Section Head - Analytical Chemistry

Job Title

Section Head - Analytical Chemistry

Agency

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Department

Analytical Chemistry

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Job Description Summary

This position serves as Section Head of the Analytical Chemistry Section, a fast paced, high-volume laboratory that conducts over 200 diagnostic tests and panels daily on animal samples submitted by veterinarians, animal owners, and agricultural stakeholders. The Analytical Chemistry Section provides toxicology services as well as drug testing for livestock competitions, pre-purchase examinations, therapeutic monitoring, etc. Professionals within the section utilize various testing methodologies including, but not limited to, classic microscopy, GC/MS, ICP/MS, and LC/MS.

Responsibilities

General Description

The Analytical Chemistry Section Head 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. Responsible for scientific accuracy, completeness, promptness, and generation of the associated laboratory results. Ensures workflow coordination as well as appropriate and timely personnel management. The Section Head implements new technologies and diagnostic capabilities; evaluates, selects, and executes standard and advanced scientific techniques used in an analytical chemistry laboratory; teaches, trains, and mentors personnel as needed; and participates as a productive team member in support of TVMDL objectives. This role requires performance of routine and non-routine tasks of advanced complexity, regularly exercising independent decision making; the ability to troubleshoot routine and complex problems with and/or without supervision; making recommendations to supervisors; and working with minimal or no supervision.

Sample Preparation, Sample Cataloging

Responsible for timely and accurate sample processing and preparation by section staff. Ensures samples are properly accounted for, case data is entered into TVMDL’s laboratory information management system (LIMS), and samples are fit for purpose of test. Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests/client instruction(s).

Testing

Provides scientific oversight for daily diagnostic testing in the section. Serves as the subject matter expert on a discipline(s), technique(s), or diagnostic methodology(ies). Oversees the performance and interpretation of complex assays or techniques for routine and non-routine testing. Works closely with Lead Scientists, Veterinary Services, fellow Section Heads, and Pathologists in the coordination of cases. Serves as a section point of contact and subject matter resource for colleagues in other TVMDL sections or locations. May provide backup to section staff in the event of absences. Successfully completes proficiency tests for any assigned assays.

Method Development, Data Entry, Interpretation, Results

Reads and records observations, results, and measurements into TVMDL's approved worksheets, checklists, and LIMS. Maintains records in a manner so that other personnel can determine the status of a case. 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 section point of contact for multi-assigned cases. Ensures daily finalization of cases. Reviews and releases results to clients in a manner consistent with TVMDL's published turnaround times. Maintains precise and accurate records.

Client Communication

Contact clients to clarify basic test requests, verify sources/locations for specimens, and provide expertise for resolution of problematic sample submissions. Provides excellent customer service to laboratory clients. Communicates test results with clients and answers complex questions within competence, or triages complex calls to the appropriate professional staff. Consults with TVMDL colleagues to provide a complete, holistic approach to case management. Participates in meetings with industry representatives to discuss and design research efforts or identifies new assays to benefit TVMDL and its clients. Solicits information to better assess the feasibility and need for potential testing. Offers recommendations on sample selection, test selection, collection, shipment, etc. Coordinates test agreements as appropriate. Mitigates client complaints as appropriate. May be called upon to serve as subject matter expert to support clients in legal depositions or testimony.

Quality Assurance & Safety

Adheres and conforms to quality assurance and safety programs and procedures. Leads by example regarding quality assurance and safety. Responsible for timely and accurate inventory and safe handling of hazardous chemicals. Actively participates in quality assurance and safety programs. Identifies issues of noncompliance and non-conformance. Responsible for ensuring solutions to quality assurance and safety issues, including addressing corrective actions, preventative actions, and audit findings. Implements steps for resolution of errors or process improvements. Serves as the laboratory section’s representative to Quality Assurance and/or Environmental Health & Safety Committees.

SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation

Serves as document manager for SOPs, procedures, forms, workflows, and other quality assurance documents for the section. Responsible for the scientific accuracy and completeness of all quality assurance documents for the section. Writes, reviews and/or edits quality assurance documents for section assays and procedures, ensuring proper formatting, content and compliance with quality assurance requirements. Responsible for the timely identification, resolution, and implementation of process improvement protocols. Identifies the need to edit or update SOPs, procedures, forms, and other documents related to the work in the section. Prepares reports for special assignments.

