This position is crucial to ensure all operations of the Sample Receiving unit are conducted in a correct, cost effective, efficient, and timely manner in alignment with the vision, mission and culture of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories and the Veterinary Health System. This position will supervise staff, delegate duties to optimize efficiency and productivity, and will prioritize and shift section processes as needed. This position will ensure timely and accurate delivery of specimens to various laboratory sections and must foster a positive workplace culture to empower team members, thereby creating maximum success of the unit. This position is instrumental in developing policy, process, and procedures for the Sample Receiving area, will serve as a subject matter expert in the section to guide team members, recommend system procedures and/or process improvements, and schedule needed equipment repairs or request replacement. Rabies vaccine is required and provided for this position. This position must ensure delivery of packaged supplies to various laboratory sections (using appropriate tools and carts): separate palleted deliveries, lift heavy boxes (40-50 pounds) to place on carts, and deliver to sections.
The position is full-time with schedule based on section needs and may require afterhours and weekend work, based on case load and urgent testing or laboratory needs. This is an essential services position, and the employee is required to report to work, without delay, on all/most weather closure days and various holidays throughout the year. This position will also be required to report to work for emergency disease response requests and may be required to work significant hours (exceeding 40 hours per week) during a disease outbreak detection and response effort, export testing effort or other important diagnostic events.
- Signing bonus and/or relocation expenses may be available for eligible and successful candidates.
- At the CSU Veterinary Health System, animals and the people who care for them are at the heart of everything we do. Every decision we make reflects our commitment to those who trust us with their animals’ health. That focus inspires us to deliver expert veterinary services, support veterinary education and training, and advance groundbreaking research. We show up every day with passion, eagerness to collaborate, and a drive to redefine what’s possible. Our deep partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences amplifies our impact, enabling us to boldly innovate and share knowledge widely.
- Supervise, train, evaluate, and support Sample Receiving staff, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, and records administration.
- Coordinate staffing schedules, approve timekeeping and leave requests, and ensure adequate operational coverage while meeting HR and payroll deadlines.
- Oversee daily workflow operations by prioritizing and delegating tasks to meet laboratory turnaround times and maintain efficient service delivery.
- Perform and serve as a subject matter expert for veterinary diagnostic testing requests, specimen routing, and reference laboratory submissions, including required documentation, shipping, and permits.
- Collaborate with leadership, laboratory managers, and section heads to support operational coordination, problem-solving, and implementation of new initiatives and process improvements.
- Promote employee development by providing training, coaching, and mentorship to strengthen staff competency, confidence, productivity, and independence.
- Create a pleasant and positive workplace environment that inspires the team, builds camaraderie, and achieves University, CVMBS, VHS, and departmental objectives.
- Ensure service excellence by resolving client concerns, correcting errors, communicating effectively with stakeholders, and supporting accurate reporting and invoicing processes.
- Maintain compliance with all university and unit policies and procedures. Maintain quality standards through SOP development and revision, participation in audits, management of corrective actions, and implementation of process improvements to prevent recurring issues.
- Additional duties as assigned.
- Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
- Valid Driver’s License - Must possess or obtain a valid driver’s license by the employment start date and maintain such in good standing for duration of active employment.
- Essential Services Designation - Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare.
- Shift Work - CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory does not follow standard University Holiday Schedule due to the nature of the business. Monday through Friday is typical schedule but rotation of holidays is required and occasional Saturdays needed.
- On-call Status - In the event of an emergency is declared by the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Director, needed to meet NAHLN requirements, overtime work or work outside normal operating ours will be required.
- Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials - Exposure to formalin & formalin-fixed tissues. This position handles samples that may contain infectious agents and must follow PPE guidelines and appropriate standard operating procedures.
- Special Requirements/Other - Must safely lift and carry items that weigh up to 50lbs. May be required to be rabies vaccinated upon hire and maintain protective titers (blood drawn on a schedule determined by CSU Occupational Health to evaluate status).
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
- 5-6 FTE AP, 2-3 PTE AP, 1-2 NSH, 2-4 Student employees
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- High school diploma/GED plus 4 years medical laboratory experience can substitute for Bachelor's degree.
- At least one year of veterinary, medical, or laboratory experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology or related field.
- Experience in a diagnostic laboratory environment with familiarity in diagnostic testing processes and workflows.
- Experience participating in or supporting laboratory quality management and quality assurance programs.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with diverse audiences.
$50,000 - $57,000
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
