Senior Manager, Veterinary Molecular Diagnostician Lead

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Design, optimize, validate/verify, and implement multiplex PCR panels, which includes primer/probe design, assay optimization, and establishment of acceptance criteria.

• Execute and document validations/verifications, ensuring thorough documentation and reporting of study results.

• Lead or assist in the development of SOPs, policies, and data reporting in collaboration with the ZRL Quality Management System and relevant stakeholder groups.

• Conduct annual reviews of primer/probe targets (either in silico or empirical) and evaluate new reagents/controls; take the lead on updates and supply modifications as necessary.

• Implement and oversee a QC program along with QC monitoring, responsible for QC trending and data reporting; escalate any issues in a timely manner.

• Lead or provide support for investigations into nonconformances, root cause analyses, CAPA, and effectiveness checks as needed.

• Troubleshoot assay and performance challenges employing data-driven methodologies.

• Supervise technician reviews of PCR data to ensure precise reporting.

• Provide consultation to internal teams and veterinary clients regarding complex results and case evaluations, collaborating with ZRL Medical, Operational, and Commercial teams.

• Offer scientific leadership, mentorship, and assist in training initiatives for laboratory colleagues.

• Work alongside operations to enhance efficiency and manage budget resources effectively.

• Contribute to the readiness of equipment and planning for reagent inventory as applicable.

• Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with biosafety standards (BSL-2).

• Remain updated on veterinary diagnostics, emerging pathogens, and advancements in methods and technologies.

• Assist in the validation and training for new equipment or processes, such as liquid handling implementation.

• Support the transfer of technology or assays from R&D to ZRL operations when necessary.

• Provide assistance to other laboratory sections (e.g., Serology or Bacteriology) as required.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Master's degree is required; a PhD is preferred in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Veterinary/Animal Health sciences, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

• Over 10 years of experience in veterinary molecular diagnostics or a closely related diagnostic/IVD environment.

• More than 10 years of hands-on experience in developing and validating real-time PCR (qPCR/RT PCR) and multiplex assays.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience with Sanger sequencing, BLAST analysis, and primer design is required.

• At least 10 years of experience with proficiency testing as a competency assessment tool.

• Over 10 years of experience utilizing a quality system for molecular diagnostics, with preference for candidates familiar with AAVLD or ISO 17025 accreditation; candidates must demonstrate adherence to quality system standards.

• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) is an added advantage.

• Bioinformatics experience (including sequence analysis, primer/probe design, and strain surveillance) is also a plus.

• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience verifying or validating diagnostic serological assays is advantageous.

• Familiarity with NALHN-sanctioned disease testing is a plus.

🏝️ Benefits

• Healthcare and insurance benefits starting on the first day of employment.

• 401K plan with matching contributions and profit-sharing from Zoetis.

• Four weeks of vacation.