Manager Diagnostics Unit

Department: LSD AFL Diagnostics Unit
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.

Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) 

General Purpose

This is an opportunity to work at the Agriculture and Food Laboratory (AFL), which is a laboratory partner of choice for government and universities in Canada, for agriculture, food safety, and animal health testing. AFL is a leader in providing high-value analytic and diagnostic services to the private sector in selected niche markets. As a values-based organization, with the mission of working together toward a healthier future and improving life, we are searching for a Manager in our Diagnostic Unit, who will support the Division’s values: Client Centered, Integrity, Individuals Matter, Shared Responsibility, and Committed to Evolving.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Manager will serve as the Division’s scientific authority/technical resource, and scientific liaison in the Diagnostic unit. The Manager will be responsible for all aspects of the management and operation of Diagnostic Unit and providing overall leadership, coordination, delivery of services, budgets, regulatory compliance, and human resources for the Diagnostic Unit (DU) within Laboratory Services Division, including:

• Client inquiries and prioritizing of workload as well as human resources (team building, hiring).
• Review and approval of accurate and timely results while maintaining laboratory QC/QA and proficiency testing programs according to established laboratory protocols and ISO 17025, SCC and CALA requirements.
• Method development/validation and implementation. Reviewing and approving procedures, technical reports, and operational recommendations to ensure scientific integrity and regulatory compliance.
• Developing, managing, and monitoring operational budgets, capital equipment purchases and resource utilization to achieve organizational objectives.
• Maintaining a safe, challenging and positive work environment for staff.
• Providing leadership direction, and oversight to Technical Supervisors and laboratory staff to ensure efficient and effective operation of Diagnostic units.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, regulatory agenies, industry stakeholders, academic partners, and internal departments.
• Providing regular updates and recommendations to senior leadership regarding operational performance, resource requirements, risks, and strategic opportunities.

Requirements

• Masters Degree in Biological Sciences with a PhD preferred (Focus in Botany, Biology, Entomology, Zoology, or Forensic Science), combined with at least 6 years of laboratory management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• 10 -13 years of total relevant experience, 3 years of experience in the study and identification of materials using a wide array of microscopy/spectroscopy techniques. 
• Quality assurance, statistics, and data processing; experience with working knowledge of various testing technologies; experience in laboratory QA/QC protocols including working knowledge of ISO 17025, SCC, and CALA laboratory accreditation program.
• Ability and experience in undertaking critical reviews of scientific and technical data; advanced knowledge related to current leading-edge technical development.
• Excellent background in analytical skills to review, evaluate and interpret scientific and technical data which have legal and/or health implications; proven experience in method development procedures.
• Sound communication and relationship building skills. This must include mediation, conflict resolution and consensus building.
• Supervisory/group leadership experience with proven ability to motivate staff and maintain a productive, efficient work environment.

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10483003

Classification: P&M FT- Band 10    
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands 
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:  11/12/2026  
Closing Date:  11/26/2026