Lead Laboratory Technician

Position Summary

This position is responsible for supervising and coordinating the daily operations of the sample receiving/accessions area of the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The supervisor oversees staff performance and serves a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely receipt, accessioning, distribution, and tracking of specimens, and management of external testing workflows while maintaining high standards of quality, consistency and data integrity. This position provides leadership to accessions staff, promotes a culture of outstanding customer service, accountability, and continuous improvement, and serves as a key liaison between laboratory sections, external laboratories, and clients to ensure efficient case management and timely reporting.

High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience

• Bachelor's degree in science or laboratory-related field
• Previous supervisory experience
• Previous laboratory experience
• Experience in customer service or client relations

• Excellent organizational skills
• High capacity to multitask and work independently
• Resourcefulness and strong analytical/problem‑solving skills
• Ability to optimize workflow efficiency
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Adobe Acrobat
• Strong interpersonal skills

• Excellent manual dexterity.
• Lift with assistance up to 50 lbs, and unassisted up to 30 lbs.
• Stand or sit for extended periods of time
• Perform sample processing of laboratory submissions

• Processing & Accessioning:
  Execute high‑volume processing, validation, and accessioning of diverse veterinary biological specimens according to SOPs while maintaining biosafety standards.
• Digital Integration:
  Ensure accurate digitization of diagnostic submission forms to maintain data integrity.
• Internal Distribution:
  Accession and distribute specimens internally or prepare for external shipment.

• Staff Supervision:
  Supervise two employees in Accessions to ensure timely processing and redistribution.
• Workflow Oversight:
  Monitor workload and maintain operational efficiency.
• Training & Compliance:
  Ensure staff maintain required shipping certifications and follow procedures.

• Establish and maintain a culture focused on outstanding customer service, accountability, high standards of quality, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a liaison between faculty, staff and clients, and promptly respond to client questions and concerns.
• Collaborate with the AVDL leadership to identify and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction.

• Send‑Out Testing:
  Coordinate packaging and shipment to external laboratories.
• Results Processing:
  Enter external lab results into LIMS and ensure delivery.
• Documentation:
  Maintain accurate shipping and records logs.

• Case Monitoring:
  Ensure timely completion and reporting of cases.
• Issue Resolution:
  Address missing information and discrepancies.
• Other:
  Perform other related duties as assigned to support general laboratory operations.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (
hrweb
).