Supervisor, Veterinary Microbiologist

Position Highlights

The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (AzVDL), with the University of Arizona, seeks a Veterinary Microbiologist Supervisor. This position provides leadership and oversight for the microbiology section of a veterinary diagnostic laboratory, encompassing, molecular, diagnostics, (PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), virology, serology, bacteriology (including antimicrobial susceptibility testing), and parasitology. This position requires versatility, a broad scientific knowledge base, and a strong interest in solving complex veterinary diagnostic cases. The Microbiologist ensures that testing meets the needs of internal and external clients, including state and federal regulatory agencies, and supports national programs such as the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). The position leads participation in federal surveillance and regulatory initiatives, including the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN) and United States Department of Agriculture antimicrobial resistance (AMR) programs, ensuring compliance, data integrity, and timely reporting requirements. The position includes management of a small, cross-trained team, fostering collaboration, technical development, ad operational excellence. Work in performed in BSL-2/BSL-2+ laboratory environments, with potential BSL-3 training as program needs require. Strict adherence to biosafety, biosecurity, regulatory, and quality management systems is essential.

The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is a part of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona. It is accredited for all species by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians and is a member of the United States Department of Agriculture's National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).

The AZVDL provides accurate and timely diagnostic assistance in animal health to veterinarians, animal owners, university researchers, and state and federal agencies. The submission of specimens through practicing veterinarians is encouraged, but specimens are also accepted from owners.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee a small, cross-trained microbiology team, including task delegation, workflow coordination, mentoring, and professional development. Provide leadership for the laboratory's participation in federal surveillance and regulatory programs, including the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN) and United States Department of Agriculture antimicrobial resistance (AMR) initiatives, ensuring compliance with program requirements, data integrity, and timely reporting. Foster a collaborative, positive laboratory culture and ensure team adherence to laboratory safety, biosafety, quality assurance, and regulatory standards. Coordinate staffing, training, and cross-training to maintain flexibility and operational readiness.
• Review and interpret complex diagnostic cases across PCR, NGS, virology, serology, bacteriology (including antimicrobial susceptibility), and parasitology. Communicate results and provide technical guidance to clients, including state and federal regulatory agencies. Troubleshoot testing issues and ensure timely, accurate reporting of laboratory results.
• Maintain and improve quality management systems, including SOP review, internal audits, proficiency testing, and documentation. Ensure all laboratory procedures and record keeping meet accreditation, regulatory, and biosafety standards. Oversee internal processes to ensure reproducibility, accuracy, and compliance across testing platforms.
• Lead internal assay development, optimization, validation, and implementation to expand laboratory diagnostic capabilities. Introduce new methodologies and technologies to improve laboratory efficiency, accuracy, and scientific rigor. Evaluate and recommend improvements in laboratory workflows, instrumentation, and testing approaches.
• Represent the laboratory professionally at meetings, conferences, and stakeholder engagements, supporting outreach to regulatory agencies, industry partners, ad the veterinary community. Lead and contribute to laboratory research initiatives that enhance diagnostic capabilities and surveillance efforts. Support the education and training of veterinary students in core diagnostic and elective rotations through case discussion, laboratory instruction, and mentorship.