Department Contact: Cheryl Mason-Herrera, 575-646-7523, cmason@nmda.nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: As a full service veterinary diagnostic laboratory, VDS works closely with practicing veterinarians, livestock producers, animal owners, and state and federal agencies. Services provided include: necropsy, histopathology, pathology, bacteriology, serology/virology, molecular biology, and immunohistochemistry. As a laboratory, VDS administers all activities through a quality management system incorporating policies and protocols from NMDA and NMSU, in addition to those of the National Laboratory Animal Health Network (NAHLN) and ISO/IEC 17025.

Position Details

Position Title: NMDA Veterinary Lab Scientist Intermediate

College/Division: New Mexico Dept of Agriculture

Department: 181300-NMDA VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC SVC

Location: NMSU satellite location

Offsite Location (if applicable): Albuquerque

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications.

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: M-F, 0730-1630

Job Duties and Responsibilities: The Veterinary Laboratory Scientist, Intermediate for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) works under general supervision while functioning at the full performance level within the Veterinary Laboratory Scientist classification series. This position performs complex scientific and diagnostic laboratory work in support of animal health, disease surveillance, regulatory compliance, and veterinary diagnostic services.

The position conducts laboratory analyses of biological specimens utilizing established scientific methodologies, laboratory instrumentation, and quality assurance procedures to identify normal and abnormal components. Responsibilities include evaluating, validating, calculating, and documenting laboratory test results; maintaining quality control records; preparing reports and observations; and ensuring compliance with laboratory standards and regulatory requirements.

The Veterinary Laboratory Scientist, Intermediate investigates questionable or inconsistent test results, resolves routine and complex laboratory issues, and implements corrective actions or procedural modifications as necessary to ensure the integrity and reliability of laboratory operations. The position maintains effective working relationships with local, state, and federal animal regulatory agencies, veterinarians, laboratory clientele, and internal staff in support of regulatory and diagnostic laboratory functions.

This position may assist with the development, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of disease surveillance, quality assurance, and animal welfare programs. The role may also provide technical guidance and workflow support to lower-level staff, interns, or trainees and assist with laboratory training activities and operational improvement initiatives.

This Position Performs the Following:

Conduct laboratory analyses of biological specimens to identify normal and abnormal components.
Evaluate, validate, calculate, and document laboratory testing results in accordance with laboratory procedures and quality standards.
Maintain laboratory records, quality control documentation, and operational reports.
Investigate questionable or inconsistent test results and implement corrective actions or procedural modifications as appropriate.
Monitor and maintain quality control standards for laboratory instrumentation, reagents, and testing procedures.
Assist with the development and implementation of disease surveillance, quality assurance, and animal welfare programs.
Provide technical guidance and workflow support to lower-level staff, interns, or trainees as needed.
Assist with laboratory training activities and support adherence to laboratory procedures and biosafety standards.
Organize and coordinate multiple laboratory activities and case submissions while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Maintain effective working relationships with regulatory agencies, veterinarians, laboratory clientele, and internal staff.
Participate in process improvement initiatives and recommend operational or procedural enhancements as appropriate.

May perform other essential duties as assigned.

• The position maintains strict and careful adherence to all applicable Standard Operating Procedures and Policies within the laboratory Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
Associate's Degree + 4 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 2 years of relevant experience.

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
1+ years of work experience within a laboratory accredited by ISO-17025 (or equivalent).

Special Certification/Licensure: 
A Cover Letter and Unofficial Transcripts are required.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements: i.e. extreme temp, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, other potentially dangerous materials/situations that require safety precaution/protective equip

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.