Scientist I - Bacteriology

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory; College Station (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

Retirement programs

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave

Educational Reimbursement Program

Job summary

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory is seeking a Scientist I to perform bacteriological tests and assist in daily operations. Responsibilities include quality control, mentoring staff, and troubleshooting assay problems.

Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field and have at least two years of relevant experience. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Two years of related experience required.

Responsibilities

• Perform bacteriologic tests and participate in daily testing operations.
• Ensure implementation of quality control and safety in the laboratory.
• Teach, train, and mentor technicians in diagnostic techniques.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to multitask and work cooperatively

Knowledge of animal pathogens

Proficient in bacteriology techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field

Master’s degree plus two years of experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

LIMS

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Scientist I, under general supervision, performs bacteriologic tests and participates in the daily testing operations in the Bacteriology section. This includes applying classical bacteriological techniques for identification of microbial organisms (primarily bacteria and fungi), performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and operating automated bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing systems (MALDI-TOF, Sensititre, BioMIC). The role involves assisting in the review, finalization, and release of cases in LIMS, determining action on “hold” cases and problem cases, making decisions regarding sample set‑up, answering telephone calls from clients requesting preliminary results, and communicating results and interpretation to appropriate individuals.

Responsibilities

• Ensure implementation of quality control, assurance, and safety in the laboratory, including writing, reviewing, and revising SOPs and controlled documents.
• Teach, train, and mentor technician(s) in diagnostic techniques and identify/detect non‑conforming work.
• Assist in implementing new or updated diagnostic capabilities.
• Perform daily routine diagnostic testing and fill in for technical staff as needed.
• Troubleshoot complex assay or instrument problems, identify sources of possible errors, and implement resolution steps.
• Read, interpret, and record observations, results, and measurements into LIMS, ensuring documentation meets quality assurance requirements.
• Release and publish accurate results, recognize abnormal results requiring further review, and resolve unexpected results as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality of correspondence and reports.
• Communicate with clients via phone or writing, providing test results, interpretations, recommendations, and answering complex questions.
• Assist section managers with audits and external visits, ensuring safe handling and disposal of infectious agents and chemical hazards.
• Review and recommend changes to section SOPs, procedures, forms, and other documentation.
• Participate in, and may lead, research and development efforts involving new assay development, validation, instrument configuration, and documentation of assay protocols.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment, work with vendors and contractors, and manage supplies and inventory.
• Support Lab Supervisor, Assistant Section Head, and Section Head with oversight of technical staff performing routine testing.
• Collaborate with colleagues in other sections, TVMDL locations, and veterinary diagnostic laboratories nationwide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Two years of related experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, food science, or other applicable field with emphasis on microbiology, plus four years of microbiology laboratory experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g., Master’s degree plus two years of experience).
• Advanced degree (Master’s, DVM, PhD) in a related field, plus two or more years of experience with routine bacteriology testing procedures.
• Experience with quality control/assurance and laboratory work related to diagnostic bacteriology, scientific research, or experimental work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Work independently with minimal technical supervision and exercise considerable independent decision‑making.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in bacteriology techniques and knowledge of animal pathogens, classical bacteriology, and zoonotic diseases.
• Thorough knowledge of laboratory procedures, including safety procedures.
• Proficient in operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and LIMS.
• Ability to troubleshoot various testing methodologies and instruments, interpret quality control and laboratory data, and recommend solutions.

Registrations, Certifications and Licenses

• For Bachelor’s level applicants: Licensed Veterinary Technologist (LVT), Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT), or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement programs.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Wellness Release Program.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Opportunities to earn compensatory time.
• Formal career ladder and Salary Step Program.
• Educational Reimbursement Program.
• Discounted diagnostic testing, veterinary care, and pet supplies.
• Complimentary onsite fitness center, fitness classes, and showers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. TVMDL is a member of the Texas A&M University System and Texas A&M AgriLife, and provides a workplace free from discrimination.