Description

Job Description Summary
This position functions as the resident director and leader of TVMDL's Gonzales laboratory. The Resident Director 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. The Resident Director takes appropriate action on executive management decisions related to the Gonzales laboratory. This position proactively ensures the agency directors are equipped with necessary facts, updates and information related to operations at the Gonzales laboratory. The Resident Director serves as a member of the TVMDL Executive Committee, providing input on agency rules, policies and procedures and works cooperatively with other agency leadership, ensuring the four TVMDL laboratory locations function as one unit by promoting communication and interrelationships. This position ensures effective supervision, management and leadership of all Gonzales section staff and operations; leads by example to ensure procedures and protocols are carried out in accordance with agency policies and SOPs; and selects, assigns duties, and directs performance of professional and technical laboratory personnel.

The Resident Director fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards and communications; provide excellent customer service to laboratory clients; and leads and supports continuing efforts to improve laboratory workflows, physical operations and business operations, including growing the client base for the laboratory. The Resident Director is responsible for scientific accuracy, completeness, promptness and generation of laboratory results and ensures workflow coordination as well as appropriate and timely personnel management.

Responsibilities
Administrative Duties

Liaises with regulatory agencies at the local, state and federal levels when appropriate. May interact with industry groups in the pursuit of improved relationships and collaboration. Testifies in legal and administrative proceedings on behalf of the agency, as requested. Interprets industry policies as well as state, national and international law as applicable. In collaboration with the Assistant Agency Director for Finance, manages the Gonzales laboratory budget. Monitors section caseloads, noting changes in workloads. Proactively explores methods to increase revenue and decrease expenses when appropriate. Is responsible for proactively developing and implementing agency policies and procedures. In conjunction with agency leadership, assists with strategic planning efforts for the Gonzales laboratory. Designs and monitors business plans for Gonzales laboratory section(s). Liaises with agency management on all projects, providing timely and relevant updates on progress, challenges, opportunities and needs. Represents the agency on internal or external task forces, committees and work groups as designated by agency management.

Client Communication

Develops and maintains positive working relationships with poultry industry representatives/clients, veterinary practitioners, animal industry associations, and livestock and pet owners. Resolves complex, confidential or sensitive diagnostic case issues with clients, contracting agencies, and other TVMDL customers utilizing the Gonzales laboratory. Assures accurate and prompt specimen receiving, testing and reporting. Provides leadership for case coordination, complaint management and overall client relations for the Gonzales laboratory. Communicates with clients via phone and/or email. Solicits information to better assess the feasibility and need for potential testing. Offers recommendations on sample selection, test selection, collection, shipment, etc. Consults with TVMDL colleagues to provide a complete, holistic approach to case management for all clients when appropriate. If appropriate, may answer clinical questions from clients. Coordinates test agreements with clients as appropriate, recommending pricing structure to agency leadership. Mitigates and responds to client complaints as appropriate.

Supervisory, Evaluation, Employee Support

Is responsible for staff recruitment, hiring, evaluation, counseling, development and termination for Student Assistants, Technicians, Scientists, and Lab Supervisors. Recommends promotions, reclassifications and salary actions for direct reports. Develops justification and ensures the maintenance of documentation for all personnel actions. Provides proactive, collaborative, and effective direct oversight and leadership to direct reports. Ensures employee actions are in compliance with Texas A&M System and TVMDL rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Creates an ethical, non-discriminatory, positive and safe work environment. Proactively identifies and addresses personnel issues, manages conflict and responds to grievances. Investigates and takes action on complaints or performance concerns. Identifies staff development and training needs and ensures training is obtained. Ensures new staff receives necessary orientation training. Monitors and documents safety and quality assurance training as needed. Maintains training records for direct reports. Communicates regular updates and shares agency-wide strategic information with all staff reporting through your chain of command. Serves as an advocate for employee issues with colleagues and agency management. Is responsible for assisting employees in preparation for opportunities for promotion. Determines appropriate and equitable distribution of work assignments to meet advertised turnaround times, quality assurance, safety and overall TVMDL objectives. Ensures employees provide high quality, consistent and positive customer service to laboratory clients and colleagues. Reviews and approves timesheets, leave requests and other personnel requests as appropriate. Sets and/or approves Gonzales laboratory staffing schedules to ensure adequate laboratory staff.

Supervising other Managers

Directly manages and coordinates the efforts of Gonzales laboratory direct reports. Ensures effective and appropriate management and leadership by subordinate supervisors. Provides coaching, training and mentorship to support professional development for subordinate supervisors and the supervisors’ employees. Is responsible for assisting supervisors in preparation for opportunities for promotion.

 Teamwork & Cooperation

Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards and communication. May participate in flex scheduling, including work prior to 8 AM, after 5 PM, on weekends or on holidays. Participates in the TVMDL Management Team, Quality Assurance and EHS Committee, and Testing and Research Advisory Council meetings and disseminates relevant information, as appropriate, to Gonzales laboratory staff.

