Lead Lab Technician

The Lead Laboratory Technician holds a key leadership position within the lab, blending exceptional technical expertise with leadership and communication skills. This role is essential for mentoring and training junior team members, upholding the highest standards of test results, resolving complex issues, assisting the Supervisor in overseeing lab operations, and driving efficiency and cost-effective testing. This role works closely with Supervisors, Managers, and the Medical Team to align lab operations with organizational goals.

The Lead Technician position requires a complete understanding of all ZRL departmental processes including all safety practices, quality control, and testing procedures from set-up to reporting through the Laboratory Information System (LIS). This position will lead the laboratory through the daily workflow and must be a highly skilled, effective communicator with strong leadership abilities including the ability to handle complex problem-solving tasks including triaging samples and delegation of work. Additionally, The Lead Technician trains colleagues, performs advanced quality control tasks, and manages complex reporting and identification processes.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for leading the lab team in strict adherence to all ZRL safety procedures and protocols.
• Assists in overseeing day-to-day lab operations, including inventory management, equipment maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Ensure all team members participate fully in the implementation of the laboratory and ZRL Quality Control and Assurance protocols.
• Maintain rigorous quality control standards, reviewing and implementing QC plans to ensure accuracy and reliability in lab results.
• Train and mentor team colleagues in the laboratory standard operating procedures for sample set-up, result interpretation, and reporting for all departmental tests.
• Understand and interpret guidelines for results and assist team members with difficult cases.
• Understand and utilize the Laboratory Information System (LIS) including for accessioning, requisition maintenance, test ordering and batch reporting.
• Perform all reporting of results and manager review in LIS.
• Engage with Medical and Leadership colleagues to resolve customer service issues, utilizing Salesforce as needed.
• Operation and maintenance of all laboratory analyzers and equipment.
• Delegate tasks as necessary to maintain a smooth and seamless workflow, even under the pressure of a high-volume testing work environment.
• Engage with Medical and Leadership to improve departmental processes and eliminate waste while maintaining quality.
• Perform literature reviews and additional training to stay current in laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Understand and ensure team compliance to all EH&S biosafety requirements of the lab.
• Address and resolve complex issues related to samples, instruments, and customer complaints, ensuring minimal disruption to lab operations. Ensures Corrective Actions are being initiated and resolved as problems occur.

Education and Experience Requirements

• BA/BS in Biology, or a related Science Field with 3+ Years of Diagnostic Laboratory Experience

OR

• Certified Veterinary Technician + High School Diploma/Associates with 3+ Years of Diagnostic Laboratory Experience

Technical Skills Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Platforms (Teams, Outlook, Word etc.)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with colleagues.
• Indirect leadership skills and ability to influence others
• Ability to work independently and follow instructions accurately.
• Advanced in all laboratory techniques including staining techniques, biochemical testing, and standard operating procedures for all tests offered.
• Advanced understanding of all reporting guidelines.
• Mentorship and Training
• Problem-Solving
• Operational Management
• Innovation

Physical Position Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, crouch
• Ability to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods

About Zoetis

At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues' careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.

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