Associate Director of Science (Microbiology)

Responsibilities

• Responsible for test method selection and validation.
• Ensures that proficiency testing program is conducted in a timely manner, reviewed by appropriate staff, and approve of corrective action when a proficiency testing result is found to be unsatisfactory.
• Monitors quality control to ensure that acceptable levels of analytical performance are maintained for each test system. Ensures that patient test results are reported only when the system is functioning properly.
• Work with clinical laboratory operation staff to ensure that assays are performing as expected and laboratory practice meets CLIA, CAP and State regulatory requirements.
• Reviews corrective action and preventative action plans and procedures.
• Routinely reviews Standard Operating Procedures for test systems.
• Provides discussion of assay data for clients via personal interaction.
• Provides clinical consultation to clients of the laboratory.
• Ensures that test results include pertinent information required for interpretation.
• Communicates matters about quality of test results and interpretation in relation to specific patient conditions.
• Ensures safety procedures applicable to the department clearly defined and strictly enforced through proper delegation to laboratory supervisors. Reviews all safety procedure updates and revisions.
• Ensures compliance with the polices on quality and accuracy of reporting of test results. Maintains appropriate communications both intra and inter-departmentally.
• Ensures departments are in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal licensing regulations.
• Participates in continuous improvement utilizing the LeanThinking.
• Directs the on-going research and development of new assays, troubleshooting and/or improvements of current assays.
• Participates, as needed, in the formulation and coordination for sales and marketing objectives and programs. Assists in the identification of new clients and services. Functions as a liaison between laboratory clients and the sales and marketing organization. Provides assistance to Sales and Marketing in terms of writing technical brochures and, as required, give lectures to clients and sales representatives.
• Serves as Quest Diagnostics representative to the scientific community via services, publications, presentations, etc.
• Teaching didactics to the Pathology residents and Medical Technologists/Students in training.

Qualifications

M.D., D.O., or D.D.S. degree, or an earned doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D., Sc.D.) in a relevant chemical, physical, or biological science major from an accredited institution. Typically requires at least 2 years of work experience inclusive of postdoctoral fellowship.

Language Skills

Must possess excellent command of the English language and grammar, with demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communications. Ability to understand and critically analyze internal product development documents and business presentations, general business periodicals, relevant technical journals, and applicable governmental regulations. Ability to write clear, concise reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to common inquiries or complaints from employees, executives, vendors, customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the scientific community.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to compute basic statistical measures associated with quality control functions. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, linear algebra, and curve fitting at a sufficient level to guide staff and assess the quality of departmental work.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to analyze an extensive variety of business and technical information, make appropriate assumptions, and understand the implications of both the data limitations and assumptions on the conclusions drawn. Ability to effectively analyze and challenge data and conclusions generated by others.

Licenses, Certificates, Registration

ABMM certification or eligibility preferred.