Senior Veterinary Research Specialist - Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); Presencial; USD 65.000 - 75.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign seeks a Senior Veterinary Research Specialist to supervise technicians in veterinary diagnostic microbiology, provide leadership, and uphold quality standards within the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

The role includes staffing, inventory management, QA/QC oversight, and collaboration across departments. 100% full-time Academic Professional position with a competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Clinical Microbiology or related field.
• Minimum of four years of work experience in microbiology.
• Training in general lab safety, Safe Handling of Human Materials, Shipping Infectious Substances and Chemical Safety Training.

Responsabilidades

• Supervise technicians responsible for work in veterinary diagnostic microbiology.
• Assure proper staffing for the laboratory and assign staff to meet needs.
• Maintain inventory and place orders for VDL Microbiology and Food Safety sections.
• Responsible for maintenance contracts for the VDL microbiology section.
• Represent the Microbiology section on the VDL computer committee.
• Oversee data and software management for equipment and enter/retrieve data.
• Monitor lab metrics and plan equipment needs in collaboration with VDL Administration.
• Approve time off and payroll submissions.
• Oversee QA/QC of media, identification systems, and antimicrobial susceptibility panels.

Educación

Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Clinical Microbiology

Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Microbiology

Descripción del empleo

Senior Veterinary Research Specialist - Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

College of Veterinary Medicine

Job Summary

This position supervises technicians responsible for veterinary microbiology operations within the University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The role provides leadership and oversight of personnel, fosters a highly collaborative and coordinated team environment, and ensures that laboratory activities are performed efficiently while maintaining rigorous quality and diagnostic standards.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Administration
  *Supervise technicians responsible for work in the area of veterinary diagnostic microbiology under the leadership of the faculty section head and Associate Laboratory Director.
  *Assure proper staffing for the laboratory and assign staff to meet the needs of the laboratory.
  *Maintain inventory and place orders for both VDL Microbiology and Food Safety sections, including media, supplies, reagents, etc.
  *Responsible for maintenance contracts for the VDL microbiology section.
  *Represent the Microbiology section on the VDL computer committee.
  *Principal contact for the section, fielding most of the phone calls from case coordinators, receiving, office, clients, residents, and students relative to clinical cases.
  *Oversee data and software management for equipment. Enter and retrieve computerized data (Excel, PowerPoint, Photo-Adobe Workshop).
  *Monitor metrics for the lab section and associated tests.
  *Monitor and plan equipment needs and replacements in collaboration with VDL Administration.
  *Approve time off and payroll submissions.
• Benchwork
  *Prepare samples, inoculate media.
  *Evaluate aerobic and anaerobic culture plates, isolate pathogens, and perform bacterial identification and susceptibility testing.
  *Back-up for Leptospira MAT test.
• Quality Assurance
  *Draft and update SOPs.
  *Maintain assets within the quality system.
  *Oversee QA/QC of media, identification systems, and antimicrobial susceptibility panels. Maintain records of the above for AAVLD accreditation.
  *Represent Microbiology on the VDL QA/QC committee. Responsible for lab Q-Pulse records, assisting staff with Q-Pulse, Core One For Labs, and other IT issues.
  *Make sure training documentation is completed in the quality system for all microbiology personnel.
  *Manage the reporting and processing of QA variances and non-conformances with staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Allergies to hay, straw or animal dander may cause discomfort based on the location within the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Clinical Microbiology or a related field. A minimum of four years of work experience in microbiology.

Experience: Minimum of four years of work experience in microbiology. Training in microbiology, virology, biochemistry, or a related life sciences field required.

Training: UIUC Division of Research Safety or equivalent training in general lab safety, Safe Handling of Human Materials training, Shipping Infectious Substances and Chemical Safety Training.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Master of Science degree in Veterinary Clinical Microbiology or a related field.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 10/30/2026. The budgeted annual salary range for the position is $65,000 to $75,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 30, 2026. For further information about this specific position, please contact Vanessa Revindran-Stam at [e-mail]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].