Director, Division of Molecular Diagnostics and Virology - (230001A0)

• Directs, manages, and provides interpretive expertise for all molecular, virology and serology methods for diagnostic testing of human, environmental and veterinary specimens for biologic threat agents from human, environmental, and veterinary samples in the molecular, sequencing, rabies, virus isolation and serology laboratories.

• Evaluates current and new laboratory testing capabilities and capacities for molecular testing methods and equipment required to respond to a terrorist event or other public health crisis involving an infectious disease outbreak.

• Develops, maintains, and continuously improves the laboratory quality system, quality control, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for high complexity testing to ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations including CLIA and FDA.

• Oversees the BSL3 laboratory and associated special safety practices for handling highly infectious agents and chain-of-custody procedures required for handling, testing, and reporting results from biological threat agent specimens.

• Partners with medical providers, and state, local and federal agencies to ensure public health laboratory services for infectious disease prevention and patient management are appropriate, timely and accurate.

• Leads interdisciplinary teams to prepare recommended strategies and plans in collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies; develops plans and protocols with input from other laboratory scientists, other MASPHL scientists in state and federal laboratories and academia, to address likely crisis scenarios.

• Designs and implements studies that address current scientific and programmatic questions related to laboratory testing.

• Oversees testing and quality indicators, ensures appropriate staffing, and implements new testing for the DPH Bureau of Laboratory Sciences' Laboratory Response Network and Homeland Security’s Biowatch program.

• Manages public health preparedness and 24/7 testing services for newly emerging infectious diseases of concern including SARS-CoV-2, monkeypox, avian influenza, as well as rapid testing of suspicious materials.

• Performs cost analyses of current testing practices and currently available alternative tests to inform decisions regarding testing practices and algorithms.

• Partners with internal and external partners to implement grant-funded activities, attending meetings/conferences as needed according to the requirements of the funding organizations, and monitoring grant-associated funds and expenses.

• Performs management and scientific duties as assigned by the Director of the State Public Health Laboratory, including but not limited to, testing, personnel forecasting, fiscal resources, planning, and vendor management.

• Provides interpretive expertise to ensure implementation of chain-of-custody and security clearance-related issues as they relate to molecular diagnostic testing within the DHS- sponsored Biowatch Program.

• Serves as subject matter expert and provides recommendations regarding state and federal legislation that may affect laboratory response to public health emergencies.

• Experience and knowledge in the principles and practices of clinical and molecular microbiology and sequencing as they apply to clinical and environmental laboratory testing in a diagnostic and public health setting including infectious disease surveillance and prevention activities.

• Knowledge of the theories and practices of clinical and molecular microbiology, including knowledge of instrumentation, study design, method development, data analysis.

• Experience in Quality Assurance in a regulated laboratory environment, specifically CLIA but may include ISO, FDA, or other relevant regulations/standards.

• Experience and knowledge in the principles, practices, current developments for operating a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory.

• Knowledge of the federal, state, and local agencies, resources, laws, regulations, and procedures which affect the operation of a clinical or public health laboratory.

• Capacity to lead teams and manage personnel, to work collaboratively as well as independently.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of organizational behavior and experience in supervision and management of staff by utilizing participatory management, personnel assessment, and performance review and resolve personnel conflicts effectively.

• Ability to perform supervisory tasks related to direct reports and in oversight capacity of health equity initiatives.

• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.

• Ability to work proactively and independently with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize inquires and tasks appropriately.

• Talent for communicating effectively in both writing and oral presentations.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build a unified, skilled, and effective team.

• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook.

• All Tier 1 Staff will undergo a security risk assessment (SRA), which includes signing a confidentiality statement, and renewal every three years.

• Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents.

• All Tier 1 designated staff who may be exposed to Tier 1 Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) must complete OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C), be evaluated and determined able to wear a respirator before working in any HSLI laboratory (Tier 1, non-Tier 1 and non-SAT) that requires a respirator.

• All Tier 1 designated staff are subject to a Security Risk Assessment (SRA) and ongoing suitability assessment to ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding Tier 1 Select Agents. Failure to pass the SRA and/ or suitability assessment required for access to Tier 1 BSAT may be laid off if no other resolution is reached.

Qualifications