Section Head - Analytical Chemistry

Job Title:

Section Head – Analytical Chemistry, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Department Analytical Chemistry.

Location:

College Station, Texas.

Employment Type:

Staff.

• Oversee daily laboratory operations, including budgetary matters, routine testing, test development, client communications, quality assurance, safety, and employee well‑being.
• Ensure scientific accuracy, completeness, promptness, and timely generation of laboratory results.
• Coordinate workflow and manage appropriate personnel assignments, promoting effective staffing and scheduling.
• Implement new technologies and diagnostic capabilities; evaluate, select, and execute standard and advanced analytical techniques.
• Train, mentor, and supervise section staff; provide ongoing development and proficiency testing.
• Serve as subject‑matter expert for complex assays, oversee performance and interpretation, and maintain records in the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Provide scientific oversight for daily diagnostic testing, collaborate with Lead Scientists, Veterinary Services, fellow Section Heads, and Pathologists, and serve as a point of contact for other TVMDL sections.
• Interpret and communicate results to clients, handle client inquiries and complaints, and consult on new assay opportunities.
• Adhere to and lead quality assurance and safety programs, manage hazardous chemicals inventory, and resolve non‑compliance issues.
• Oversee the creation, review, and maintenance of SOPs, procedures, forms, and other quality assurance documents.
• Lead research, test development, and new business opportunities, including grant applications and manuscript preparation.
• Manage supplies, stock, inventory, equipment purchases, maintenance agreements, and procurement processes.
• Perform regulatory liaison, testify in legal proceedings, manage the section budget, and drive strategic planning and policy development.
• Recruit, hire, evaluate, counsel, develop, and terminate staff; maintain a safe, ethical, and inclusive work environment.
• Promote teamwork, cross‑training, and knowledge sharing across laboratory sections and external industry contacts.
• Execute additional duties as required to support laboratory goals and TVMDL objectives.

• DVM or Master’s/Ph.D. in a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Five or more years of related experience in veterinary toxicology, drug testing, or an analytical chemistry laboratory.
• Advanced knowledge of the discipline, quality assurance, safety programs, and proficiency in LIMS.
• Ability to perform assays with minimal supervision and exercise independent decision‑making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong managerial and leadership abilities.
• Attention to detail, multitasking, and cooperative teamwork.
• Preferred: DVM with board certification (or eligibility) from the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology; or Ph.D. with certification from the American Board of Toxicology; seven or more years experience; familiarity with LC/MS, ICP/MS, GC/MS, ISO/IEC 17025, AAVLD accreditation, and QA/QC systems.
• Valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license (or obtainable within 30 days of employment).
• Pre‑exposure rabies vaccination series required; coverage provided by TVMDL.

• Eligible for a partially remote work arrangement (up to 16 hours per week) and flexible scheduling.
• Parking permits available from TAMU at employee expense.
• Essential component of the Texas A&M University System; overtime or compensatory time may be earned during open holidays.
• Work requires exposure to laboratory chemicals and instruments; ability to stand, lift 25–40 lbs, and perform bench work for extended periods.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer – Texas A&M University System.