HC Supv 3-Clinical Lab Science (MPTL Serology Supervisor)

Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory, Willmar M

Position Title: HC Supervisor 3 Clinical Lab Science
Classification: 7303CL
Working Title: MPTL Serology Supervisor

General Description:
This position is responsible for supervising the Serology Department at the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory (MPTL), a branch of the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL). MPTL is AAVLD, NAHLN, and NPIP certified, and provides regulatory and diagnostic services for the poultry industry in molecular, serology, and bacteriology testing.
The Serology Supervisor will oversee serology department staff while also performing routine and advanced serology testing. This is a working supervisor position, meaning the supervisor will maintain a regular bench workload while adding responsibility for staff leadership, workload distribution, and quality oversight.
The Supervisor serves as the primary point of contact for the serology department and reports to the Laboratory Manager. Responsibilities include staff training and performance reviews, reagent validation, instrument maintenance oversight, and ensuring compliance with NPIP, AAVLD, NAHLN, and University quality standards. This position is considered essential and may require work during University holidays or shutdowns. Standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Duties and Responsibilities

Supervision and Staff Development - 25%
Supervise and mentor staff in the Serology Departments.
Develop training plans, conduct competency assessments, and ensure cross-training for essential
assays.
Complete annual performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
Oversee daily workload distribution, prioritize tasks, and coordinate staff coverage during absences.
Foster a collaborative, efficient, and quality-focused team environment.

Bench Work: Serology Testing, Analysis, and Reporting - 35%
Perform avian IDEXX, Zoetis, and in-house ELISA tests, Serum Plate Agglutination tests, Tube
Agglutination tests, and Avian Influenza AGID assays.
Prepare solutions, media, and reagents; analyze and record test results with accuracy and timeliness.
Maintain mastery of all serology tests performed at MPTL and provide technical expertise in
troubleshooting assays and instruments.
Validate and verify new testing protocols, reporting results with authority and accuracy.

Quality and Regulatory Compliance - 20%
Ensure section compliance with NPIP, AAVLD, NAHLN, and University QA/QC standards.
Review and update SOPs annually; initiate and document revisions through Q-Pulse.
Track quality control data, identify non-conformances, and implement corrective actions..
Participate in internal and external audits, representing the Serology Section.
Track and maintain quality control records, including reagent validation and proficiency testing.

Equipment and Reagent Oversight - 10%
Supervise the operation, maintenance, and calibration of serology laboratory equipment.
Ensure staff are properly trained in the use of Mesa Labs monitoring systems and other QC tools.

Oversee reagent preparation, validation, and inventory management.

Communication and Collaboration - 10%
Serve as liaison between the serology section and Laboratory Manager.
Represent the section in meetings, audits, and collaborative discussions with other laboratory groups.
Promote collaboration between molecular, bacteriology, and serology staff to ensure balanced workload and efficient laboratory operations.

Minimum Qualifications
BA/BS in biology or related scientific field plus at least 4 years of laboratory experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to total 8 years.

Experience with the following assays: Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID), ELISA, Serum Plate
Agglutination, ELISA, and Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI).
Demonstrated ability to work independently at the bench, with mastery of common serology
equipment (microtiter plate readers, automated plate washers, pipettes, sterilizers, centrifuges, etc.).
Experience operating under a quality assurance system, including documentation and incident tracking.
Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and quality management software (e.g., Q-Pulse).
Demonstrated precision and timeliness in performing recurring laboratory tasks.

Preferred Qualifications
Prior supervisory or lead worker experience in a diagnostic or regulatory laboratory.
Familiarity with NPIP, AAVLD, and NAHLN regulatory standards.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate workloads, and prioritize under deadlines.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Pay Range: $32.97 to $37.41; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

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