Laboratory Manager

Role: STI/TB Lab Manager

Location: Stillwater, OK

Hours: M-F 8-5pm CST with occasional overtime & weekends

Position Summary

Positions within this job family are responsible for assisting the laboratory directors in the general oversight and management of STI and TB laboratory sections providing state-wide, clinical diagnostic, epidemiologic and/or analytic services, and for the supervision of a team of supervisors and laboratory scientists and support administrative personnel. This position provides assistance to the laboratory director in the overall coordination and supervision of STI and TB laboratory sections to ensure safe and effective operations; provides general oversight of laboratory operations within satellite facilities; constructs laboratory policies and procedures; provides structured plans for laboratory compliance and quality assurance; develops and directs special projects; prepares budgets and business plans to justify new testing and technologies; interacts with vendors and laboratory personnel in selection of reagents, equipment, and supplies; consults with a county, state, federal agencies and officials, and community laboratories regarding laboratory testing and test results; and represents the laboratory on various agency committees. Serves with delegated authority from the laboratory director as the acting director of the laboratory in his/her absence to the extent allowable by governing authorities; makes personnel decisions for hiring and remediation; assists with the writing of grants; assists in the development of internal quality assurance programs or the central laboratory and its satellite facilities; collates and summarizes quality assurance data; resolves quality assurance issues as they arise; delivers training presentations to laboratory employees and other groups within the agency; and maintains quality assurance and business documentation necessary for continued laboratory accreditation.

Position Responsibilities /Essential Functions

The functions within this job will vary, but may include assisting the laboratory director in the following:

• Coordination of standard operations of state-wide clinical diagnostic, epidemiologic and/or analytic laboratory services.
• Development and implementation of policies, procedures, budgets, and performance standards designed to ensure accurate, efficient and safe laboratory operations.
• Appraisal of needs for laboratory services and development of new laboratory tests, algorithms, and technologies accordingly.
• Coordination and integration of laboratory services with the needs and activities of other intra- and inter-agency (state and federal) programs.
• Preparation and maintenance of laboratory quality assurance and business records and reports.
• Preparation of reports that summarize laboratory activities, revenue flows, goals, accomplishments and needs. Oversight of the system for establishing contracts, ordering and receiving reagents, equipment and supplies, and coordinating expenditures from grants.
• Interpretation or troubleshooting of difficult or unusual analyses; planning and supervision of the performance of special tests and projects.
• Consultation to physicians, hospital personnel, epidemiologists, and other laboratories regarding test results and laboratory services.
• Representation of the department in court or at hearings as an expert witness and public contacts, reviews, comments, and interpret federal, state legislation and local laws, objective, rules and procedures affecting the operation of laboratories.
• Cooperation with local, state and national agencies and organizations for the standardization and improvement of laboratory services.
• Provision of intra- and inter-agency training to laboratory personnel, healthcare professionals, field personnel and first responders on specimen handling procedures. Coordination of standard operations of state-wide clinical diagnostic, epidemiologic and/or laboratory service.
• Assist with laboratory personnel, including decisions for hiring, training, continuing education, competency assessment, and remediation.
• Implement and maintain PHL document control system (MediaLab).
• Perform both internal and external College of American Pathology (CAP) laboratory inspections.

Other Duties

• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Works effectively in team environment, participating and assisting their peers.
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education and Experience

Requirements at this level consist of at least a bachelor’s degree in biological or physical sciences plus minimum seven years of experience performing STI and TB clinical and/or analytic laboratory testing, including three years as a Laboratory supervisory role; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of education for each year of qualifying experience. MLS/MT ASCP/AMT or related credentials/licensure for STI and TB required.

Valued Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the advanced principles of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology and/or microbiology; of chemical, biochemical, immunological, and/or microbiological laboratory techniques and procedures; of the hazards of laboratory activities and safety procedures; of principles and methods of supervision; and of the business requirements of the agency. Ability is required to manage the financial aspects of a unit, including budgeting and cost-benefit analyses; to collaborate with intra- and inter-agency programs and technical managers in decision making processes; to manage and supervise technical and/or administrative support staff to maintain effective working relationships; and to exercise initiative and independent judgment. Knowledge of laboratory principles and techniques in parasitology, serology, and/or mass spectrometry; of the organization and function of state laboratories and their role in national programs; of the principles and methods of supervision; of the state and federal laws and regulations that pertain to laboratory analysis and accreditation; and of budget preparation and revenue management. Ability is required to plan and coordinate the work of a laboratory with other services and programs within the agency and between (state and federal) agencies; to establish and maintain professional working relationships with others; and to plan staffing needs.