Section Head - Analytical Chemistry

Texas A&M University; College Station (TX); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Partially remote work arrangement

Flexible scheduling

Parking permits available

Job summary

Texas A&M University is seeking a Section Head in Analytical Chemistry for its Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in College Station, Texas. The role involves overseeing daily laboratory operations, managing staff, and ensuring the scientific accuracy of results. Candidates should have a DVM or Ph.D. and at least five years of relevant experience in veterinary toxicology or an analytical chemistry lab.

This position offers a partially remote work arrangement and flexible scheduling, along with benefits such as parking permits and overtime opportunities.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of related experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory.
• Ability to perform assays with minimal supervision and exercise independent decision-making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily laboratory operations including safety, testing, and staffing.
• Implement new technologies and evaluate analytical techniques.
• Train and mentor laboratory staff.

Skills

Veterinary toxicology

Analytical chemistry

Leadership

Communication skills

Quality assurance

Education

DVM or Master's/Ph.D. in a related field

Tools

LC/MS

GC/MS

ICP/MS

LIMS

Job description

Job Title: Section Head – Analytical Chemistry, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Department Analytical Chemistry. Location: College Station, Texas. Employment Type: Staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily laboratory operations, including budgetary matters, routine testing, test development, client communications, quality assurance, safety, and employee well‑being.
• Ensure scientific accuracy, completeness, promptness, and timely generation of laboratory results.
• Coordinate workflow and manage appropriate personnel assignments, promoting effective staffing and scheduling.
• Implement new technologies and diagnostic capabilities; evaluate, select, and execute standard and advanced analytical techniques.
• Train, mentor, and supervise section staff; provide ongoing development and proficiency testing.
• Serve as subject‑matter expert for complex assays, oversee performance and interpretation, and maintain records in the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Provide scientific oversight for daily diagnostic testing, collaborate with Lead Scientists, Veterinary Services, fellow Section Heads, and Pathologists, and serve as a point of contact for other TVMDL sections.
• Interpret and communicate results to clients, handle client inquiries and complaints, and consult on new assay opportunities.
• Adhere to and lead quality assurance and safety programs, manage hazardous chemicals inventory, and resolve non‑compliance issues.
• Oversee the creation, review, and maintenance of SOPs, procedures, forms, and other quality assurance documents.
• Lead research, test development, and new business opportunities, including grant applications and manuscript preparation.
• Manage supplies, stock, inventory, equipment purchases, maintenance agreements, and procurement processes.
• Perform regulatory liaison, testify in legal proceedings, manage the section budget, and drive strategic planning and policy development.
• Recruit, hire, evaluate, counsel, develop, and terminate staff; maintain a safe, ethical, and inclusive work environment.
• Promote teamwork, cross‑training, and knowledge sharing across laboratory sections and external industry contacts.
• Execute additional duties as required to support laboratory goals and TVMDL objectives.

Qualifications

• DVM or Master’s/Ph.D. in a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Five or more years of related experience in veterinary toxicology, drug testing, or an analytical chemistry laboratory.
• Advanced knowledge of the discipline, quality assurance, safety programs, and proficiency in LIMS.
• Ability to perform assays with minimal supervision and exercise independent decision‑making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong managerial and leadership abilities.
• Attention to detail, multitasking, and cooperative teamwork.
• Preferred: DVM with board certification (or eligibility) from the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology; or Ph.D. with certification from the American Board of Toxicology; seven or more years experience; familiarity with LC/MS, ICP/MS, GC/MS, ISO/IEC 17025, AAVLD accreditation, and QA/QC systems.
• Valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license (or obtainable within 30 days of employment).
• Pre‑exposure rabies vaccination series required; coverage provided by TVMDL.

Benefits & Work Arrangement

• Eligible for a partially remote work arrangement (up to 16 hours per week) and flexible scheduling.
• Parking permits available from TAMU at employee expense.
• Essential component of the Texas A&M University System; overtime or compensatory time may be earned during open holidays.
• Work requires exposure to laboratory chemicals and instruments; ability to stand, lift 25–40 lbs, and perform bench work for extended periods.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer – Texas A&M University System.