Position Summary
The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL), a service unit in the College of Veterinary Medicine, is a premier, full-service, fully accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory for all species. Serving livestock, poultry, horses, and wildlife as well a s companion, exotic, aquatic and zoo animals, the MSU VDL is equipped to assist with the care of animals throughout every stage of their life cycle. Our comprehensive test offerings give clients easy access to routine and specialty diagnostics. The VDL performs more than one million tests per year on samples submitted from across the state of Michigan, the United States, and more than 25 countries. It has outstanding veterinary medical professionals and facilities and is world-renowned for expertise in endocrinology and cancer diagnostics.
This state- of-the-art facility is a critical first line of defense in safeguarding domestic animals and wildlife from deadly diseases including foreign animal diseases, in alerting public health officials to the presence of diseases transmissible from animals to humans and partnering with state and federal agencies to monitor and prepare to respond if needed to threats that may impact animal or human health.
The endocrinology section performs over a half million tests per year, and is responsible for providing rapid, accurate results to veterinarians and researchers. The quality of the results and consultation from our experienced endocrinologists has made the MSU VDL a world leader in endocrinology. The endocrinology section offers the most complete thyroid function panels in the industry and performs a variety of assays for assessment of thyroid, adrenal, parathyroid, reproductive, pancreatic, pituitary, an d gastric function in multiple species.
Position Description: The endocrinology section at the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL) is seeking a laboratory manager to oversee and manage the daily workflow of the endocrinology laboratory. This position is responsible for supervising the work of the laboratory technologists including performing assays and reporting results to clients; managing and reporting proficiency testing; maintaining standing purchase orders, service contracts, and placing and managing laboratory supply ordering; supervising the quality control program in the laboratory and maintaining training notebooks for laboratorians; managing EHS and QA/QC requirements for the laboratory; troubleshooting assay and/or equipment issues; consulting with clients and other VDL staff; filling in for absent staff when needed; and working with professional staff on projects and/or laboratory issues. This position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills and knowledge of laboratory information management systems.
65% - Manage the daily workflow of the endocrinology laboratory. Supervise the quality control program, maintain training notebooks for all staff, manage EHS and QA/QC requirements including proficiency in Q Pulse; distribute workload and adjust schedules to meet changing workload demands; resolve technical and administrative problems within the laboratory to maintain effective working relationships; encourage employee development and conduct regular staff meetings; supervise support staff to ensure quality and quantity of the work produced; apply scientific knowledge and understanding to the advancement of the laboratory mission and understand the underlying principles of tests performed; develop and maintain policies and procedures (SOPs) to implement a quality system and to assure continued certification and proficiency of the laboratory, adhere to safety and health programs, and adhere to other policies of the VDL.
10% - Maintain standing purchase orders, service contracts and ordering of supp lies; formulate goals, compile cost data, analyze fiscal needs, evaluate work trends, review regulations, and maintain a material management system in order to prepare and adhere to a budget.
10% - Interact with veterinarians, veterinary technicians / nurses, other VDL laboratory sections, and reference laboratories on sample quality, diagnostic findings, schedules, and availability of procedures and tests; provide information that assists the client in their interpretation of test results.
10% - Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot instruments and equipment. Perform automated assays and radioimmunoassays on animal samples (serum, plasma, urine) for diagnostic purposes.
5% - Other related duties as required and assigned.
The College' s vision is to be the destination for teaching, innovation, care, and service. Six goals, backed by specific strategies, guide our organization as we move forward. Read more at https ://cvm.msu.edu/about/strategic-planning-2021-26/goals to learn about the MSU College of Veterinary Medicines goals, strategies and progress.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing four-year college degree in biological or clinical laboratory sciences or medical technology; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in high volume diagnostics, knowledge of research methodology, developing and implementing procedures and programs, supervision of laboratory staff, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position is detail oriented, organized, and has great problem-solving skills; able to multitask and prioritize while seeing tasks and projects through to completion. The successful candidate is team oriented, collaborative by nature, customer service focused, and able to remain calm, cool, and collected under pressure while also maintaining a positive attitude and professional demeanor; experience with word processing and spreadsheet software; experience running automated analyzers as well as use of manual pipetting. Certification as a Medical Technologist is preferred.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume, cover letter, 3 professional references
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Website
HTTPS://CVM.MSU.EDU/VDL
Bidding eligibility ends September 30, 2025 at 11:55 P.M.
