Section Head - Analytical Chemistry

Job Title

Section Head - Analytical Chemistry

Agency

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Department

Analytical Chemistry

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About TVMDL

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is an integral part of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS). It consists of four lab locations spread across Texas; two full-service laboratories located in Canyon and College Station and two poultry laboratories in Center and Gonzales. TVMDL is the only state agency entirely dedicated to protecting animal and public health through diagnostic testing.

TVMDL is a state-of-the-art veterinary diagnostic laboratory that collects hundreds of data points concerning veterinary diagnostics and population health each day. TVMDL is a state agency under the TAMUS umbrella that serves the veterinary community and is an independent entity from the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Texas A&M System employees are eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs for employees and their family. Other standard benefits include generous retirement plans, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Wellness Program, flexible spending accounts, as well as paid holiday, sick, and vacation leave.

In addition, TVMDL offers its employees opportunities to participate in an educational reimbursement plan; discounted diagnostic testing, veterinary care, and pet supplies; a formal career ladder for advancement; and continuing education opportunities.

TVMDL is considered an essential component of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) and remains operational for a number of “open holidays” in which overtime or compensatory time may be earned. For information on TVMDL’s holiday schedule, visit our website.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa category at this time.

About the Section

This position serves as Section Head of the Analytical Chemistry Section, a fast paced, high-volume laboratory that conducts over 200 diagnostic tests and panels daily on animal samples submitted by veterinarians, animal owners, and agricultural stakeholders. The Analytical Chemistry Section provides toxicology services as well as drug testing for livestock competitions, pre-purchase examinations, therapeutic monitoring, etc. Professionals within the section utilize various testing methodologies including, but not limited to, classic microscopy, GC/MS, ICP/MS, and LC/MS.

Responsibilities

General Description

The Analytical Chemistry Section Head is responsible for daily oversight of the laboratory operations, including budgetary matters, routine testing, test development, client communications, quality assurance, safety, and employee well-being. Responsible for scientific accuracy, completeness, promptness, and generation of the associated laboratory results. Ensures workflow coordination as well as appropriate and timely personnel management. The Section Head implements new technologies and diagnostic capabilities; evaluates, selects, and executes standard and advanced scientific techniques used in an analytical chemistry laboratory; teaches, trains, and mentors personnel as needed; and participates as a productive team member in support of TVMDL objectives. This role requires performance of routine and non-routine tasks of advanced complexity, regularly exercising independent decision making; the ability to troubleshoot routine and complex problems with and/or without supervision; making recommendations to supervisors; and working with minimal or no supervision.

Sample Preparation, Sample Cataloging

Responsible for timely and accurate sample processing and preparation by section staff. Ensures samples are properly accounted for, case data is entered into TVMDL’s laboratory information management system (LIMS), and samples are fit for purpose of test. Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests/client instruction(s).

Testing

Provides scientific oversight for daily diagnostic testing in the section. Serves as the subject matter expert on a discipline(s), technique(s), or diagnostic methodology(ies). Oversees the performance and interpretation of complex assays or techniques for routine and non-routine testing. Works closely with Lead Scientists, Veterinary Services, fellow Section Heads, and Pathologists in the coordination of cases. Serves as a section point of contact and subject matter resource for colleagues in other TVMDL sections or locations. May provide backup to section staff in the event of absences. Successfully completes proficiency tests for any assigned assays.

Method Development, Data Entry, Interpretation, Results

Reads and records observations, results, and measurements into TVMDL's approved worksheets, checklists, and LIMS. Maintains records in a manner so that other personnel can determine the status of a case. Coordinates progress of high consequence cases. Provides analysis and review of unexpected results or results of significance. Provides diagnostic interpretation to clients based on test results and clinical histories. Serves as case coordinator or section point of contact for multi-assigned cases. Ensures daily finalization of cases. Reviews and releases results to clients in a manner consistent with TVMDL's published turnaround times. Maintains precise and accurate records.

Client Communication

Contact clients to clarify basic test requests, verify sources/locations for specimens, and provide expertise for resolution of problematic sample submissions. Provides excellent customer service to laboratory clients. Communicates test results with clients and answers complex questions within competence, or triages complex calls to the appropriate professional staff. Consults with TVMDL colleagues to provide a complete, holistic approach to case management. Participates in meetings with industry representatives to discuss and design research efforts or identifies new assays to benefit TVMDL and its clients. Solicits information to better assess the feasibility and need for potential testing. Offers recommendations on sample selection, test selection, collection, shipment, etc. Coordinates test agreements as appropriate. Mitigates client complaints as appropriate. May be called upon to serve as subject matter expert to support clients in legal depositions or testimony.

Quality Assurance & Safety

Adheres and conforms to quality assurance and safety programs and procedures. Leads by example regarding quality assurance and safety. Responsible for timely and accurate inventory and safe handling of hazardous chemicals. Actively participates in quality assurance and safety programs. Identifies issues of noncompliance and non-conformance. Responsible for ensuring solutions to quality assurance and safety issues, including addressing corrective actions, preventative actions, and audit findings. Implements steps for resolution of errors or process improvements. Serves as the laboratory section’s representative to Quality Assurance and/or Environmental Health & Safety Committees.

SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation

Serves as document manager for SOPs, procedures, forms, workflows, and other quality assurance documents for the section. Responsible for the scientific accuracy and completeness of all quality assurance documents for the section. Writes, reviews and/or edits quality assurance documents for section assays and procedures, ensuring proper formatting, content and compliance with quality assurance requirements. Responsible for the timely identification, resolution, and implementation of process improvement protocols. Identifies the need to edit or update SOPs, procedures, forms, and other documents related to the work in the section. Prepares reports for special assignments.

Research, Reference Materials, Test