HC Supv -Clinical Lab Science; Willlmar, MN

Job Details

• Job
• Location:
  
  All Other
  -See Job Description
• Job Family:
  Health Care
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Regular
• Job Code: 7303CL
• Employee Class:
  Civil Service

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.

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…