Technical Supervisor, Bacteriology

Department: LSD Animal Health Laboratory
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

Temporary full-time from 09/15/2025 to 05/28/2027
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

With the mission of working together toward a healthier future, the Animal Health Laboratory provides high-value, analytic and diagnostic services for the agricultural, food and veterinary sectors. Under the general direction of the Veterinary Bacteriologist, the Technical Supervisor oversees the day-to-day technical operations of the Bacteriology laboratory while ensuring compliance with rigorous accreditation standards. The ideal candidate not only brings sound knowledge of and experience with veterinary laboratory testing procedures but is a highly skilled operations manager and people leader with a proven track record of advancing service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent coordinates and supervises the activities of the Bacteriology lab staff while fostering an environment that promotes teamwork, productivity and continuous improvement. This position is responsible to:

• Prioritize and schedule workload and resources;
• Trouble-shoot and resolve issues within the lab section;
• Conduct regular lab section meetings;
• Provide effective leadership and supervision to a unionized employee work group including conducting performance reviews, recognizing achievements and appropriately addressing performance related concerns in consultation with the Veterinary Bacteriologist;
• Write SOPs and work instructions;
• Identify training needs, schedule training programs and ensure that all applicable SOPs and health & safety regulations are adhered to;
• Utilize technical expertise through the hands-on provision of a wide range of testing services;
• Monitor QC and resolve issues brought forward through the non-conformance reporting process (CAPA), in order to support continuous improvement of client services, maintain lab equipment, including setting up and renewing maintenance contracts, and scheduling service.

Requirements

• BSc Microbiology, or equivalent, plus 3-6 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Proven leadership and supervisory skills (preferably within a unionized environment), with a demonstrated ability to motivate and guide teams in a high-volume laboratory with tight, client-driven deadlines;
• Ability to effectively trouble-shoot and resolve issues;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent client service skills and experience managing a diverse group of internal and external clients;
• Thorough knowledge of laboratory quality systems (e.g., ISO 17025) and accreditation requirements including: the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD); the Standards Council of Canada (SCC); and the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA);
• Superior administrative, organizational and supply management skills;
• Familiarity with laboratory information systems and basic laboratory accounting is needed;
• Rabies immunization is required.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10482120
Classification: P&M FT- Band 05
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 08/01/2025
Closing Date: 08/15/2025