Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Director

The Director is responsible for strategic direction and overall laboratory operations, enhancing strength and vitality of the VDL by developing new collaborations and establishing partnerships between faculty, industry, government and other potential supporters. In collaboration with College leadership and faculty, the VDL Director will develop the operating plan of the laboratory, including the infrastructure and resources to support the plan. The Director also is responsible for the continual assessment of the VDL capabilities to compete successfully for diagnostic services, partnerships and business development opportunities.

The position reports to the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and is a 100% time annually renewable administrative appointment; faculty appointment with appropriate rank and tenure is available and based on credentials. Responsibilities include administration (80%), with the remainder being made up of professional/diagnostic service and teaching and/or research, dependent upon interest and expertise.

Essential Functions:
Serve as chief operating officer of the VDL; Responsible for overall planning, development and implementation of VDL strategic plan.

Consult, coordinate and evaluate laboratory activities with AAVLD, other diagnostic laboratories, National Veterinary Services Labs (NVSL), state agencies (BAH, Dept of Ag, Dept of Health) and appropriate federal agencies; Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies and ensure that accreditation standards are met for AAVLD .

Identify, develop and nurture active relationships with key partners in industry, foundations, government and other stakeholders with the objective of building relationships that support VDL strategic initiatives.

Take responsibility for diagnostic service development, relationship building and new market expansion as appropriate; communicate opportunities effectively with faculty, staff, community, government partners and Dean.

In concert with the Department Chairs, conduct assessments of the research and service environments and identify implications for planning and development of quality research, diagnostic service, and teaching programs.

Develop, implement and provide oversight for VDL systems to ensure efficient and fiscally sound operations and effective communications with stakeholders while maintaining a high standard of service.

Participate in the budget process by assisting in the management of financial resources; ensure appropriate allocation of resources through monitoring revenues and expenditures.

Develop, implement and provide oversight for systems to ensure effective management of human, financial and physical resources.

Supervise employees, including hiring, discharging, assigning work, incentive and reward systems, disciplining and managing grievances.

Essential Qualifications:
DVM, VMD or equivalent degree
Advanced degree in relevant field of study 5 years veterinary diagnostic laboratory or relevant work experience 5 years directing / supervising experience. Experience could include practice management, regulatory/policy, finance or quality management
Must have excellent oral and written communications skills, as well as team building skills.
Experience in staff and financial management


Preferred Qualifications:

Strong research and/or teaching experience.
Board Certification in a veterinary diagnostic specialty (i.e. ACVP); and/or
PhD in relevant field
Must have experience in program planning, strategic planning, and quality management/quality control.
Eligible for MN licensure

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Selection Criteria:
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders, including employees, faculty, industry leaders, government officials and other potential supporters
Ability to actively seek out and respond to new service, research and business opportunities
Comprehensive understanding of the science and technology that drives the VDL's strategic focus
Positive experiences in working in an interdisciplinary team environment; excellent interpersonal skills in both one-on-one and group interactions
Ability to provide leadership and strategic direction for programs in support of the CVM mission and goals
Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and effectively supervise professional employees.
Understanding of the need for the laboratory to work under an effective quality management system and the ability to champion this effort.

The VDL is the official laboratory of the , a level one member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) and accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD). The Director will leverage the integral role of the VDL in the College's teaching and research missions to maintain its position as the premier veterinary diagnostic service provider in Minnesota and as a national leader in providing rapid diagnosis of animal diseases, identifying emerging diseases, developing new diagnostic methods, and training pathologists, diagnosticians and veterinarians.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Application materials and nominations will be accepted and reviewed immediately until the
position is filled. Please direct all nominations, requests for a detailed position profile or other
inquiries to: Ashley Bell, bellx304@umn.edu.

Qualified applicants should apply online at https://humanresources.umn.edu/content/find-job and
use Job Id# 353703 in the search function. Candidates should attach 1) a cover letter, 2)
curriculum vitae, 3) statement of intent highlighting relevant accomplishments, experience and
interests (maximum three pages) 4) DEI written statement (see instructions below), and 5)
names, addresses and email contact information for three professional references. Applicants
will be notified before references are contacted.

To be considered for this position, in addition to the standard application process, all applicants
must submit a separate written statement on: why diversity and inclusion are important to you
and offer specific examples of how you have demonstrated this commitment. Applicants are
encouraged to reflect on their philosophy of diversity, experiences, and how diversity affects the

workplace and Veterinary Medicine. The maximum word length is 500 words.Examples could
include:
* created a program that impacted low-income communities
* identified and met a need in care for a certain community
* current participation in professional development in DEI and attending DEI conferences,
etc.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.