to clients on test procedures and interpretation of test results.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Quality assurance/quality control in the Virology/Serology section: Responsible for all aspects of quality assurance and quality control, including (but not limited to): writing new standard operating procedures; periodically revising existing SOPs; assuring measurement traceability by acquiring appropriate test controls and monitoring/charting the performance of such controls; performing root cause analysis of non-conforming tests; assuring the calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment; assisting section head in writing reports for accreditation auditors; assisting the Quality Manager in implementing requirements essential for the lab to maintain its accreditation status.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Personnel and laboratory management: Serve as immediate supervisor of all technicians in the Serology/Virology section. Implement proper cross-training and flexibility of scheduling to assure that technicians are able to handle unexpected surges in any given test. Conduct annual performance evaluation of technicians. Oversee the daily workflow of the Serology/Virology Section, including: BSE (mad cow disease), marine mammal, and routine veterinary testing. Assure that all requested tests are setup promptly and results reported to submitting veterinarians in a timely manner. Responsible for ordering laboratory supplies and maintaining reagent stocks; general laboratory upkeep and cleaning.

Percentage of time