Laboratory Manager

Class Concept

This is technical, supervisory, administrative, and advanced professional work in managing a large, diverse, and complex laboratory often engaged in both standardized and non-standardized chemical and microbiological testing of regulatory samples. Positions are responsible for developing and implementing long-term goals, objectives, policies, and procedures. Positions work with the implementation of laboratory computerization, quality control, and accreditation standards. Position researches, reviews, and evaluates new analytical methodologies, equipment, and instrumentation to identify new testing programs for implementation. Positions are accountable for maintaining the laboratory's ongoing accreditation and ensures laboratory data meets legal and regulatory requirements. Positions may collaborate with state and federal public health agencies to support a nationally integrated food and feed safety system through data and resource sharing. Positions may serve as the principal investigator on federal grants and work with management and budget officers to manage the laboratory budget. Examples of work may include coordinating a multi-service laboratory program which analyzes food, feed, environmental, biological and/or agricultural samples on behalf of state and federal regulatory agencies in order to protect the health, welfare, and economic interests of consumers of foods, drugs, feeds, animal and/or agricultural products.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of laboratory operational systems, instrumentation, professional and accreditation standards.
• Considerable knowledge of microbiology or analytical chemistry principles and methods such as those related to food, feed, biological or environmental samples.
• Considerable knowledge of quality management system principles and thorough understanding of laboratory accreditation requirements.
• Considerable knowledge of state and federal regulatory programs as they relate to the agricultural industry.
• Considerable knowledge scientific methodologies, mathematics, and statistics, and laboratory safety standards and practices.
• Ability to organize, supervise, evaluate, and manage the work of professional and technical staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with state and federal regulators and partners.
• Ability to independently perform the most complex standardized, non-standardized and developmental laboratory procedures; to analyze results, interpret and develop methodology; and to understand and solve the most complex theoretical problems.
• Considerable ability to express technical information clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships.

Minimum Education and Experience

Doctoral degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology or related biological science field from an appropriately accredited institution, and two years of laboratory and administrative experience including one year of supervisory experience; or Master's degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology or related biological science field from an appropriately accredited institution, and four years of laboratory and administrative experience including two years supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.