SCID/SMA Team Leader

Brief Job Description: 

Under the minimal supervision of the SCID-SMA Screening Group Manager, plans, directs, and manages the technical resources and activities of the SCID-SMA Newborn Screening Team.  Utilizes expert working knowledge of all procedures to ensure that analytic accuracy is maintained and process corrections are implemented. Uses expert knowledge to develop, establish and update standard protocols for the molecular testing of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and other procedures.  Monitors and documents quality assurance issues including specimen turnaround time, quality control, quality assurance and proficiency testing performance.  Responsible for making significant decisions about the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens.  Participates in the training of personnel on the team and encourages communication within the team.  Participates in preparing laboratory budgets, providing cost analysis, assessing equipment needs and incorporating new technologies.  Provides information to public health personnel.  Serves as an authority, technical resource and positive role model.  Duties are performed with extensive latitude to develop and interpret protocols with advanced use of scientific knowledge and judgment.  Supports the creation of a laboratory-wide safety culture by serving as a liaison to the Safety Office to ensure a healthy and safe workplace. 

Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary, all staff members will be required to work on Saturday as part of a rotating schedule. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. 

EJF 1.   Oversees the advanced molecular genetic daily activities of the SCID-SMA screening laboratory. Ensures analytical accuracy of testing performed in the laboratory through regular reviews of Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and proficiency surveys.  Identifies discrepancies, implements, and documents corrective actions and outcomes.  Ensures that testing is performed without disruption within established turnaround times and that reports are accurate.  Maintains current, CLIA-compliant standard operating procedure manuals.  Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. (30%) 

EJF 2.   Performs routine bench technical duties, including analysis, interpretation of highly complex molecular data, verification, and release of results.   (20%) 

EJF 3.   Coordinates research, evaluation, and development projects to assure state of the art testing.  Coordinates and implements new procedures as appropriate and conducts validation studies.  Performs troubleshooting of technical and equipment issues.  Prepares complex technical reports and research papers. (15%) 

EJF 4.   Performs administrative functions including completing regular reports and ad hoc reports, attending meetings, and storing records.  Notifies supervisor of problems, either technical or personnel, that impact the functioning of the laboratory.  Participates in preparing laboratory budgets and cost analysis, assessing equipment and staffing requirements. (15%) 

EJF 5.   Ensures adequate inventory of supplies and reagents to prevent delays in critical testing services. (5%) 

EJF 6.   Provides technical consultation, data analysis, and excellence in customer service to internal and external customers.  Conducts technical presentations, tours and student training.   Maintains documentation for and ensures appropriate training for staff. (5%) 

EJF 7.   Communicates with supervisor to supply needed input for personnel management.  Provides input into appropriate staffing qualifications for job descriptions, by participating in interview and selection teams and by recommending training for staff.  Monitors and provides feedback to supervisor on team members’ technical performance.  Encourages communication throughout the area.   Plans and assigns technical bench assignments. (5%) 

EJF 8. Performs other duties as assigned, including but 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 and/or location.   (5%) 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 

Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, quality assurance, CLIA regulations and  molecular genetic principles, techniques and terminology. 

Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques. 

Advanced knowledge of math and statistics as applied to laboratory science. 

Ability to perform analytical procedures, detect and troubleshoot analytical problems that could influence test results such as problems with reagents, equipment, and employee performance. 

Ability to maintain, recognize and solve staff and specimen work schedules for completion of critical laboratory services. 

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to both internal and external customers. 

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. 

Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment associated with work area. 

Ability to interact effectively with staff and work in harmony with other team members. 

Ability to work as part of a management team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures both at the analytical bench level and at the managerial/administrative task level.  

Ability to lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example. 

Ability to work independently, organize, multi-task and self-motivate as appropriate to complete tasks without close supervision. 

Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately. 

Ability to keep accurate, detailed records. 

Ability to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious material. 

Ability to recognize and solve work area problems. 

Ability to maintain work area instruments and automated testing equipment. 

Ability to teach work area procedures to subordinates and guests using laboratory technical and training skills. 

Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately. 

Ability to plan, assign, and monitor the work of others. 

Ability to make technical decisions and use mature judgment in test interpretation based on professional knowledge and experience. 

Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting. 

Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety. 

Knowledge of personnel management and supervisory skills including team, interpersonal, leadership and motivational skills. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

N/A 

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Education:  Have an earned bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution with at least four years of laboratory experience in high complexity testing; or have an earned master’s degree in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution with at least two years of laboratory experience in high complexity testing; or have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution with at least one year of laboratory experience in high complexity testing. 

Preferred but not required: Experience with clinical molecular laboratory testing including procedures in newborn screening. Experience in a high-volume workload laboratory setting. Knowledge of quality assurance, quality control, and CLIA/CAP regulations in a laboratory.  

Additional Information: 

Hepatitis Risk High. Required Hepatitis B and Tetanus/Diphtheria immunizations are provided. Must wear provided personal protective equipment (including face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, safety glasses) as required by testing/safety procedures.  
 
Interviews scheduled after screening.  
 
Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary, all staff members will be required to work on Saturday as part of a rotating schedule.  Shift differential for Saturday rotation applies per DSHS policy.  
 
Attach copy of college transcripts or equivalent.  
List on Application in Employment History for each job:  
-percent time and experience with specific laboratory instrumentation, including computers and software utilized  
-daily specimen workload  
-experience with quality control and quality assurance.