Molecular Microbiologist/Assistant Professor

Summary of Job Duties and

Responsibilities:

The Molecular Microbiologist/Assistant Professor will oversee the
daily operations of the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory under the
general supervision of the Head of the MIcrobiology Section. The
position is responsible for ensuring the timely, accurate, and
high-quality performance and interpretation of molecular diagnostic
testing supervising laboratory personnel; developing and
implementing innovative diagnostic assays; evaluating and
optimizing laboratory protocols; and ensuring compliance with
applicable quality, regulatory, biosafety, and biosecurity
standards.

The successful candidate will contribute to diagnostic service,
teaching, research, and professional development activities within
the Microbiology Section. The position will also support the
development and implementation of emerging technologies, including
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics and CRISPR-based
diagnostics applications.

• Oversee the performance, interpretation, and quality of

diagnostic testing conducted within the Molecular Microbiology
Laboratory.

• Manage daily laboratory operations, including workflow

coordination, staffing, scheduling, and prioritization of
diagnostic activities.

• Supervise and provide leadership, training, mentoring, and

performance feedback to the Laboratory Technicians.

• Collaborate with the Head of Microbiology to develop and

implement strategic plans, operational processes, and continuous
improvement initiatives for the section.

• Develop, validate, optimize, and implement new molecular

diagnostic assays using emerging and cutting-edge technologies,
including next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics-based sequence
analysis and CRISPR-based approaches in developing diagnostic
technologies.

• Evaluate existing diagnostic protocols, methodologies,

equipment, and materials and recommend modifications to improve
accuracy, efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Develop, review, and maintain laboratory procedures, policies,

and technical protocols in accordance with current scientific and
AAVLD/NAHLN/ISO standards.

• Ensure compliance with the laboratory's Quality Management

System and applicable accreditation, regulatory, biosafety, and
biosecurity requirements, including AAVLD/NAHLN/ISO standards and
other relevant accreditation programs.

• Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement

activities, including investigation of testing deficiencies,
implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and
monitoring of quality indicators.

• Maintain appropriate laboratory inventories and coordinate

procurement and management of reagents, supplies, equipment, and
other resources.

• Provide instruction in AGR 400 Veterinary Microbiology lecture

and laboratory practice within the Pre-Veterinary and Animal Health
Technology curriculum.

• Teach, train, and mentor laboratory personnel and students in

molecular microbiology, diagnostic methodologies, laboratory
safety, and quality practices.

• Communicate with veterinarians, animal owners, laboratory and

institutional staff, and food producers to interpret the
results.

• Contribute to the laboratory preparedness and response

activities during foreign animal disease outbreaks to support
critical diagnostic testing and protect animal health and the
agricultural industry.

• Present diagnostic, research, and scientific findings at local,

national, and international professional meetings.

• Conduct independent or collaborative research in areas relevant

to molecular microbiology, diagnostic medicine, or other areas of
scientific interest within the section.

• Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed

scientific journals.

• Participate in special projects, method development

initiatives, and diagnostic research activities as assigned by the
Head of Microbiology.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirements:

• PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or

a related field.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements:

• Two years of relevant laboratory experience required.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational,

multi-tasking, and supervisory skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively

with multi-discplinary teams.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and other

commonly used laboratory or administrative software.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

Qualifications:

• DVM or equivalent veterinary medical degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in molecular diagnostic assay

development and validation.

• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies

and applications in diagnostic microbiology.

• Experience with CRISPR-based diagnostic technologies.
• Experience with bioinformatics, genomic data analysis, and

interpretation of sequencing data.

• Experience implementing emerging molecular technologies in a

diagnostic laboratory setting.

• Experience with laboratory accreditation, quality management

systems, biosafety, and biosecurity programs.

Work Hours:

• May work additional hours or split shifts as necessary during

foreign animal disease outbreaks.

• Participate in assigned weekend and holiday duty rotations and

provide after-hours support during emergencies, seasonal workload
increases, or other operational needs.

Physical Demands:

• Handling of hazardous materials and biological

contaminants

• Strong pungent odors

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA.