The Lead pathologist serves as the manager and subject matter expert for the Histology, Clinical Pathology, and Milk Laboratory lab sections. The Lead Pathologist’s responsibilities include: writing, compiling, coordinating, authorizing, and correcting client reports; writing and authorizing Standard Operating Procedures; reviewing and trending quality control measures within managed lab sections; completing performance evaluations of personnel in managed lab sections; and serving as a Laboratory Responsible Official for matters related to chain of custody, legal matters, select agent handling, reportable and foreign animal diseases, and other regulatory matters.
Pathologists conduct disease investigations occurring in livestock, wildlife, companion animals and research animals in Montana. Pathologists are case coordinators and provide technical expertise to assure that correct and complete diagnostic results are reported. Pathologists also are consultants and facilitators for veterinarians, state and federal health officials, wildlife entities, private owners, and university faculty for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease affecting both animals and humans. The MVDL has two pathologists with the Lead Pathologist also serving as the MVDL Safety Officer. Education requirements: veterinarian from accredited college and either Board Certification or PhD in Anatomic Pathology.
The Veterinary Microbiologist serves as the manager and subject matter expert for the Microbiology, Virology, Serology, and Molecular Diagnostics laboratory sections. This position is responsible for providing technical oversight of the diagnostic testing performed in the four lab sections listed above. Responsibilities include writing, compiling, coordinating, authorizing, and correcting client reports; writing and authorizing Standard Operating Procedures; reviewing and trending quality control measures within managed lab sections; completing performance evaluations of personnel in managed lab sections; and serving as a Laboratory Responsible Official for matters related to chain of custody, legal matters, select agent handling, reportable and foreign animal diseases, and other regulatory matters. Education requirements: DVM or equivalent veterinary degree and MS in microbiology or DVM or equivalent/comparable veterinary degree with completion of a microbiology residency program and Diplomate ACVM is required. DVM or equivalent/comparable veterinary degree and PhD is preferred.
Section lead responsibilities include: proficiency and competence in performance of all diagnostic tests conducted in the lab section; organizing, assigning and overseeing daily testing; assuring accurate, repeatable and reproducible test results; verifying report completeness and accuracy; conducting and assessing section's personnel training, proficiency and competence; establishing, following, monitoring and revising the section QMS; assuring laboratory safety compliance; communicate with laboratory director the sections personnel, equipment and supply needs; and meeting accreditation requirements and preparing and participating in accreditation inspections. Education requirements: BS or BA or equivalent/ comparable science degree is required. MS or PhD in a science related field is preferred.