Veterinarian Microbiologist- Section Head- Bozeman

To be considered for Department of Livestock positions, applicants must apply and submit any required application materials through the State of Montana Careers Website .gov.

This recruitment is posted as 'open until filled' with a first review of applicants on December 16, 2025.

Materials Required of Applicant: Cover Letter, Resume, Professional References (3)

Lead Diagnostic Excellence in Big Sky Country!

Are you a visionary Veterinary Microbiologist ready to lead a high-impact diagnostic section in one of America's most desirable locations? This is your opportunity as we seek applicants with demonstrated interest and expertise in multiple subfields of diagnostic veterinary microbiology, as well as management experience.

The Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL), an AAVLD-accredited, full-service laboratory, is seeking a Veterinary Microbiologist Section Head to lead our microbiology, Virology, serology and molecular diagnostics sections in the laboratory. You will join the Animal Health and Food Safety Division of the Montana Department of Livestock at a pivotal moment, as we transition into a new, state-of-the-art diagnostic facility adjacent to our current location on the MSU campus.

The laboratory performs approximately 170,000 tests per year on a wide variety of domestic and non-domestic animal species, making this position a critical stakeholder in Montana's animal health infrastructure across the state. For more information on the laboratory, please contact: mvdl.

As a manager/section head, the Veterinary Microbiologist Section Head will play a critical role in providing leadership guidance, and support to their team. This position is expected to lead by example in order to cultivate a culture of collaboration, respect, and professionalism all of which will enhance team morale, and provide quality service to the people of the State of Montana.

This position has 8 direct reports where typical duties include but are not limited to hiring, managing and assessing employee performance, managing employee work schedules, and responding to employee questions and concerns.

This role requires a unique blend of Scientific Expertise, Operational Leadership, and Collaborative Communication. You will manage 8 direct reports and serve as the primary technical authority for the lab's core diagnostic capabilities.

• Diagnostic Mastery:
  Provide authoritative subject matter expertise and technical oversight across Microbiology, Virology, Serology, and Molecular Diagnostics sections
• Assay Innovation:
  Identify, research, and coordinate the development and validation of new testing assays and cutting-edge equipment to continually enhance MVDL's service offerings.
• Quality & Compliance:
  Troubleshoot, review, and interpret complex technical data, non-conformances, and performance metrics. Actively participate in the development and rigorous revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure full compliance with MVDL Quality Management System and AAVLD accreditation requirements.
• Expert Proficiency:
  Demonstrate a deep, practical understanding of a wide array of diagnostic modalities, including:
  • Molecular: RT-PCR and other nucleic acid amplification technologies.
  • Classical/Culture:
    Bacterial and fungal culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
  • Serology: ELISA, antibody titer testing, complement fixation, and agglutination assays.

• Team Leadership:
  Hire, mentor, manage, and assess the performance of 8 technical staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and professionalism that drives high team morale and quality service.
• Operational Oversight:
  Manage employee work schedules and serve as the initial point of contact for employee questions and concerns.
• Mentorship & Training:
  Provide supervision, mentorship, and structured training for staff, volunteers, fellows, and veterinary students, cultivating the next generation of veterinary diagnosticians.

• NAHLN/Disease Response:
  Lead and participate in proficiency testing, training, and…