Veterinary Laboratory Microbiology Services Manager

Are you an experienced microbiologist and laboratory professional seeking to take the next step in your career? The Department of Agriculture is searching for a director of microbiologic diagnostic services in the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory (PVL). We perform critical work in offering quality assured regulatory and diagnostic testing for veterinarians, farmers, animal owners, agribusinesses, and regulatory agencies. Apply today and use your skills and knowledge to assist in our mission to control and eradicate diseases in livestock and poultry, protecting the health and safety of Pennsylvanians!

In this position, you will oversee microbiologic diagnostic services at the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, one of the labs in the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System, within the Department of Agriculture. Your role will involve training and supervising a team of around 11 diagnosticians and technicians, as well as providing expert guidance in conducting, development and advancement of the laboratory procedures covering microbiology including advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, handling high consequence pathogens including Select agents at an appropriate Laboratory Biosafety level for animal disease diagnosis. Additionally, you will handle human resources responsibilities, employing strategies such as motivation, encouragement, and behavior modification, while also implementing disciplinary measures when necessary. You will be responsible for approving employee leave and overtime, conducting regular performance evaluations, and ensuring timely documentation of personnel actions, including job descriptions and performance issues. Furthermore, you will ensure that technicians have access to suitable facilities, equipment, and supplies, evaluate new equipment developments for potential procurement, and monitor the condition of existing equipment to recommend maintenance or replacement as required. The position also provides opportunity to work closely together with our key federal partners including USDA, FDA, CDC and State agencies in advancing the mission of One Health.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, 1 day per month. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.

• Board certification within the AVMA specialty as applicable to this position and eligible for additional compensation.

• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A Ph.D. in microbiology/immunology from an accredited university or college and three years experience as a microbiologist / immunologist in a full-service research and/or diagnostic laboratory, one year of which was as a supervisor of laboratory personnel; or
• Possession of a DVM/VMD degree in veterinary medicine from an AMVA or AVMA approved college and three years experience in a full-service research and/or diagnostic laboratory performing microbiologist/immunologist duties, one year of which was as a supervisor of laboratory personnel. Graduate training in microbiology may be substituted for microbiologist/immunologist experience on a year-for-year basis up to 3 years.
  

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
  
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.