Director Clinical Microbiology

The Technical Director supports the Clinical disciplines of the laboratory such as Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Specialty Testing, and Blood Bank to produce high-quality consistent and timely products and services. The technical Director develops and applies technology, methods and training across a wide array of disciplines and processes, with the goal of improving quality and efficiency.

This position is a critical interface with a variety of disciplines with a regard to complex technical matters. These areas include Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology, Research/Clinical trials, Operations, Information Services, Biomed, Safety and numerous testing equipment vendors.

The scope of responsibility for the Technical Director spans the entire clinical laboratory value stream, including Test menu /dictionary, equipment implementation, results reporting, technical consultation.

The Technical Director partners with the Director of Operation, ensure technical method/procedures are consistent with CAP and industry best practice system-wide Director of Quality, and the Medical Director under the supervision of the VP, Laboratory Services. All activities should be aligned with and in support of the long- range and annual operating plans for the clinical laboratory areas.

Job Duties:

• Ensure technical methods and procedures meet CAP standards and industry best practices across all facilities
• Lead the development, implementation, and standardization of laboratory testing technologies and protocols
• Collaborate with others PhD/Medical Directors to select optimal testing methods and troubleshoot complex assays
• Evaluate resource needs and recommend equipment and design specifications to optimize lab performance
• Integrate equipment, technology, and information systems to support operational efficiency and clinical outcomes
• Apply expertise in specimen processing and clinical interpretation to develop new tests and support specialty disciplines (e.g., oncology, cardiology, neurology)
• Educate and train employees and colleagues across the health system in technical methods and clinical applications within their areas of expertise
• Benchmark national leaders and engage vendors to identify emerging trends and innovative technologies
• Participate in strategic planning, budgeting, and system-wide medical committees to align lab services with patient care goals
• Recruit, evaluate, and mentor laboratory leaders and staff to ensure high performance and policy compliance

Characteristics:

• Progressive and strategic with lab technology and best practice
• Collaborative with all colleagues and teammates
• Humble, approachable, pleasant, coachable
• Ability and desire to embrace LEAN methodology and model it personally
• Current on the latest laboratory technology and best practice
• Proactive with new test development
• Customer focused for both inpatient and outpatient
• Patient care focused
• Fiscally responsible/focused understanding the financial climate in healthcare
• High attention to detail with strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to teach as well as learn continuously
• A desire to interact not only with internal customers but external customers such as outreach/AMG physicians

Position Requirements and Experience

• PhD in Life Sciences, Clinical Pathology, or equivalent
• Fellowship in a Clinical area of expertise Microbiology, Chemistry, Clinical Pathology program is desired
• Certification within the area of specialty (ex: DABCC, DABMM, etc.) or eligible to sit for certification preferred
• 3-5 years of leadership experience in a clinical laboratory
• Depth and breadth of clinical experience understanding validation, quality management, proficiency testing, CLIA standards, and operational efficiency and effectiveness
• Interpersonal and technical skills to achieve resolution to customer inquiries and laboratory issues
• Influence/leadership skills to work with laboratory staff, developing capabilities and engagement in problem-solving