Lab Safety Group Manager

Job Description:
Serves as the Laboratory Safety Group Manager for the Public Health Laboratory Division (PHLD) under the direction of the Laboratory Building Operations Branch Manager. Performs highly complex (senior-level) managerial work administering daily laboratory-related operations of the Laboratory Safety Group and supporting safety activities of the Public Health Laboratory Division. Ensures the safety and compliance program functions overseen meet federal and state regulations for laboratory safety and testing. Establishes and ensures adherence to laboratory and safety-related standard operating procedures and quality assurance regulations/guidelines. Supervises personnel through monitoring, coaching, and evaluations. Provides direction, guidance, and assistance to staff supervised. Establishes goals and objectives for continuous improvement to laboratory operations including but not limited to laboratory safety, laboratory testing and quality management system. Monitors procurement, contracting, and fiscal aspects of the operations of laboratory functions overseen. Provides laboratory-related professional consultation, technical expertise, and guidance to laboratory management, customers, professional organizations, and staff. Works under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions:
EJF 1. (40%) Administration of daily laboratory-related operations and activities supporting safety, staff and quality assurance laboratory testing of laboratory specimens/samples received from submitters throughout the State of Texas. Ensures the safety and compliance program functions overseen meet federal and state regulations for laboratory testing including but not limited to The NELAC Institute (TNI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), College of American Pathologists (CAP), International Organization for Standards (ISO) ISO/IEC , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Department of Transportation (DOT), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and/or the Select Agent Regulations. Analyzes complex scientific and regulatory information and reaches appropriate solutions. Composes and reviews policies, standard operating procedures, and detailed laboratory-related reports. Develops, maintains, and ensures compliance with a laboratory-wide quality assurance and safety program. Identifies opportunities for improvement of laboratory-related operations, evaluates problems, and proposes solutions. Assists with implementation of changes resulting from changed or new legislation related to functions overseen. Confers with executive management to develop strategic plans. Establishes goals and objectives for continuous improvement to laboratory operations including but not limited to laboratory safety, quality management system, and laboratory testing.
EJF 2. (35%) Hires, supervises, trains, mentors and evaluates staff. Provides or coordinates training for staff on laboratory functions overseen, unique quality and safety requirements of specific regulatory agencies, continuous quality improvement methods, and problem-solving techniques. Assigns tasks and establishes deadlines; performs all required supervisory human resource activities including preparing performance plans and evaluations within established time frames.
EJF 3. (20%) Develops goals, oversees implementation, and manages resources and budgets. Plans and manages purchasing, maintenance contracts, equipment, and other laboratory-related procurements for functions overseen. Determines appropriate specifications for testing reagents, service contracts, and equipment. Ensures purchases, delivery, and inventory for adequate supplies are made to meet laboratory needs. Provides personnel, expendable supplies and services, and equipment needs to management. Assures cost-effective and efficient workflow by researching, developing, and implementing new laboratory-related procedures, techniques, and policies. Provides laboratory-related professional consultation, technical expertise and guidance to laboratory management, customers, professional organizations, and staff. Maintains technical knowledge and proficiency through study of peer-review journals and attendance at scientific meetings. May assist with peer review audits as instructed by Lab Director.
EJF4. (5%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment/location. Assures adequate contingency plans for testing, quality assurance, and safety. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
• Comprehensive knowledge of public health laboratory technology, techniques and terminology specific for functions overseen.
• Comprehensive knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations relevant to safely operating a public health testing laboratory.
• Extensive knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles and regulations.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including biosafety level containment.
• Knowledge of statistics and their application to biological data; ability to review and make recommendations based on study data.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Knowledge of email, word processing, spreadsheet and database programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of budgetary, purchasing, and material management procedures.
• Skill to manipulate laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.
• Skill in synthesizing, analyzing, and troubleshooting complex scientific and regulatory information and reaching an appropriate conclusion.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Skill in oral and written instructions and communication.
• Skill in training/presenting information to others based on regulations, requirements and procedures.
• Skill in effective decision-making, negotiation, facilitation, coordination and collaboration.
• Skill in identifying project challenges, risks and gaps.
• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise personnel and maintain work schedules for completion of critical laboratory services for a high volume of workload.
• Ability to communicate technical instructions and interact effectively with staff.
• Ability to teach work area procedures to subordinates and guests.
• Ability to conduct personnel interviews and evaluations.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and protocols and to keep accurate, detailed records.
• Ability to interact with customers on a variety of concerns including complaints.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives for work teams and to monitor the progress of teams.
• Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.
• Ability to change or adapt to challenges or unexpected changes with flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Ability to initiate, plan, implement, evaluate and deliver a project or assignment in a timely manner.
• Ability to develop an action plan to execute a specific project to achieve a specific goal.
• Ability to work in harmony with others.

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