Research, Reference Materials, Test Development

Engages in strategic review of new business opportunities which may include literature and market analysis. In collaboration with clients, Lead Scientists, TVMDL leadership and fellow Section Heads, develops partnership for new development and business opportunities. Evaluates experimental and technical approaches for development or improvement of assays to expand the section's testing portfolio. May represent the section on the Test and Research Advisory Council. Leads and/or implements new assay development and validation, including test development, instrument configuration, documentation of protocols, and modifications to existing processes. May apply for external grant funding. May perform data collection and data analysis, as well as draft manuscripts for publication. May write journal articles and present scientific sessions documenting research discoveries. Periodically reviews current scientific literature and/or attends scientific and professional meetings to maintain awareness of developments in toxicology, pharmacology, analytical chemistry, animal competitions, and to promote efficient use of TVMDL services by practitioners and producers.

Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment

Responsible for the fiscal management of section expenses. Works closely with Finance staff to adhere to procurement and purchasing procedures. Approves purchases of supplies for the section. Ensures timely maintenance and repair of equipment, recommends maintenance agreements and vendors for long term viability of equipment.

Administrative Roles

Liaises with regulatory agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Interacts 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. Establishes and manages the section budget. Monitors the section caseload, noting changes in workload. Proactively explores methods to increase revenue and decrease expenses when appropriate. Responsible for proactively developing and implementing section policies and procedures. Leads strategic planning efforts for the section. Liaises with agency management on all projects, providing timely and relevant updates on progress, challenges, opportunities, and needs. Represents the section and/or agency on internal or external task forces, committees and work groups as designated by agency management. Assists or leads the monitoring and record keeping for legal cases. Adheres to agency, state, and federal requirements for records retention, data integrity, and confidentiality.

Training and Mentorship

Responsible for ensuring appropriate, adequate, timely, and routine training amongst section staff, to include scientific, technical, managerial, and leadership competencies. Responsible for ensuring proficiency testing of all employees within the section. Responsible for maintaining training records for direct reports. Creates and administers testing and training in the quality management software program. Responsible for ensuring all staff are adequately trained in use of the quality assurance program and LIMS software. Identifies further training needs and ensures training is completed in a timely manner.

Teamwork & Cooperation

Promotes a collaborative, respectful, and professional laboratory culture that supports high-quality diagnostic outcomes. Participates in cross-training and knowledge sharing across analytical chemistry and related laboratory sections to enhance operational resilience. Provides scientific and operational support to colleagues during periods of increased workload, complex case demands, or staff absences, contributing to timely case turnaround and consistent service delivery. Participates in TVMDL Information, Problems, and Solutions (TIPS) monthly meetings and disseminates relevant information to section staff. Participates in industry recognized meetings and affiliations to gain knowledge within the relevant scientific disciplines and industries.

Supervisory, Evaluation, Employee Support

Responsible for staff recruitment, hiring, evaluation, counseling, development, and termination for technicians, chemists, and other section staff. Recommends promotions, reclassifications, and salary actions as appropriate. Develops justification and maintains documentation for all personnel actions. Provides proactive, collaborative, and effective direct oversight and leadership to staff. 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 complaints or performance concerns and implements solutions.

Identifies staff development and training needs and ensures training is obtained. Ensures new staff receive orientation training. Monitors and documents safety and quality assurance training as needed. Communicates regular updates and shares agency-wide strategic information with all staff reporting through chain of command. Serves as an advocate for employee issues with colleagues and agency management. Responsible for assisting employees in preparation 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 time sheets, leave requests, and other personnel requests. Sets and approves staffing schedules to ensure adequate laboratory staff.

Supervising Other Managers

Directly manages and coordinates the efforts of the other managers in the section. Ensures effective and appropriate management and leadership by subordinate supervisors. Provides coaching, training, and mentorship to support professional development for subordinate supervisors and the supervisor's employees. Responsible for assisting supervisors in preparation for promotion.

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 4-H students, career fairs, student tours and other lab guests.

Work shall be performed 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 the employee to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods.

Laboratory environment with routine exposure to chemicals, biological materials, and instrumentation. Ability to stand, lift up to 25–40 lbs, and perform laboratory bench work for extended periods. Occasional travel for trai