The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Diagnostic Laboratory Operations Coordinator, located within the Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences department. The Diagnostic Laboratory Operations Coordinator provides operational, logistical, and customer service support for Diagnostic Laboratory Services (DLS) within the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. This position coordinates specimen transportation services, manages laboratory intake and send-out testing processes, supports client access to diagnostic services, and facilitates communication among referring veterinarians, clients, laboratory personnel, and anatomic pathology staff. The position ensures accurate specimen handling, chain-of-custody documentation, compliance with biosafety standards, and efficient delivery of veterinary diagnostic laboratory services.
Diagnostic Courier and Transportation Services Coordination
Coordinate daily operation of the DLS courier service.
Receive specimens from courier staff and verify specimen integrity, labeling, and documentation.
Accession laboratory submissions, order testing, and route specimens to appropriate laboratory units while maintaining chain of custody.
Document specimen transfers and maintain accurate tracking records.
Review courier logs and approve bi-monthly courier hours.
Maintain courier records and archived documentation.
Serve as the primary point of contact for courier-related questions and service issues from laboratory personnel, couriers, and referring veterinary clinics.
Create and manage daily courier routes utilizing approved routing software.
Monitor route changes, service requests, additions, cancellations, and scheduling modifications.
Coordinate backup courier coverage during staffing shortages or high-volume periods.
Generate and distribute courier service usage reports.
Coordinate vehicle maintenance and service needs with the motor pool and courier staff.
Maintain inventory of transportation and shipping supplies.
Communicate laboratory and transportation service closures through established communication channels.
Identify and recommend process improvements related to specimen transportation and logistics.
Veterinary Client Access and Shipping Services Coordination
Coordinate DLS-sponsored shipping services and associated client support activities.
Monitor shipment activity and generate monthly shipping reports.
Review shipping costs and identify shipments that exceed established service thresholds.
Collaborate with the business office regarding shipping-related charges and reporting.
Review and process client requests for access to courier services and shipping resources.
Assist referring veterinary clinics with portal navigation and account access.
Provide customer support regarding specimen submission requirements, shipping procedures, and available laboratory services.
Maintain accurate records related to shipping service utilization and client access.
Specimen Processing and Laboratory Support
Receive and process veterinary diagnostic laboratory specimens for internal and external testing.
Verify specimen documentation, test requests, and submission requirements.
Accession and track samples in the laboratory information management system.
Prepare specimens for referral testing, including specimen separation, packaging, labeling, and shipment in accordance with applicable procedures.
Maintain accurate records associated with specimen receipt, preparation, and shipment.
Receive incoming packages and distribute materials and specimens to appropriate laboratory units.
Collect specimens from designated hospital drop-off areas and ensure timely distribution.
Support laboratory quality assurance activities related to specimen handling and documentation.
Assist with maintenance and organization of specimen collection and drop-off locations.
Follow all applicable biosafety, chemical safety, and laboratory compliance requirements.
Client and…