Public Health Laboratory Director (FAA00468-09/28/26)

CDPHE’s laboratory director is in the senior executive services class and appointed by CDPHE’s executive director. The position serves as the leader of the Colorado Public Health Laboratory, providing regulatory, scientific and operational direction and oversight of nearly 140 staff and an annual budget of $45 million. The director is supported by four deputies and numerous managers. The director sets the vision and performance goals, in alignment with CDPHE’s senior leaders. The director fosters an environment that integrates strategic, scientific and systems thinking, plus prioritizes strict attention to quality and compliance, ensuring the validity and dependability of laboratory results, and a continuous improvement mindset. 

The director provides laboratory personnel with the direction, management and professional development necessary to ensure that laboratory programs effectively meet their statutory and regulatory obligations, and are effective and scientifically rigorous, including Public Health and Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Chemistry, Newborn Screening, Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing,  Laboratory Certification, Quality Assurance, Biosafety, Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences, Gamete Bank and Fertility Clinics, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Laboratory Data Systems. 

The position will also oversee and support the laboratory’s ongoing modernization and quality improvement efforts, working in concert with the department’s Senior Executive Team and quality improvement consultants, providing leadership and scientific consultation, and implementing change management strategies with staff in order to improve laboratory services.  The position regularly identifies and communicates issues, resource needs and other challenges to the department’s Senior Executive Team (SES), including Chief Medical Officer, Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and others, assuring that problems are addressed swiftly and effectively. The position works across CDPHE to collaborate with other divisions for testing services and coordinated emergency response.

1. Transformational leadership and oversight of the laboratory

2. Quality assurance, environmental health & safety, and state and federal regulatory compliance

3. Operational oversight, ensuring operational excellence and fiscal stewardship

4. Human resources management

5. Laboratory modernization and process improvement

6. Legislative and regulatory initiatives and public affairs

7. Emergency preparedness and response

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• MD, DO, or DPM degree OR PhD /doctoral degree in chemical, biological, or laboratory science.

• Must have four or more years of experience in a laboratory executive role, managing staff and a budget.

In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:  

1. CLIA Certification: MD, DO, or DPM degree with pathology board certification OR 2+ years experience directing high-complexity tests, plus 20 CE credit hours in relevant laboratory practice; or PhD /doctoral degree in chemical, biological, or laboratory science and board-certified by an HHS-approved board, and 2 years experience directing and 2 years supervising high complexity testing, plus 20 CE credit hours in relevant laboratory practice

2. Extensive experience implementing quality assurance systems and assuring compliance with regulatory requirements

3. Excellent performance management skills.

4. Dynamic leadership skills and demonstrated record of producing results.

5. Political acumen

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

• A financial check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

• Travel (frequency, location, etc.): Potential meetings in other areas of the state or national conferences out of state. May include overnight stays 1-2 times per year.

• On-call Status: On call for public health emergencies or service disruptions

• Critical Services Designation This is a critical position and can be expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start, early release, or closure situations

A complete application packet must include:

• Completed State of Colorado application.

• A Resume

• A Cover Letter

• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

E-Verify: 

CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

ADAAA Accommodations:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at cdphe_benefits@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.