Section Head - Analytical Chemistry

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, and other activities. Professionals within the section utilize various testing methodologies including classic microscopy, GC/MS, ICP/MS, and LC/MS.

General Description

The Analytical Chemistry Section Head is responsible for daily oversight of laboratory operations, including budgetary matters, routine testing, test development, client communications, quality assurance, safety, and employee well–being. The role requires scientific accuracy, completeness, promptness, and generation of associated laboratory results. It also involves workflow coordination, personnel management, implementation of new technologies, evaluation and execution of standard and advanced scientific techniques, and mentoring of personnel.

The Section Head must perform routine and non‑routine tasks of advanced complexity, exercise independent decision making, troubleshoot routine and complex problems with or without supervision, and work with minimal or no supervision.

Sample Preparation / Cataloging

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

Testing

Provides scientific oversight for daily diagnostic testing in the section. Serves as subject matter expert on discipline(s), technique(s), or diagnostic methodology(ies). Oversees performance and interpretation of complex assays 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 point of contact and resource for colleagues in other sections or locations.

Provides backup to staff during absences and successfully completes proficiency tests for assigned assays.

Method Development, Data Entry, Interpretation, Results

Records observations, results, and measurements in approved worksheets, checklists, and LIMS. Maintains records to allow other personnel to determine case status. Coordinates progress of high‑consequence cases. Provides analysis and review of unexpected or significant results. Delivers diagnostic interpretation to clients based on results and clinical histories. Serves as case coordinator or point of contact for multi‑assigned cases. Ensures daily finalization of cases, reviews, and releases results in accordance with turnaround times.

Client Communication

Contacts clients to clarify test requests, verify specimen sources, and resolve problematic sample submissions. Provides excellent customer service, answers complex questions, and triages calls to appropriate staff. Consults with TVMDL colleagues for holistic case management. Participates in industry meetings to design research efforts and identify new assays. Recommends sample, test, and collection methods, coordinates test agreements, and mitigates client complaints. May serve as subject matter expert for legal depositions or testimony.

Quality Assurance & Safety

Leads by example in quality assurance and safety programs. Manages inventory and safe handling of hazardous chemicals. Identifies issues of non‑compliance, implements corrective and preventative actions, and resolves audit findings. Represents the laboratory on quality assurance and environmental health & safety committees.

Documentation Management

Serves as document manager for SOPs, procedures, forms, workflows, and quality assurance documents. Ensures scientific accuracy and completeness; writes, reviews, and edits documents for compliance. Implements process improvement protocols and maintains timely updates. Prepares…