Manager, Operations, Diagnostic Services Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Position Overview

The Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU) in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Manager. Operations DSU.

Reporting to the Director, Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU), the Manager, Operations DSU is responsible for the management and technical operation of the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine's (UCVM) Diagnostic Services Unit as it meets the teaching and research missions of the faculty. This position requires knowledge and expertise in the development and the delivery of veterinary diagnostic services to a variety of stakeholders including undergraduate DVM students, graduate students/residents, UCVM clinical faculty, researchers, the Distributed Veterinary Learning Community (DVLC), and the broader veterinary community. In addition, this position will ensure the needs of the programs are met through effective management of the DSU laboratories including management of AUPE technical staff, tracking the financial operations of the DSU, oversight of waste management in conjunction with regulatory bodies, implementation and maintenance of quality assurance and control programs, oversight of the laboratory information management system (LIMS), and interactions with DSU stakeholders.

The position requires strong communication skills (oral and written), strong interpersonal skills, a high level of intrinsic motivation, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. The position also requires a high degree of decision making using independent judgement within the framework of UCVM and U of C policies. 

This position directly manages staff, with responsibilities including recruitment, assignment of duties, authorizing overtime, coaching, performance evaluation, and performance management up to and including discharge.

Must be flexible and creative in responding to the diagnostic needs of a variety of users in a timely manner.

This position is located at the Spy Hill Campus.  

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• The Manager, Operations DSU manages the day to day operations of the DSU to meet UCVM’s clinical, teaching, research needs, and internal and external client needs
• Responds to stakeholder inquiries regarding client concerns and the use of the DSU services including information on fees, shipping, services available, and turnaround times
• Oversees carcass and laboratory waste management in conjunction with internal policies
• Ensures appropriate equipment and consumables are in place to accomplish the goals of the DSU, and forecasts budgetary requirements to achieve these goals
• Directly manages AUPE staff, with responsibilities including technical supervision, recruitment, assignment of duties, authorizing overtime, coaching, performance evaluation, and performance management up to and including discharge.
• Ensures an appropriate sample submission, tracking and billing system is in place and followed
• Tracks the financial operations of the DSU including maintenance of accurate computerized records, timely billing of clients and timely payment of vendors and external diagnostic laboratories
• Oversees the DSU LIMS and computerized Quality Management System application and interfaces with internal and external IT and technical support
• Recommends changes to laboratory methods, procedures and practices to ensure compliance with best practices, as well as researching and recommending new equipment and techniques as required to meet the needs of the DSU
• Working in consultation with the Director, DSU interacts with other service providers to expand diagnostic capabilities of the DSU, and maximize budgetary efficacy
• Working in consultation with the Director, DSU and senior leadership, assesses and revises DSU service fees as necessary
• Establishes, oversees, and ensures appropriate documentation of a Quality Management System including Standard Operating Procedures, document control, training records, and quality control procedures.  Makes necessary changes as directed by industry standards, external regulatory bodies, or operational and business needs
• Interacts with DSU staff, U of C Facilities staff, and external companies as appropriate to ensure that DSU facilities and equipment are maintained, repaired as needed, and kept in good functional order
• Ensures that appropriate Occupational Health and Safety practices are followed throughout the DSU.  Follows-up with appropriate changes to practices and processes when reviewing any environmental health and safety incidents
• Provides insightful guidance and recommendations for enhancements to the laboratory systems
• Advises the Director, DSU of any incident or occupational illness as outlined in University of Calgary / UCVM policies, guidelines, and protocols
• Contributes to the Hazard Assessment process, and other safety improvements as required
• Other duties as required

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A related post-secondary credential (minimum BSc.) and a minimum of five years work experience within a relevant laboratory management environment is preferred.  Another combination of relevant post-secondary degree combined with extensive related work experience in the operation and management of a diagnostic laboratory may be considered
• Minimum of 2 years experience in design, implementation and maintenance of a Quality Management System program.  Advanced Quality Assurance training or certification is desirable
• Minimum of 2 years experience in the development, implementation, and control of SOPs
• Thorough understanding of at least some of the typically offered diagnostic services in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory
• Experience in a regulated working environment is required
• Superior communication (written and oral), organization, interpersonal, and customer service skills are required
• Ability to assess, plan, coordinate and work under the direction of Senior Management
• Ability to supervise, mentor, and coach AUPE staff is expected
• Basic understanding of cost and labour accounting and financial tracking is required
• Thorough understanding of laboratory safety, biosafety, biocontainment, and WHMIS regulations
• Understanding of and ability to work using industry specific laboratory safety standards
• Proficiency with computers and MS Office Suite required and familiarity with a LIMS considered an asset
• Personable and able to deal professionally when faced with multiple demands and short timelines
• Interest in the post-secondary learning environment, previous experience in a learning or research environment considered an asset
• Knowledge of U of C and UCVM policies is an asset

Application Deadline:  This position will remain open until filled; however, applicants will be reviewed as they are received.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is classified in the Management Career Band, Level 1 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework. 

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine visit Careers in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

COVIDSafe Campus Strategy

The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.