Microbiology Section Head

The primary duties and responsibilities include those related to a leadership position in the Bacteriology, Serology, and Barron Technical section dedicated to diagnostic and rule-out testing for the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL). The incumbent will be the Section Head and provide intellectual and practical working knowledge involving diagnostic bacteriology and serology. In carrying out these responsibilities, the incumbent will supervise and direct professional and technical staff in performance of diagnostic veterinary assays.

This position directly supervises 3 supervisors and indirectly supervises approximately 25 technical staff.

This position works under the general supervision of the COO and the scientific direction of the WVDL Director.

This position may include an academic appointment of the Clinical Diagnostic Professorial Track within the Department of Pathobiological Sciences in the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM). The level of appointment (Clinical Diagnostic Assistant or Associate Professor) depends upon education, relevant experience, professional and academic achievements, and related factors. Information about this process will be made available to interested candidates.

70% COORDINATION AND MANAGEMENT OF BACTERIOLOGY, SEROLOGY, AND BARRON TECHNICAL LABORATORY

The primary duties and responsibilities include those related to a leadership position dedicated to diagnostic bacteriology and serology within the WVDL at both Barron and Madison locations. The incumbent will provide intellectual and practical working knowledge of available diagnostic tests. In carrying out these responsibilities, the incumbent will supervise and direct staff in performing diagnostic testing, interpreting results, and reporting results to clients and stakeholders. Other duties related to this leadership position include active involvement in our laboratory quality system, performance evaluations, recruitment, and staff training and education. In addition to holding regular section meetings, the Section Head of Microbiology works as part of the WVDL administrative team, which includes supervisors, section heads, COO, and the director, and takes on other work and projects as needed.

This position requires supervision and use of BSL-2 laboratory and, at a minimum, knowledge of BSL-3 laboratory practices. Some of the work is within the auspices sponsorship of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) program, and familiarity with this program is a plus.

Ensure and provide accurate and timely diagnostic results within a robust quality system and laboratory information system. WVDL is accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), and a Tier-1 level member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).

Client communication is essential for providing exceptional customer service and maintaining WVDL's outstanding reputation for quality and for being a valued partner to veterinarians and public health and agricultural industries.

Cross section collaboration is important for day to day operations and to foster a strong team-based mentality and culture.
Collaboration is also important for staff between the Madison and Barron laboratories.

20% SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES (not included in the Clinical Instructor title)
Scholarly activity opportunities are available within the WVDL, UW School of Veterinary Medicine, and other UW departments. These include basic and applied research, teaching, and outreach. Publication and involvement in local, national, and international scientific groups is encouraged. These activities are considered for purposes of advancement/promotion.

Collaborate with WVDL team and SVM colleagues to strengthen ties with agribusiness and producer groups. Coordinate development of applied research within the laboratory and with collaborators at the School of Veterinary Medicine or other UW departments. Establish goals for publication in referred journals and presentation of information at national meetings.

10% QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL
Acknowledge documents, perform document reviews, and write or revise documents as assigned; complete and acknowledge training as required; perform laboratory equipment duties such as calibration, preventative maintenance, cleaning and function checks and associated documentation as assigned; initiate non-conformances, participate in CAR/PAR activities and problem solve as part of the improvement process; monitor controls for tests performed and maintain quality control records; maintain records for duties assigned.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Preferred
PhD
Applicants must either have a PhD in a relevant science-related field, or a DVM (or equivalent) from an AVMA accredited program and a MS or PhD in a relevant science related field. DVM/PhD with board certification from the American College of Veterinary Microbiology (or equivalent) preferred.

Significant experience and demonstrated interest, aptitude, and capability in bacteriology is required, with a minimum of two years of training and/or work experience in the area of diagnostic bacteriology of animal species.

Minimum of 2 years of staff supervision experience is preferred, as is experience with serological assays and quality assurance programs. Candidates with a poultry background will be given special consideration.

The incumbent must possess excellent leadership and management skills, oral and written communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to work with colleagues, technical and professional staff, and laboratory customers in a collegial and respectful manner.

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. There may be options for partial remote work up to 20% time for the successful candidate after a period of time, contingent on program needs.

Ongoing/Renewable

DECEMBER 02, 2024

Negotiable
ANNUAL (12 months)

The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) is a high volume laboratory that provides a broad range of veterinary diagnostic testing services. The principal objective is to provide animal disease testing services for surveillance and clinical diagnostic consultation to veterinarians and stakeholders of the WVDL. The WVDL works closely with an array of professional entities including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protections, Division of Animal Health (DATCP); the National Wildlife Health Center (USGS); the Division of Public Health of the Department of Health Services (DHS); the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR): the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH); the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM); the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD); and the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA). These alliances provide for cooperation and information transfer as each organization pursues its mission. The WVDL is a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) Core Laboratory and therefore is a part of our national defense against livestock disease disasters. A significant part of WVDL's work involves surveillance testing for the USDA and DATCP, as well as extensive testing for the national livestock genetics industry, much of which is located in Wisconsin. The WVDL has laboratories located in Madison and Barron, Wisconsin.

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to hiring.

A period of evaluation will be required.

To apply for this position, please click on "Apply Now" to begin the process. Interested applicants must provide: 1) a cover letter describing relevant experience, qualifications, and career goals; 2) a current curriculum vitae (CV); 3) a list of three professional references who can provide recommendation letters later in the selection process.

Please contact Anita Herrick at anita.herrick@wvdl.wisc.edu or 608-262-6972 with questions regarding the application process.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by November 9, 2024; however, the position will remain open and applications may be considered until the position is filled.

Anita Herrick
anita.herrick@wvdl.wisc.edu
608-262-6972
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Clinical Professor(IC009) or Clinical Associate Professor(IC010) or Clinical Assistant Professor(IC011) or Clinical Instructor(IC012)

A88-WIS VET DIAGNOSTIC LAB/MSN MICROBIOLOGY/BACT

Academic Staff-Renewable

306047-AS