Confirmation Supervisor (LC-MS/MS Drug Testing) M-F 9:30AM-6:00PM

Description

JOB OVERVIEW

PLEASE NOTE: This is an on-site position in Newport, KY. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9:30AM-6:00PM.

The Confirmation Supervisor is responsible for leading the team of Certifying Scientists and overseeing the daily operations in the Confirmation department, including LC-MS/MS chromatographic data analysis of patient specimens for urine toxicology, oral fluid toxicology, and urine biomarker testing, as well as reviewing and releasing patient lab reports. In addition, this person will ensure accuracy and timeliness of daily production, be accountable for proper documentation and compliance with regulations, evaluate opportunities for process improvement, provide expert-level information to clients (medical staff) when requested, and participate in developing new processes for instrumentation and testing methods, as needed. This role is in a fast-paced production environment and requires a balance of accuracy and speed in decision making, high-complexity workflow, and ensuring that turnaround time (TAT) expectations are consistently met.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee the daily operations of the Confirmation department
• Ensure adherence to safety standards within the Confirmation department
• Ensure adherence to CAP, CLIA, and NYS standards within the Confirmation department
• Ensure adherence to Ethos Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Policies
• Ensure patient specimens are tested accurately and lab reports are released on time, utilizing data reports
• Provide direct leadership for the team of Certifying Scientists
• Serve as the primary contact for questions related to LC-MS/MS chromatographic data analysis, drug metabolism in urine and oral fluid toxicology, the correlation between screen (presumptive) and confirmation (definitive) tests, general patient lab report questions, etc.
• Delegate projects, tasks, and initiatives effectively and fairly
• Hold weekly department meetings to share updates with the team
• Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Certifying Scientists
• Hold monthly KPI meetings for ongoing coaching and feedback
• Track and maintain data and instrument performance indicators daily, weekly, monthly, and annually
• Establish and monitor department metrics for turnaround time, accuracy, throughput, expenses, etc.
• Participate in interdepartmental meetings to share department metrics, challenges, new processes, etc.
• Collaborate and communicate with other department leaders
• Review and/or create SOPs and controlled documents within the Confirmation department as needed
• Develop new and improve existing lab processes as needed
• Take steps to increase efficiency and productivity with instrument processes, minimizing downtime while maintaining optimum conditions
• Identify, troubleshoot, and analyze issues or trends related to instrument operation, calibrations, quality controls, workflow, patient data, LC-MS/MS methods, etc.
• Document incidents and accidents on the appropriate forms, perform remedial training, if required, to prevent further incidents/accidents
• Escalate issues to the Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Director, or VP of Operations as needed
• Interview, hire, onboard, and train new employees
• Complete employee competency assessments initially, after first 6 months, and annually
• Exemplify and encourage positive interactions within the lab to inspire collaboration and teamwork
• Become fully trained and competent in Certifying Scientist responsibilities to support the team with daily functions during periods of high volume or to cover absences
• Support external customers and Sales team members, via phone call or email, with questions related to the Confirmation department, including basic toxicology, drug metabolism, or lab report questions
• Become proficient in utilizing the Laboratory Information System (LIS) in daily operations, troubleshooting, and generating various data reports
• Participate in developing new processes for instrumentation and testing methods as needed
• Other duties as assigned 

Requirements

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Experience supervising individuals and teams
• Experience creating, revising, and operating from SOPs
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and adherence to HIPAA regulations
• Deep knowledge of LC-MS/MS instrument operation, chromatographic data analysis, and troubleshooting
• Deep knowledge of urine and oral fluid toxicology, drug metabolism, biochemistry, certifying patient lab reports, and high-complexity lab workflows
• Ability to model and foster in others time management, conscientiousness, dedication, and accountability
• Ability to listen, learn, and promote accountability and responsibility related to all processes
• Able and willing to follow established protocols employing acceptable forensic standards of analysis and the use of judgment in searching for solutions or new applications within one’s own experience
• Must be able and willing to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Science in Toxicology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or similar analytical science field with minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR Master of Science with minimum of 2 years of relevant experience
• Must have experience supervising a laboratory that conducts urine drug testing by LC-MS/MS
• Must have expert-level experience with answering questions related to urine drug testing by LC-MS/MS
• Must have experience in a high-throughput production laboratory
• Must have experience with CLIA, COLA, CAP, and/or NYS standards 
• Preference for candidates with experience developing or optimizing lab processes
• Preference for candidates with demonstrated exceptional troubleshooting abilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Critical thinking and problem solving, with a high level of attention to detail
• Must consistently demonstrate leadership qualities and lead by example
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Excellent time management, scheduling, documentation, and organizational skills
• Must be flexible, innovative, and self-motivated
• Must be able to motivate, coach, and mentor employees for highest level of performance
• Must be able to delegate and accomplish goals through others
• Must be experienced with laboratory software

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in a laboratory environment and exposes the incumbent to normal laboratory hazards and chemicals, including biohazard materials
• Work in varying degrees of temperature (heated or air conditioned)
• Position requires sitting, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing

DIRECT REPORTS

• Certifying Scientist(s)
• Remote Certifying Scientist(s)