Public Health Laboratory Manager 3-Virology Manager

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) Division of Laboratory Services (DLS) provides clinical and environmental laboratory testing services through two public health laboratories located in Nashville and Knoxville. The Nashville Central Laboratory is a dedicated facility with over 180 full-time employees and state-of-the-art equipment. This position will report to the Assistant Director of Serology and Virology and will oversee the technical, programmatic, operational, and administrative activities of the Virology section, including testing of vaccine-preventable diseases (i.e., Measles and Mumps), respiratory pathogens (i.e., SARS-CoV-2, Influenza), foodborne viral pathogens (i.e., Norovirus), and other viral pathogens of public health concern. Under general supervision of the Assistant Director, the incumbent serves as Laboratory Manager of a laboratory section with management over laboratory personnel, laboratory testing, quality management, safety, laboratory operations, training, budgets, and provides technical and/or scientific consultation of considerable difficulty. This position performs managerial responsibilities with oversight of a laboratory section with responsibility over multiple subsection specialties, supervision of laboratory supervisors and scientists, and has broader scope of work with higher level of complexity compared to the PH Laboratory Manager 1 and 2 positions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical, operational, and administrative oversight of the Virology Section, including but not limited to planning, organizing, scheduling, and directing the work of the section.
• Develop, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, and performance/quality indicators to meet agency policies and procedures, regulatory requirements and organizational goals.
• Define, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance standards for testing and non-testing operations to ensure conformity with the quality management system. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., CLIA), quality standards (e.g., ISO 17025) and accreditation.
• Assist Assistant Director and Division Director with administrative activities including budget management, resource management, contracts, procurement, grant writing, and strategic planning to secure funding and support for laboratory services.
• Ensures sufficiently qualified technical and support staff are fully trained and competent in providing the highest quality of laboratory testing and customer service.
• Provide workforce development and educational opportunities for laboratory staff, students, fellows, and other professionals, including staff engagement, coaching and mentoring, staff recognition, and cross-training. Ensure laboratory staff are qualified, trained, and competent in providing high-quality testing and customer service.
• Maintain knowledge of clinical and public health infectious diseases, environmental laboratory science, or related laboratory specialties to oversee technical and programmatic services. Provide technical or scientific consultation by answering questions from internal and external stakeholders and assures testing activities are congruent with agency/organizational goals and objectives.
• Foster effective collaboration with public health partners, including local and regional health departments and the CEDEP at the Tennessee Department of Health. Ensure there is effective written and oral communication between internal and external stakeholders.
• The responsibilities described indicate the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience : Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Sciences or related field of study from an accredited college or university, four years of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience in a related field study, and at least two years of supervisory and/or managerial experience; OR successful completion of an accredited, four year medical laboratory scientist program, and four years of full-time pertinent laboratory experience in the related field, and at least two year of supervisory and/or managerial experience; OR meet CLIA Testing Personnel Qualification Category set forth in federal CMS regulations 42 CFR 493.1489 and four years of full-time pertinent laboratory experience in the related field, and at least two years of supervisory and/or managerial experience.

Necessary Special Qualifications: A PH Lab Manager 4 performing clinical duties and responsibilities must have or be eligible for a TN Medical Laboratory Supervisor License or TN Medical Laboratory Director License. Eligible incumbents must receive their TN Medical Laboratory Supervisory License or TN Medical Laboratory Director License within 12 months of hire date. Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license throughout the duration of employment.

Substitution of Education for Experience: Graduate course work received from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for the required experience on a year-to-year basis to a maximum of two years (e.g., 24 graduate semester hours or 36 graduate quarter hours in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience), with there being no substitution for supervisory or managerial experience. A transcript with ALL credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order for the agency to properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification. Additionally, up to two years of post-baccalaureate training (e.g., fellowships) in clinical and/or public health laboratory sciences may substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience managing a multi-disciplinary team of professionals with various levels of experience and technical expertise.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate information to executive management and agency leadership.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to set priorities, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines with challenging time constraints.
• Experience in laboratory regulations (e.g., CLIA), accreditation (e.g., CAP), and certification (e.g., EPA, ISO17025, ISO9001).
• Board certification or licensure in relevant professional sciences.

Monthly Salary Range: $6544 - $8454

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Apply Link:  https://hub.edison.tn.gov/ords/r/tn_er/tn-careers-external/home