HC Supv 3-Clinical Lab Science (Willlmar, MN)

General Description
This position is responsible for supervising the Molecular and Bacteriology Departments at the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory (MPTL), a branch of the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL) in Willmar, MN. MPTL is AAVLD, NAHLN, and NPIP certified, providing regulatory and diagnostic services for the poultry industry in molecular, serology, and bacteriology testing.

The Molecular and Bacteriology Supervisor will oversee staff in both departments while also performing bench-level testing. This is a working supervisor position, meaning the supervisor will maintain a regular technical workload while adding responsibility for staff training, performance management, workload coordination, and quality oversight.

The Supervisor serves as the primary point of contact for molecular and bacteriology operations and reports directly to the Laboratory Manager. Responsibilities include overseeing section scheduling, staff competency, method validation, instrument maintenance oversight, and compliance with NPIP, AAVLD, and NAHLN standards. This position is considered essential and may require work during University holidays, shutdowns, or high-demand disease events. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional evenings, weekends, or on-call hours as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Bench Work: Molecular/Bacteriology Testing and Test Validation Verification - 35%
* Receive, log, prepare, and route specimens for analysis while maintaining sample identity and integrity.
* Perform total nucleic acid extraction, PCR setup, and analysis for detection of avian pathogens.
* Perform routine bacteriology diagnostic procedures as required.
* Analyze and validate results before reporting through the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
* Develop and execute validation and verification plans for new or updated testing procedures.
* Collect, analyze, and summarize validation data for QA documentation.
* Maintain advanced expertise in molecular assays and serve as a resource for troubleshooting assays and instruments.

Supervision and Staff Development - 25%
* Supervise and mentor staff in the Molecular and Bacteriology Departments.
* Develop training plans, oversee cross-training, and conduct competency assessments.
* Prepare staff for proficiency testing (NAHLN and NPIP).
* Document training and performance progress using Q-Pulse and other systems.
* Complete annual performance evaluations and provide coaching and feedback.

Quality and Regulatory Compliance - 20%
* Ensure section compliance with NPIP, AAVLD, NAHLN, and University QA/QC standards.
* Review and update SOPs annually; initiate and document revisions through Q-Pulse.
* Track quality control data, identify non-conformances, and implement corrective actions.
* Participate in internal and external audits, representing the Molecular and Bacteriology Departments.
* Track and maintain quality control records, including reagent validation and proficiency testing.

Equipment and Reagent Oversight - 10%
* Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot complex diagnostic instruments (e.g., thermocyclers, extraction systems, biosafety cabinets).
* Ensure staff are properly trained in the use of Mesa Labs monitoring systems and other QC tools.
* Oversee reagent preparation, validation, and inventory management.

Communication and Collaboration - 10%
* Serve as liaison between the molecular/bacteriology departments and Laboratory Manager.
* Represent the section in meetings, audits, and collaborative discussions with other laboratory groups.
* Promote collaboration between molecular, bacteriology, and serology staff to ensure balanced workload and efficient laboratory operations.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Minimum Qualifications
* BA/BS in biology or related scientific field plus at least 4 years of laboratory experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to total 8 years.
* Demonstrated expertise in molecular diagnostic techniques (e.g., nucleic acid extraction, PCR, assay troubleshooting).
* Experience with bacteriological methods in a diagnostic or regulatory laboratory.
* Proficiency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Microsoft Office, and quality management systems such as Q-Pulse.
* Experience working under a quality assurance program, including documentation, audits, and corrective actions.
* Strong organizational and communication skills with demonstrated ability to lead, train, and supervise staff.

Preferred Qualifications
* Prior supervisory or lead worker experience in a diagnostic or regulatory laboratory.
* Familiarity with NPIP, AAVLD, and NAHLN regulatory standards.
* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate workloads, and prioritize under deadlines.
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills

The University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is a national leader in providing rapid diagnosis of animal diseases, identifying emerging diseases, developing new diagnostic methods, and training diagnosticians and veterinarians. The VDL serves the interests of the livestock and poultry industry, animal research scientists and educators, and companion animal owners. We provide strong support to the state as the official laboratory of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health as well as supporting the national animal and human health system. The laboratory is a part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and serves as Minnesota's only full-service laboratory for animal health diagnosis.

Pay Range: $32.96/hr- $37.41/hr depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).