Lead Laboratory Technician

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a supervisor for the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. This role involves overseeing daily operations, staff performance, and ensuring accurate specimen management while maintaining high standards of quality.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and 5 years of related experience. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and supervisory experience are preferred. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• 5 years of related experience in supervisory roles.
• Experience in customer service or client relations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise operations in the sample receiving/accessioning area.
• Ensure timely processing and distribution of specimens.
• Establish a culture focused on outstanding customer service.

Skills

Excellent organizational skills

High capacity to multitask

Resourcefulness

Analytical/problem-solving skills

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Strong interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in science or laboratory-related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Position Summary

This position is responsible for supervising and coordinating the daily operations of the sample receiving/accessions area of the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The supervisor oversees staff performance and serves a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely receipt, accessioning, distribution, and tracking of specimens, and management of external testing workflows while maintaining high standards of quality, consistency and data integrity. This position provides leadership to accessions staff, promotes a culture of outstanding customer service, accountability, and continuous improvement, and serves as a key liaison between laboratory sections, external laboratories, and clients to ensure efficient case management and timely reporting.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science or laboratory-related field
• Previous supervisory experience
• Previous laboratory experience
• Experience in customer service or client relations

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Excellent organizational skills
• High capacity to multitask and work independently
• Resourcefulness and strong analytical/problem‑solving skills
• Ability to optimize workflow efficiency
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Adobe Acrobat
• Strong interpersonal skills

Physical Demands

• Excellent manual dexterity.
• Lift with assistance up to 50 lbs, and unassisted up to 30 lbs.
• Stand or sit for extended periods of time
• Perform sample processing of laboratory submissions

Duties and Responsibilities

Accessions Operations, Specimen Processing, and Data Integrity

• Processing & Accessioning: Execute high‑volume processing, validation, and accessioning of diverse veterinary biological specimens according to SOPs while maintaining biosafety standards.
• Digital Integration: Ensure accurate digitization of diagnostic submission forms to maintain data integrity.
• Internal Distribution: Accession and distribute specimens internally or prepare for external shipment.

Supervision and Workflow Management

• Staff Supervision: Supervise two employees in Accessions to ensure timely processing and redistribution.
• Workflow Oversight: Monitor workload and maintain operational efficiency.
• Training & Compliance: Ensure staff maintain required shipping certifications and follow procedures.

Client Service

• Establish and maintain a culture focused on outstanding customer service, accountability, high standards of quality, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a liaison between faculty, staff and clients, and promptly respond to client questions and concerns.
• Collaborate with the AVDL leadership to identify and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction.

External Laboratory Coordination and Result Management

• Send‑Out Testing: Coordinate packaging and shipment to external laboratories.
• Results Processing: Enter external lab results into LIMS and ensure delivery.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate shipping and records logs.

Case Coordination

• Case Monitoring: Ensure timely completion and reporting of cases.
• Issue Resolution: Address missing information and discrepancies.
• Other: Perform other related duties as assigned to support general laboratory operations.

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).