Histocompatibility Lab Director

Job Description:

WHY CHOOSE US?
As one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross networks, throughout the world. When you join our team, you have a direct impact on a meaningful mission, and you can help save lives every day. If you share our passion for helping people, join us in this excellent career opportunity. Work where your career is a force for good.

We are committed to the diversity of our workforce and to delivering our programs and services in a culturally competent manner reflecting the communities we serve.  Our work environment is collaborative, respectful, and inclusive with a focus on building allyship and a culture of belonging that empowers all team members. Come to learn, grow, and succeed while sharing your passion for making a difference. 

The Red Cross supports a variety of cultural and community resource groups for employees and volunteers. From the Ability Network, our Asian American & Pacific Islander Resource Group, the Latino Resource Group, and Red Cross PRIDE, to the Umoja African American Resource Group, our Veterans+ Resource Group, and the Women’s Resource Group, these networks provide connections, mentoring and help give voice to important concerns and opinions.

At the American Red Cross, your uniqueness can shine 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (Job Overview):

This role reports directly to the Senior Laboratory Director and is pivotal in advancing the operations of the HLA laboratory. The position combines clinical, administrative, and research responsibilities, ensuring the delivery of high-quality laboratory services in alignment with ASHI standards at the American Red Cross.

WHERE YOUR CAREER IS A FORCE GOOD (Key Responsibilities):

Excellence in Laboratory Quality Assurance

• Develop Comprehensive Testing Systems: Implement robust systems to ensure the highest laboratory quality standards across all testing phases—pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic. This includes optimizing sample handling, ensuring precision in test execution, and enhancing accuracy in reporting results.
• Achieve Established Turnaround Times (TAT): Lead efforts to maintain and exceed target turnaround times for lab results, supporting critical patient care and clinical decision-making.

Driving Innovation in Immunogenetics and Histocompatibility Research

• Research Design & Development: Spearheaded research initiatives that advance the fields of immunogenetics and histocompatibility, in alignment with the mission of the American Red Cross Blood Services. Develop cutting-edge projects that contribute to scientific knowledge and clinical practice.
• Validation of Advanced Testing Procedures: Lead the development, rigorous validation, and implementation of innovative testing methodologies. Ensure new procedures are thoroughly validated to meet clinical service standards locally and nationally.

Clinical Expertise & Problem Resolution

• Review and Oversight of Clinical Reports: Apply expert judgment to review clinical test reports, addressing complex or atypical cases with precision. Serve as a go-to resource for resolving challenging clinical testing issues, whether from transplantation partners or in-house teams.
• Continuous Professional Development: Stay at the forefront of the field by engaging with the latest scientific research, presenting findings at professional conferences, and participating in national and international workshops.

Leadership in Staff Development and Continuing Education

• Foster a Culture of Excellence: Provide effective leadership that motivates, develops, and recognizes technical staff. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Ensure Compliance with ASHI Standards: Facilitate ongoing education and competency assessments for lab staff, ensuring adherence to the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) accreditation requirements.

Strategic Project Management & Innovation

• Lead Special Projects: Initiate and oversee projects aimed at enhancing test procedures, techniques, and reagent development. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that may expand the laboratory's clinical service offerings.
• Data Analysis & Project Adjustment: Analyze data and project outcomes to refine methodologies and ensure successful implementation, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize results.

Operational Leadership & Policy Development

• Establish and Refine Laboratory Policies: Develop and implement lab-specific policies while ensuring alignment with broader organizational practices. Make strategic recommendations to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
• Business Development & Client Engagement: Actively pursue new business opportunities, including securing contracts and expanding lab services. Cultivate partnerships with area and national hospitals to strengthen the laboratory's market presence.

Support for Laboratory Leadership Continuity

• Provide Backup to the Senior Laboratory Director: Serve as a reliable backup to the senior lab director in key functional areas. Leverage cross-training and expertise to ensure seamless lab operations and leadership coverage.

Standard Schedule: M-F Day Shift

Sign On Bonus Included

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED (Minimum Qualifications):

• Ph.D. or MD/DO with ASHI Certification as a Director.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in all phases of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, including managing operations in a high-volume clinical HLA testing laboratory, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• At least 2 years of leadership experience, with proven abilities in managing teams and lab operations.
• Proficiency in databases, IT systems, and genomic software relevant to HLA and immunogenetics testing.
• Strong analytical skills with a demonstrated attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a focus on collaboration and relationship-building.
• Strong teaching and coaching skills to support staff development and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to solve complex clinical and operational challenges.
• Travel: up to 50%

WHAT WILL GIVE YOU THE COMPETITIVE EDGE (Preferred Qualifications):  

Extensive scientific knowledge and advanced technical skills in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, with expertise in the following areas:

• HLA Serology and Molecular Genetics, including Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Platelet Serology and HLA Antibody Screening/Identification.
• Flow Cytometry Crossmatch Techniques.
• Chimerism Studies for transplantation monitoring and diagnostics.
• Strong focus on detail, accuracy, and efficiency in both scientific and customer-facing responsibilities.

Proven track record of delivering excellent customer service, with a commitment to maintaining a positive and professional image in all interactions.

Strong focus on detail, accuracy, and efficiency in both scientific and customer-facing responsibilities.

*Combination of candidate’s education and general experience satisfies requirements so long as the total years equate to the description’s minimum education and general experience years combined (Management experience cannot be substituted).

BENEFITS FOR YOU:
We take care of you, while you take care of others. As a mission-based organization, we believe our team needs great support to do great work. Our comprehensive benefits help you in balancing home and work. With our resources and perks, you have amazing possibilities at the American Red Cross to advance the learning.

• Medical, dental, and Vision plans
• Health Spending Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts
• PTO + Holidays
• 401K with a 5% match
• Paid Family Leave
• Employee Assistance
• Disability and Insurance: Short + Long Term
• Service Awards and recognition

LI*POST

The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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AmeriCorps, the federal agency that brings people together through service, and its partners — the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps Alums, National Peace Corps Association, and the Service Year Alliance — launched Employers of National Service to connect national service alumni with opportunities in the workforce. American Red Cross is proud to be an EONS partner and share our employment opportunities with the network of organizations.

Interested in Volunteering? Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more, including our most-needed volunteer positions.

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