Microbiology Supervisor

Zoetis Reference Laboratories (ZRL) is seeking an experienced veterinary Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor for its Louisville, KY location. This laboratory offers a high-volume testing service for customers throughout the United States. Applicants should have strong experience in veterinary clinical microbiology and laboratory leadership for this position. The ideal candidate will have a passion for clinical microbiology and be a focused, driven, and dynamic technical leader. The candidate should be familiar with the day-to-day operations of a busy veterinary microbiology laboratory and have the skills and ability to train, develop, and lead laboratory technicians and assistants. The Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor will report to the General Laboratory Manager and work collaboratively with their team leads and other Laboratory Supervisors (locally and nationally), as well as the Medical and Quality Teams, including the medical Head of Microbiology. This position will also encompass operational support of the Parasitology department with strong support from the medical Head of Parasitology, a board-certified veterinary parasitologist. This is a working supervisor position, and we expect our Laboratory Supervisors to have a daily presence in the lab and be prepared to assist team members at the bench.

The Laboratory Supervisor will provide leadership oversight to Microbiology and Parasitology Technicians and Assistants, with support from the General Laboratory Manager. The Laboratory Supervisor ensures excellence in all aspects of the Microbiology Laboratory operations, including conducting competency assessments, maintaining compliance with all Operational, Medical, and Quality assurance/control processes, and managing lab staffing and productivity levels. The Laboratory Supervisor is not directly responsible for budgetary goals but will work with the General Laboratory Manager to meet established goals. Zoetis prides itself on a culture of continuous process improvement, including efficiency and colleague education at the bench, which the Laboratory Supervisor will be integral in leading. The Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor will also be responsible for adherence to state and federal rules and regulations, ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and Local agencies.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct operational management of three team leads (two in Microbiology, one in Parasitology), with cascading management of X-number of microbiology and parasitology technicians and assistants. This part of the role includes managing hiring, performance evaluations, scheduling, and ensuring the training of reporting colleagues.
• Uphold turn-around times of specimen samples by effectively managing colleagues and resources while maintaining the highest quality standards. There is a commitment to continuous process improvements within our organization while maintaining medical best practices.
• Sustain a close and effective relationship with good communication with the Medical and Quality Teams. Our laboratory processes are developed in high collaboration with these groups and implemented by the operational team. This joint effort ensures best medical and quality practices are employed while being effectively operationalized.
• Consult with the Medical Team (Head of Microbiology, Head of Parasitology) as needed for case work-up and management of challenging cases as well as troubleshooting unique diagnostic challenges. (The Head of Parasitology will work closely with the Parasitology Team Lead to help ensure diagnostic excellence in this department.) A positive relationship with the Medical Team is paramount to the Microbiology Department's success.
• Ensures appropriate storage of specimens and reagents; facility, instrumentation, and equipment is fully maintained and in good working order; and takes ownership of inventory and maintenance of laboratory supplies.
• Provide clear communication and guidance to the team about expectations and performance. Leads effectively in a complex, fast-paced environment, with an emphasis on mentoring colleagues on the development of technical skills. Additionally, effective communication with cross-functional teams (Technical and Business Operations, Environment Health & Safety, Medical and Quality) and attendance at all relevant meetings is required.
• Develop policies, procedures, and productivity standards in conjunction with the General Laboratory Manager and Medical and Quality leadership. These will be directly enforced by the Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor.
• Bench work is required for this position to understand the workflows and processes required and to analyze clinical specimens, interpret culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test results, and produce data and reports that are clinically relevant to veterinarians. This includes ultimate responsibility for reporting results released to customers. The ratio of bench work to administrative office time may vary with need and will be defined in collaboration with the General Laboratory Manager.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work hours on a computer and tolerate computer screens, including video conferencing.
• Able to physically tolerate microscope work, including the ability to extend arms/hands and perform rotating movement, and prolonged sitting.
• Ability to effectively conduct phone calls and communicate in person.
• Occasional required movements may include bending, kneeling, or crouching.
• May be required to lift, move, and carry up to 50 lbs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong diagnostic skills in Veterinary Clinical Microbiology
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with proven skills as an effective and collaborative team player and cross-functional leader
• Strong analytic and problem-solving abilities
• Strong organizational skills
• Able to prioritize and work efficiently while subscribing to the highest quality standards.
• Flexibility to changing methods and technologies.
• Professional presence
• Ability to motivate and empower team members and colleagues.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• BA/BS in applicable area of study required (proof of education required upon hire)
• 2+ years active clinical microbiology bench experience required.
• BS Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist strongly preferred.
• A.A.S. Medical Laboratory Technician is strongly preferred.
• A.A.S. Veterinary Technology, preferred.
• License or Certificate: MLT ASCP/AMT, MT/CLS ASCP/AMT, RVT/CVT

Full timeRegularColleague

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