LABORATORY SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

State of Arkansas; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Arkansas, through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, seeks a Laboratory Supervisor/Expert to oversee daily operations of state laboratory units. You will lead staff, ensure testing, reporting, and compliance with quality standards, and coordinate resources to support mission objectives.

Responsibilities include supervising technologists, implementing QC measures, reviewing results, assisting in method validation, and maintaining calibration records.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years in laboratory science with leadership experience.
• Experience in QA/QC and regulatory compliance.
• Strong documentation and supervision skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily activities of laboratory staff in testing and reporting.
• Ensure safety, state policies, and laboratory procedures.
• Monitor laboratory workflow to maintain quality standards.
• Review and approve laboratory results when appropriate under certification.

Skills

Leadership

Quality assurance

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Laboratory Science or related field

Tools

LIMS

Plate readers

Calibration equipment

Job description

Position Number: 22094789
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: [[postingEndDate]]
Anticipated Starting Salary: 71,027
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As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.

Position Information

Job Series: Laboratory – Career Path

Classification: Laboratory Supervisor/Expert

The Laboratory Supervisor/Expert oversees the daily operations of assigned laboratory units within a state-run facility. This position provides leadership and technical direction to laboratory personnel, ensuring testing procedures are performed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable state and federal standards. This role is also responsible for upholding quality assurance protocols, staff training, and resource coordination to support the mission of the agency.

Primary Responsibilities

The assignment of supervisory duties is determined by the hiring agency's operational needs. Non-supervisory roles will serve as senior technical experts.Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of laboratory staff in testing, analysis, and reporting.Ensure adherence to safety protocols, state policies, and laboratory procedures.Monitor laboratory workflow to optimize efficiency and maintain quality standards.Assign tasks, manage schedules, and provide performance feedback for laboratory technologists and technicians.Implement and monitor quality control measures and participate in audits and inspections.Ensure all documentation, calibration records, and test results meet regulatory standards.Troubleshoot testing anomalies or equipment malfunctions and initiate corrective actions.Serve as a subject matter expert in test methodology, instrumentation, and lab technologies.Assist in method validation, procedure updates, and implementation of new testing platforms.Review and approve laboratory results when appropriate under applicable certification.

Knowledge and Skills

Effectively manages people and resources to achieve performance goals.Clearly conveys technical instructions and policy information to team members.Ensures accuracy in test results, documentation, and quality control procedures.Addresses operational or technical challenges with logical, evidence-based solutions.Prioritizes multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment without compromising quality.

Minimum Qualifications

At least three years of experience in laboratory science, or a related field, including six months in a leadership capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

. Experience supervising or mentoring laboratory staff in a diagnostic or serology setting.
. Strong proficiency with ELISA and related serologic testing methods.
. Demonstrated expertise in QA/QC practices, including control charting and corrective actions.
. Hands-on skill in troubleshooting and maintaining plate readers, washers, and other serology
. Experience optimizing LIMS workflows and ensuring integrity across testing processess.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.