Job ID: 375729
About the Job
The Section Supervisor provides day-to-day operational and technical leadership for the Bacteriology Laboratory, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and high-quality diagnostic services. Reporting to the VDL Faculty Section Head of Bacteriology, this position supervises laboratory staff, coordinates workflow, supports quality and safety programs, and ensures compliance with established laboratory, regulatory, and accreditation standards. The role requires strong technical expertise in bacteriology and related diagnostic disciplines, effective supervisory and communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to balance hands-on laboratory testing with daily operational responsibilities. Through effective staff leadership, technical oversight, and continuous process improvement, the Section Supervisor supports the department's commitment to excellence in diagnostic service, quality, safety, and customer service
Job Responsibilities
25%- Laboratory Operations and Technical Oversight
About the Job
The Section Supervisor provides day-to-day operational and technical leadership for the Bacteriology Laboratory, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and high-quality diagnostic services. Reporting to the VDL Faculty Section Head of Bacteriology, this position supervises laboratory staff, coordinates workflow, supports quality and safety programs, and ensures compliance with established laboratory, regulatory, and accreditation standards. The role requires strong technical expertise in bacteriology and related diagnostic disciplines, effective supervisory and communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to balance hands-on laboratory testing with daily operational responsibilities. Through effective staff leadership, technical oversight, and continuous process improvement, the Section Supervisor supports the department's commitment to excellence in diagnostic service, quality, safety, and customer service
Job Responsibilities
25%- Laboratory Operations and Technical Oversight
- Supervise and coordinate daily bacteriology laboratory operations to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent completion of diagnostic testing.
- Lead quality assurance and quality control activities in accordance with the VDL Quality Manual and System Policies.
- Ensure all procedures are performed according to VDL Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Investigate nonconforming work, conduct root cause analyses and risk assessments, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Oversee preparation for internal and external audits, including responses to findings and implementation of corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and quality system expectations.
- Oversee equipment maintenance, documentation, and environmental monitoring systems (e.g., Oceasoft) to ensure proper operation and compliance.
- Lead and support continuous improvement efforts within the section.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, biosafety, and biosecurity requirements.
- Directly supervise laboratory staff and student employees, including recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance management.
- Assign, prioritize, and monitor work to ensure responsibilities are completed accurately and within established timelines.
- Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to support staff growth and engagement.
- Address performance concerns and implement corrective actions as appropriate.
- Maintain accurate job descriptions, competency records, and training documentation for section personnel.
- Coordinate day-to-day section operations, including workflow, staffing, supplies, equipment, and other operational resources.
- Monitor workload, turnaround times, staffing needs, and resource requirements and communicate operational concerns to the Faculty Section Head and/or Director.
- Assist with budgeting, purchasing, inventory management, and operational planning within established policies and delegated authority.
- Identify and implement operational improvements that enhance efficiency, testing capacity, service quality, and workflow.
- Exercise independent judgement in resolving operational and technical issues within established policies, procedures, and delegated authority.
- Supervise media production activities to ensure the availability of high-quality media for internal testing and external clients.
- Monitor media quality control, inventory, production schedules, and related documentation.
- Ensure media production processes are performed in accordance with established quality, regulatory, and operational requirements.
- Identify and address production or inventory issues that may affect laboratory operations.
- Assist with the development and implementation of new diagnostic tests, services, procedures, equipment and laboratory capabilities.
- Identify opportunities for operational improvement, revenue growth, and expanded laboratory services.
- Participate in cross-functional projects and initiatives that support established VDL and section priorities.
- Apply current scientific literature and technical knowledge to support improvements in diagnostic testing and laboratory operations.
- Maintain professional knowledge, technical expertise, and leadership skills relevant to laboratory operations and management.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Faculty Section Head and/or VDL Director.
- This position is located within the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) and requires on-site leadership and participation in daily laboratory operations.
- The work environment includes administrative, laboratory, and operational settings within a fast paced diagnostic laboratory that supports animal health and disease surveillance activities.
- The Section Supervisor works closely with laboratory staff, faculty, veterinarians, researchers, producers, and external stakeholders while overseeing diagnostic testing and laboratory workflow.
- The position may involve exposure to biological materials, infectious agents, chemicals, and laboratory equipment, requiring adherence to established biosafety, safety, and regulatory protocols.
- This position requires a flexible work schedule to support the continuous operations of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
- Regular work hours are typically Monday through Friday; however, weekend, holiday, and occasional overtime work are required.
- 12 months
- Essential Employee
- This position is NOT eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship
Required Qualifications
- BA/BS degree plus at least five years of related experience
- OR a combination of education and experience totaling at least nine years
- Must have experience in bacteriology and mycology, including bacterial culture, organism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- Experience working in a clinical, veterinary diagnostic, public health, or research laboratory environment.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with laboratory staff, veterinarians, pathologists, and researchers.
- Prior supervisory, lead, or management experience in a laboratory setting.
- Experience developing, optimizing, or standardizing bacteriology workflows and procedures.
- Familiarity with laboratory regulatory compliance standards (e.g., accreditation or inspection processes).
- Experience with automated identification systems and modern bacteriology instrumentation.
- Demonstrated ability to follow laboratory quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), and biosafety standards.
- Experience working in a high-volume diagnostic laboratory or equivalent setting.
University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL)
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.
URL: https://vdl.umn.edu/
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $34.82 - $41.00/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:
- 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
- Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
How To Apply
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 jobcentr@umn.edu.
Diversity
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
Employment Requirements
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.
About University of Minnesota
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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.