The Texas A&M University System

Agency

Department

The Veterinary Diagnostician II will provide excellent customer service to laboratory clients and serves as a member of the TVMDL Veterinary Services Section by providing consultations with TVMDL clients in the areas of test selection and testing strategies, interpretation of results, and disease prevention, surveillance, and control programs. 

This position will provide guidance and direction to clients on diagnostic tests requested, case development, and case reporting. Coordinates multi-assigned cases to ensure consistency and appropriate interpretation of test results. Resolve complex, confidential, or sensitive diagnostic case issues with clients, contracting agencies, and other TVMDL customers. Facilitate investigation of complex cases that impact livestock in Texas. Utilize professional training in veterinary medicine to provide expert guidance to testing section personnel. 

Liaison with all branches and sections at TVMDL to ensure client needs are met in an accurate, timely, and efficient manner, including supporting integration and collaboration between diagnostic disciplines. Maintains awareness of scientific developments in diagnostic veterinary medicine; and supports and advocates current practices in diagnostic testing as appropriate. Monitors livestock, companion animals, and public health disease management programs applicable to TVMDL clientele. Provides leadership on issues related to diagnostic veterinary medicine to ensure the service needs of TVMDL’s diverse clientele and stakeholders are met. 

Serves as a liaison with key administrators, veterinarians, and scientists at partner organizations, including the US Department of Agriculture, Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas Department of State Health Services, Centers for Disease Control, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and others. Coordinates reporting of reportable diseases to other state and federal agencies as appropriate.

Provides input on determining diagnostic priorities as well as emerging issues. Designs, leads, or participates in educational programs, teaching, and training for students, veterinarians, producers, and allied industry groups at the state, national, and international levels. Works in close collaboration with Texas A&M University's School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases (IIAD), Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture, and other outreach and training partners. 

Works with public and private partners in the development and implementation of agency initiatives. Represents TVMDL at conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions to promote TVMDL services and expertise. Represents TVMDL within relevant professional societies, and at scientific and industry meetings, promoting the overall national/ international reputation of the laboratory system. Contributes to scholarly articles, publications, and presentations. Works in close collaboration with the TVMDL Communications Coordinator to develop marketing materials. Collaborate with TVMDL staff to develop and implement client education, recruitment, and retention strategies.

Client Communication:  Serves as a point of contact for clients needing consultation on test selection and interpretation of test results. Assists with the development of client education materials concerning testing strategies, test interpretation, and disease information.

Quality Assurance & Safety:  Ensures 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. 

Research, Reference Materials, Development:  Participates in the development of case materials used in the monthly case reports and the 4th year College of Veterinary Medicine student rotations.
 

SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation: All work shall be performed in accordance with validated test methods, SOPs, procedures, employee training and proficiency, and equipment standards, as applicable. Work shall be performed with adherence to federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Training & Mentorship: Participates in training 4th-year CVM students during their TVMDL rotations to include students in the Food Animal Track.

Teamwork & Cooperation: Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards, and communications. 

Other: Work in conjunction with Veterinary Services and Marketing to promote new or modified tests, TVMDL services, or other client-education topics by writing and/or editing copy, speaking at conferences or meetings, or participating in TVMDL-sponsored events. Performs work to avoid exposing oneself or others to avoidable hazards by reasonable and approved methods. 

Position Details: 

• This position is required to work onsite during normal business hours M-F 8 AM to 5 PM.

• This position is eligible for a partially remote work arrangement for up to 16 hours per week.

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

• All veterinarians employed at TVMDL are required to obtain either a full license or a special license from the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TBVME).

• Incumbent will be required to take a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; TVMDL will cover all costs.

• 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. 

• 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 

• DVM degree

• Five years of experience as a practicing veterinarian, including supervisory experience.

• Knowledge of quality assurance and safety programs. 

• Ability to use laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computers. 

• Attention to detail. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Knowledge of veterinary diagnostic principles, concepts, practices, and established methodologies. 

• Experience working with a laboratory information management system.

• Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others. 

• Texas Veterinary License or specialty license or ability to obtain within one year of employment.

Preferred 

• Experience in large animal or mixed animal practice with emphasis on equine medicine. Some experience with exotic/wildlife hoof stock is desirable. 

• Experience in teaching and/or public speaking.

• Professional knowledge of veterinary diagnostic principles, concepts, practices, and established methodologies sufficient to provide technical knowledge on a full range of veterinary analytical testing programs.

• Working knowledge of veterinary diseases that affect livestock (emphasis on equine), exotic/wildlife, and companion animals.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, work independently, network within the community, and respond positively to policy, administration, and supervision. 

• Computer competency, especially with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

• Board certification in a veterinary specialty.

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.