Training & Mentorship

Is responsible for ensuring appropriate, adequate, timely and routine training amongst Gonzales laboratory staff, to include scientific, technical, managerial and leadership competencies. Is responsible for ensuring all staff are adequately trained in use of the quality assurance program and LIMS software. Is responsible for maintenance of training records for direct reports.

 Quality Assurance & Safety

Supports and maintains a robust Quality Assurance and Safety Program in the laboratory. Ensures adherence and compliance with the TVMDL Quality Assurance Manual and associated quality assurance procedures. Actively participates in quality assurance and safety programs, cross training and skill development as applicable. Provides leadership for corrective/preventative actions and internal reviews. Attends and participates in monthly Quality Assurance and Safety Committee meetings, serving as a representative for the Gonzales laboratory. Promotes agency-wide alignment of SOPs and testing methodology. Communicates relevant meeting proceedings with all appropriate staff after each meeting. Serves as an advocate for quality assurance and safety procedures at TVMDL. Is responsible for ensuring solutions to quality assurance and safety issues, including addressing corrective actions, preventative actions, and audit findings. Proactively identifies processes for improvement and ensures implementation. Leads response efforts related to internal reviews and audits.

SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation

Leads quality assurance and safety efforts and is responsible for ensuring compliance and conformance amongst all staff. Aligns processes, when relevant, across agency sections/disciplines and/or locations. Ensures the timely and accurate review of SOPs, procedures, forms, workflows and other quality assurance documents. Is responsible for ensuring the identification, resolution and implementation of process improvement protocols.

Research, Reference Materials, Development

Maintains awareness of scientific developments in diagnostic veterinary medicine and applies to diagnostic testing as appropriate. Provides leadership support for diagnostic development and agency-wide test alignment. Represents the agency at national, regional and local scientific and industry meetings as appropriate. Engages in strategic review of new business opportunities by literature and market analysis. In collaboration with clients, TVMDL leadership and colleagues, develops partnership for new development and business opportunities. Evaluates experimental and technical approaches for development or improvement of assays to expand testing portfolios. Represents the Gonzales laboratory on the TVMDL Testing and Research Advisory Council.

Sample Prep, Sample Cataloging

Is responsible for timely and accurate sample processing and preparation by Technicians and Scientists.

Testing

Provides oversight for daily diagnostic testing in the section. May serve as a subject matter expert on a discipline(s), technique(s) or diagnostic methodology(ies). May perform or interpret complex assays or techniques for routine and non-routine testing. Works closely with Diagnostic Services, Section Heads and Veterinary Pathologists in the coordination and testing of multiply assigned cases. Serves as a point of contact/subject matter resource for colleagues in TVMDL testing sections or other lab locations.

Data Entry, Interpretation, Results

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 point of contact for multiply assigned cases when appropriate. Reviews results from other sections, clarify conflicting results and provides interpretation as necessary. Releases results to clients in a manner consistent with TVMDL's published turnaround times.

Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment

Is responsible for the fiscal management of Gonzales laboratory expenses. Works closely with Finance staff to adhere to procurement and purchasing procedures. May approve purchases of supplies for the laboratory. Ensures timely maintenance and repairs of equipment, recommend maintenance agreements and vendors for long term viability of equipment.

Other

Works in conjunction with Diagnostic Services and Marketing to actively promote new or modified tests, TVMDL services or other client-education topics by writing and/or editing copy, speaking at conferences or meetings, or participating in TVMDL-sponsored exhibit shows. Assists/hosts/leads programs for veterinary and other students, career fairs, tours, and other lab guests. Travel connected with official duties may be required. This may include attendance at night and/or weekend meetings, participation in out-of-county events. Must have willingness to work necessary hours to fulfill routine job responsibilities (some evenings and weekends).

Requirements

Position Details:

• TVMDL is considered an essential component of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) and remains operational for several “open holidays” in which overtime or compensatory time may be earned.
• All veterinarians employed at TVMDL are required to obtain either a full license or a special license from the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TBVME).
• TVMDL employees are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program administered by the US Department of Education.
• Occasional in-state travel is required. Operates assigned equipment in a safe manner and in adherence to all TAMUS, AgriLife, and TVMDL policies as well as local, state, and federal laws.
   

Performs work with adherence to federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Performs work in such a way as to not expose others or myself to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods.

Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelors in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten years of related experience.
   

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and advanced degree (e.g. M.S., PhD, etc.) in relevant field of study.
• With advanced degree - five or more years of veterinary diagnostic laboratory experience or other relevant veterinary work experience and at least five years of experience directing/supervising personnel.
   

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.
   

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Understanding of basic functions and daily operations of a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures.
   

Required Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:

• Must have a valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
   

Preferred Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:

• Veterinarian license in Texas or eligible for Veterinarian Special License. Specialty board certification (ACVP, ACPV, ACVM, etc.)