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Job Title

Lead Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Department

College Station - Clinical Pathology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Job Description Summary

This position serves as a Lead Scientist in Endocrinology for the Clinical Pathology Section, a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory that conducts hundreds of diagnostic tests and panels daily. The College Station Clinical Pathology section at TVMDL has a robust endocrinology section offering various testing modalities, ongoing test development, research consultations, and clinical interpretations. The Clinical Pathology section also offers Complete Blood Counts (CBCs), biochemical analysis, cytology, urinalysis, parasitology testing, etc.

Responsibilities

General Description

Provides support for diagnostic testing within the clinical pathology section with a strong focus on endocrinology. Ensures scientific accuracy, completeness, and promptness of testing and the generation and distribution of laboratory results. Serves as the subject matter expert for endocrinology cases. Leads efforts to develop, improve, and validate current and new diagnostic assays. Proactively identifies and implements new technologies and diagnostic capabilities.

Sample Preparation, Sample Cataloging

Oversees sample processing and preparation performed by Technicians, providing training and correction when necessary. Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests/client instructions. Ensures appropriate test ordering in TVMDL’s laboratory information management system (LIMS) and ensures samples are fit for purpose of test. Responsible for samples collected/cataloged for assay research and validation.

Testing

Supports Technicians in the laboratory to allow for efficient completion of testing. Interprets quality control charts and trends, as needed. Troubleshoots complex assay or instrument problems by recognizing sources of possible errors and implementing steps for resolution of errors or process improvements. Assists clinical pathologists and anatomic pathologists with difficult and/or relevant cases. May work closely with Diagnostic Services and Section Heads throughout TVMDL in the coordination and testing of multiply assigned cases. Serves as a section point of contact/subject matter resource for colleagues in other TVMDL sections or locations. Performs all work in accordance with validated test methods, SOPs, procedures, employee training and proficiency, and equipment standards, as applicable.

Data Entry, Interpretation, Results

Reviews and releases accurate results for tests performed by technicians. Interprets results that require complex subjective evaluation. Reviews and adjusts observations, results, and measurements by Technicians when scientifically appropriate. Leads efforts to identify, investigate, and resolve unexpected results. May create new interpretive comments in Laboratory Information System (LIMS). May participate in end-of-day worklist review rotation.

Client Communication

Communicates with clients via telephone, email, and in person to gather clinical history, clarify requests, discuss and interpret results, make recommendations, and address other issues related to case management. Solicits information to better assess the feasibility and need for potential testing. Resolves complex, confidential, or sensitive case issues with clients, contracting agencies, and other customers. May speak at industry conferences.

Quality Assurance & Safety

Adheres and conforms to quality assurance and safety programs and procedures. Assists in identifying incidents of non-conformance and noncompliance. Actively participates in quality assurance and safety programs. Reviews quality assurance documents (Standard Operating Procedures, forms, etc.) to ensure clarity of instructions and performs trainings and testing within a timely manner. Responsible for safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals when relevant. Assists with CAPA documentation.

SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation

Reads, interprets, and performs all tests in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs). Reviews and recommends changes or improvements to section SOPS, procedures, forms or other documentation related to section protocols. Serves as the subject matter expert on applicable procedures conducted by the section.

Research, Reference Materials, Test Development

Responsible for continuing education and advancement of the section. When possible, writes interpretive comments, composes journal articles, presents scientific sessions, aids in test development, and participates in TVMDL case rounds and Clinical Pathology lunch and learns. Responsible for development and validation of new assays or changes to existing assays, including test development, instrument configuration, and documentation of assay protocols. Proactively seeks opportunities to develop new diagnostic capabilities and presents R&D recommendations to management.

Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment

Recognizes and informs management when supply inventory is low, inadequate, or expired in a timely manner. May oversee calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment. Works with vendors and contractors to ensure timely service. May maintain records for radioactive materials and communication with regulatory agencies.

Administrative Roles

Files and scans relevant paperwork into internal document management system as needed (including, but not limited to: worksheets, forms, accession forms, regulatory forms, quality assurance and safety documentation, equipment maintenance forms, and logbooks). Abides by agency and state records retention and confidentiality requirements.

Training and Mentorship

Develops training tools/programs and trains fellow Scientists and section Technicians in new methods, quality assurance, safety or equipment methods. Miscellaneous assignments including mentoring pathology residents and veterinary students as needed. Maintains high levels of communication with Section leadership on training and mentorship progression.

Supervisory, Evaluation, Employee Support

Assists Lab Supervisor and/or Section Head in oversight of technical staff performing routine testing.

Teamwork & Cooperation

Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards and communication. This is a 9am-6pm position. May participate in flex scheduling, including work prior to 8 AM, after 5 PM, on weekends or on holidays. Provides support to technicians in case of absences or high case load. Works with colleagues in other testing sections and laboratories to coordinate testing for shared samples. Other job-related duties as assigned .

Other

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 self to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods.

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.

Additional Position Details

+ This position requires a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; TVMDL will cover all costs.

+ This position may participate in flex scheduling by working M-F, 9am to 6pm.

+ This position may be eligible for the alternative work location (AWL) program for a maximum of 16 hours per week.

+ TVMDL is located on the campus of Texas A&M University (TAMU). Parking permits are available from TAMU at the expense of the employee.

+ 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.

Qualifications

•Required Education and Experience

+ Master's degree or higher in a related field or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

+ Eight years of related experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

+ PhD in a related field or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from a veterinary college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or any equivalent combination of training and experience (e.g., 7 years’ with a master’s degree or 12 years’ experience with a bachelor’s degree).

+ Five or more years experience in a diagnostic laboratory.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

+ Advanced knowledge of section-specific discipline. Knowledge of quality assurance and safety programs in a laboratory.

+ Ensures attention to detail. Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

+ Able to perform assigned assays with minimal technical supervision and considerable independent decision making. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

+ Strong foundational knowledge of veterinary endocrinology across multiple species. Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures.

+ Proficiency in the concepts of standard veterinary endocrinology diagnostic testing methodologies.

+ Ability to troubleshoot assay failures and interpret test results of various endocrinology methods in a diagnostic laboratory setting. Detail oriented, ability to reason and solve problems, calm under pressure, communicates well with staff and clients.

+ In-depth understanding of comparative endocrinology. Knowledge of normal values for relevant tests and species and ability to apply knowledge to test interpretation. Knowledge of accreditation standards (e.g., AAVLD). Knowledge of study design, reference interval calculations, etc.

+ Can independently perform radioimmunoassays (RIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and automated chemiluminescent assays. Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills. Can confidently consult with TVMDL clients about endocrinology findings.

+ Ability to troubleshoot and optimize current endocrinology testing methods. Ability to validate new endocrinology testing methodologies. Ability to multitask and work independently and collaboratively. Ability to make decisions based on clinical pathology specimens or laboratory data.

Required Licenses, Certification, or Registrations

+ For veterinarians, Texas veterinary license or eligibility to sit for the Texas special licensure examination.

Preferred Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations

+ Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

+ For veterinarians, Texas veterinary license or eligibility to sit for the Texas special licensure examination.

+ For veterinarians, board certification in a relevant specialty (e.g., DACVIM, DACVP).

Applicant Information

How to Apply : A cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references (to include at least one previous supervisor) are required to successfully apply for this position. Applicants may upload all three on the application under CV/resume, pre-populate the online application using a LinkedIn profile, or attach the documents. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.

Closed-toed shoes and long pants are required attire for the l aboratory environment.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.