The Texas A&M University System

Agency

Department

TVMDL is recruiting for a clinical pathologist to join its College Station laboratory. The position joins a team of 4 clinical pathologists across two TVMDL locations to support the agency’s diverse caseload. TVMDL receives approximately 270,000 accessions and runs an average of 1.1 million tests per year. Submissions received in the laboratory originate from Texas, neighboring states, and around the world. 

The Clinical Pathologist, under general supervision, performs diagnostic testing within the clinical pathology section in the College Station Laboratory of TVMDL. Tests performed primarily include cytologic evaluation and interpretation, evaluation of atypical blood smears, and interpretation of serum protein electrophoresis tracings. This position will consult with TVMDL clients, assist laboratory staff with review, and release diagnostic test results. The position will also serve as a subject matter expert in clinical pathology.

Sample Prep, Sample Cataloging: Oversees sample processing and preparation performed by technicians for certain specimens (i.e. bone marrow and fluid samples). 

Testing: Performs cytologic evaluation and written interpretation of specimens submitted to TVMDL. Interprets serum protein electrophoresis tracings and blood smears sent for pathologist review. Assists other clinical pathologists and anatomic pathologists with difficult cases. May work closely with veterinary diagnosticians, anatomic pathologist, and section leadership in the coordination and testing of multi assigned cases. Serves as a section point of contact and subject matter resource for colleagues in other TVMDL sections or locations.

Data Entry, Interpretation, Results: Enters results into the Laboratory Information System (LIMS). Reviews and releases clinical pathology results including, but not limited to, chemistries, hematology, urinalysis, and endocrinology tests. Interprets results that require complex, subjective evaluation. Reviews and adjusts observations, results, and measurements by technicians, when scientifically appropriate. Leads efforts to identify, investigate, and resolve unexpected results. May draft interpretative comments for test results in the LIMS. Responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of completed reports in accordance with TVMDL established turnaround times.

Client Communication: Communicates with clients via telephone, email, and in person to gather clinical history, clarify requests, discuss and interpret results, make recommendations, and address other issues related to case management. Solicits information to better assess the feasibility and need for potential testing. Resolves complex, confidential, or sensitive case issues with clients, contracting agencies, and other customers.  May be required to speak at industry conferences. 

Quality Assurance & Safety: Responsible for ensuring adherence and compliance with the TVMDL Quality Assurance Manual and associated quality assurance procedures. Actively participates in quality assurance and safety programs, cross training, and skill development as applicable. Assists in identifying incidents of nonconformance and noncompliance. All work shall be performed in accordance with validated test methods, SOPs, procedures, employee training and proficiency, and equipment standards, as applicable.  

SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation: Responsible for ensuring timely training and compliance to current standard operating procedures (SOPs). Reviews and recommends changes or improvements to SOPs, procedures, forms, or other section protocols. Serves as the subject matter expert on most, if not all, procedures conducted by the section, including cytology preparation, hematology, serum protein electrophoresis, etc.

Research, Reference Materials, Development: Responsible for continuing education and advancement of the section. Writes journal articles, presents scientific sessions, and participates in TVMDL Case Rounds and Clinical Pathology lunch and learns, when possible. 

Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment: Informs management when supply inventory is low.

Administrative Duties: Assists the section head and/or assistant section head, when needed. 

Training & Mentorship: Trains section technicians as needed (i.e. following CBC path review or cytology specimen preparation). May assist in mentoring and training TVMDL pathologists, pathology residents, veterinary students, and technical staff.

Supervisory, Evaluation, Employee Support: Assists the lab supervisor and/or the section head in oversight of technical staff performing routine testing.

Teamwork & Cooperation: The clinical pathologist is a part of a team of pathologists and other veterinary professionals at TVMDL. The team works cooperatively to solve complex and difficult cases as well as share unique and interesting cases to encourage team development and growth. Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards, and communication. 

Other: Contribute to scholarly articles, publications, and presentations. Maintain awareness of scientific developments in diagnostic veterinary medicine; support and advocate current practices to support diagnostic testing as appropriate. Work shall be performed with adherence to federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Perform work in such a way as to not expose others or oneself to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods.  Perform other duties, as assigned. 

Position Details 

• This position is required to work onsite from 9 AM – 6 PM position and may participate in flex scheduling, including work prior to 8 AM, after 5 PM, on weekends, or on holidays. 

• TVMDL is considered an essential component of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) and remains operational for several “open holidays” in which overtime or compensatory time may be earned.

• TVMDL is located on the campus of Texas A&M University (TAMU). Parking permits are available from TAMU at the expense of the employee.

• This position requires a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; TVMDL will cover all costs.

• This position may have access to equine or greyhound racing drug testing samples, records, and/or data and as such, the incumbent must have no financial interest in racehorses, racing greyhounds, or a racetrack, or any other conflict of interest within the racing industry. Furthermore, such employees shall have no investments in any racetrack nor receive any remuneration from a racetrack association, nor own or lease a racehorse or racing greyhound that is racing in the State of Texas. The incumbent may be required to consent to a background investigation through by the Texas Department of Public Safety including, but not limited to, fingerprinting of all TVMDL staff involved in drug testing for livestock and race animals.

Required

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from a veterinary college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). 

• Texas veterinary license or eligibility to sit for the Texas special licensure examination.

• Completion of a formal clinical pathology residency program / eligible to sit for the board examination of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). 

• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and data application. 

• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures. 

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Strong verbal and written communication skills. 

Preferred

• MS, PhD or equivalent in a related field.

• Three or more years’ experience in a diagnostic laboratory.

• Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (DACVP). 

• Current Texas veterinary license.

• Ability to interpret cytologic specimens, serum protein electrophoresis, blood smears, chemistry profiles, CBC automated data, urinalysis, hormone profiles, and reproductive tests. 

• Ability to consult with TVMDL clients and create clear and concise reports about clinical pathology findings. 

• Detail oriented, ability to reason and solve problems, calm under pressure, communicates well with staff and clients. 

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.