Wool & Mohair Lab Manager - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension : Job Details

Job Title

Wool & Mohair Lab Manager

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

San Angelo

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

San Angelo, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Bill Sims Wool and Mohair Laboratory Manager, under direction, plans, organizes, directs and manages day-to-day activities of a commercial wool testing laboratory, developing and implementing procedures for the administration of the program. This position reports to the San Angelo Research and Extension Center Resident Director.

Quality Management Systems

* Ensure that laboratory personnel and instrumentation meet performance standards and maintain quality, ensuring adherence to IWTO and ASTM test methods.

* Ensure that operational processes meet requirements through validation and performance verification processes and procedures.

* Develop and ensure that processes and procedures are in place for detecting and managing nonconforming events and performing internal audits and external assessments.

* Develop and ensure mechanisms for continuous quality improvement.

* Analyze data, identify trends, develops and maintains quality control protocols, and develop reports for management utilizing technical knowledge and laboratory experience.

* Identify and report quality issues and problems to Resident Director with recommendations for resolution.

Laboratory Practice

* Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the scientific and technical components of laboratory testing to oversee the policies, processes and procedures related to Animal Fiber Testing.

* Assist with scientific and technical components of laboratory testing as necessary to ensure timely reporting of results.

* Work with the Safety Officer to align lab with A&M System EHS standards and works on any A&M System BioRaft inspection findings within the lab building. Maintains ChemTracker inventory for the wool lab operations.

* Develop expertise in all aspects of testing commercial and grower animal fiber samples and regularly participates in the testing of samples.

* Recommend best practices to maintain and improve laboratory functions; facilitate laboratory improvement activities.

Management and Leadership

* Assists leadership in the development of strategic plans and goals to support the laboratory.

* Ensure sound management of laboratory operations and the development, implementation and review of internal policies.

* Supervise laboratory coordinator, program support staff and student assistants and model leadership behavior.

* Oversee the integration of research projects to align with the continuation of commercial testing outputs.

* Monitor customer satisfaction and performance metrics.

* Adhere to AgriLife Research policies and principles, professional and scientific ethics and rules of conduct, exemplifying integrity and serving as a role model of ethical behavior.

* Identify training needs, as well as design and implement training programs specific to the wool testing system.

* Leads the organization and scheduling of conferences, festivals, expos, and meetings to exhibit the Bill Sims Wool and Mohair testing capabilities. Run complimentary tests for potential clients, promoting the laboratories service to the animal fibers industry.

Business

* Assists with yearly budgetary and contract processes. Coordinates with center business office to prepares vouchers, purchase orders and requisitions and coordinates with administrative personnel and other support staff.

* Submits Work Orders for all systems within the Wool Lab building. Keeps maintenance records current on all facility components and laboratory equipment.

* Work with the business office to maintain an effective system to control and manage lab documents and records. Performs all billing for lab testing including the tracking of payments, iPayment invoices, deposits, and receipts. Prepares wool lab travel requests and organizes the proper A&M System reporting in Concur. Prepares pro card purchases made by wool lab personnel and submits expense reports for approval.

Communications

* Deploy formal written and oral communication strategies, display active listening skills, and demonstrate comprehension of written documents and directions.

* Ensure professionalism in communication and prepare professional written reports and oral presentations. Communicate directly with AgriLife leadership, clients, industry stakeholders, and other partners.

* Communicate with clients, resolving issues as they may arise.

* Establish processes and policies for effective and professional communication between laboratory staff and other interested parties.

Other

* Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

* Bachelor's degree in a biological, chemical or physical science related field (to include but not limited to laboratory science, medical technology, chemistry, environmental science, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biology, immunology, quality) or equivalent combination of education and experience.

* Five years of related management and laboratory work experience in a quality, research, or commercial laboratory.

Preferred Education and Experience

* Master's degree in a biological, chemical or physical science related field (to include but not limited to laboratory science, medical technology, chemistry, environmental science, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biology, immunology, quality).

* More than five years of related management and laboratory work experience in a quality, research, or commercial laboratory.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Knowledge of various laboratory equipment performance and maintenance.

* Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet, and presentation applications.

* Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

* Verbal and written communication skills.

* Ability to identify, assess, and solve problems.

* Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* IT and software programming capabilities preferred.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

* Cover Letter

* Resume

* 3 Professional References

Application Process

For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Paul De Laune at (940) ###-#### or email [email protected] or contact Christie Ketring at (325) ###-#### or email [email protected].

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.