Receiving Coordinator

The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (AZVDL), with the University of Arizona, seeks a Receiving Coordinator. This role blends specimen accessioning, data entry, site logistics, and client services in a fast-paced, dynamic laboratory environment. Specimen accessioning is central to laboratory operations, requiring accuracy, efficiency, and careful workflow coordination, all performed in accordance with BSL-2 laboratory practices, proper biological hazard protocols, and laboratory quality assurance standards. Success requires precise data entry, strong communication with clients (including veterinarians, technicians, and the general public), and a thorough understanding of each laboratory section's operations. Responsibilities include supervising student workers and coordinating laboratory supply orders, deliveries, and shipping-including biological, dry ice, and partner lab shipments such as the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory-to ensure smooth, compliant operations. A proactive, problem-solving approach, adherence to safety and quality standards, and the ability to adapt to evolving challenges are essential for excelling in this role.

The AZVDL is committed to excellence in diagnostic service, animal disease surveillance, being an active member of a laboratory network safeguarding against Foreign and Emerging Animal Disease and providing expertise to the veterinary community of Arizona.

In 2002 the AZVDL was one of the first laboratories to be approved as a Participant Laboratory of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) to conduct testing in support of APHIS and the National Veterinary Service Laboratory. We continue to embrace being a part of this valuable contribution as our part of Institutional Excellence.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Specimen Accessioning & Client Support

• Receive and accession specimens.
• Handle payments.
• Perform accurate data entry.
• Communicate with clients (veterinarians, technicians, and the public).
• Distribute specimens to laboratory sections, following BSL-2, biological hazard, and quality assurance standards.

Laboratory Logistics Coordination

• Manage supply orders, deliveries, and the shipping of biological specimens, including dry ice shipments.
• Partner laboratory transfers to facilities such as the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory, ensuring uninterrupted and compliant operations.

Troubleshooting

• Identify and resolve issues with specimens, data, or workflow while maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

Student Worker Support

• Train, guide, and supervise student workers in proper specimen handling, lab safety, and workflow protocols.
• Provide occasional small-group teaching or skills demonstrations for veterinary students as needed.

Procedural Review

• Facilitate and collaborate with leadership and lab staff in reviewing and updating SOPs and work instructions to maintain compliance with BSL-2, quality assurance, and safety standards.

Skills Maintenance & Training

• Identify and recommend improvements.
• Maintain technical skills.
• Participate in training programs.
• Ensure ongoing proficiency in laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and regulated shipping.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of specimen accessioning, laboratory operations, and workflow in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for accurate data entry, specimen tracking, and reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams) for documentation, communication, and workflow coordination.
• Working knowledge of veterinary medical terminology and veterinary practice workflow to effectively communicate with clients and support laboratory operations.
• Understanding of laboratory quality assurance standards, BSL-2 practices, and proper handling of biological specimens.
• Knowledge of regulatory disease specimen requirements and the USDA APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) program scope.
• Ability to troubleshoot workflow and data issues, prioritize tasks, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to supervise student workers, provide small-group training, and collaborate effectively with clients and team members.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in laboratory procedures and operations.
• Exceptional attention to detail for regulatory disease specimens.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning gained through professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant laboratory or related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Extensive laboratory experience with demonstrated accuracy in data entry and specimen handling.