Job Posting OPEN
Assistant Director of Laboratory
Scan With Your Phone To Apply!
SUMMARY: Under direction of the Director of
Laboratory, the Assistant Director of Laboratory is responsible for the
operation and administration of the laboratory; coordinating the activities of
supervisors and personnel engaged in performing chemical and/or physical tests,
quality control processes, and reporting clinical laboratory test results. Responsible for performing tests in a
high-complexity clinical laboratory in three or more specialties, such as
Microbiology, Serology, Chemistry, Toxicology, and/or Immunology. The Assistant
Director of Laboratory may fulfill the director’s duties in his/her absence.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.
Other duties may
be assigned.
- Must be always
accessible to supervisors and testing personnel while testing is performed and
provide telephone or electronic consultation to resolve technical problems in
accordance with policies and procedures established by the laboratory director.
- Responsible
for providing day-to-day management of test performances by supervisors and
testing personnel.
- Responsible
for ensuring that the laboratory supervisors monitor test analysis and specimen
examinations to ensure the acceptable levels of analytic performance are
maintained.
- Assure through
their supervisors that all remedial actions are taken whenever test systems
deviate from the laboratory’s established performance.
- Assure through
their supervisors that patient test results are not reported until all
corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly.
- Assure that
orientation to the laboratory is provided to all testing personnel by their
supervisors.
- Assure that
prescribed procedures are followed in the performance of any tests within the
laboratory specialties and be capable of calculating the results of the tests
performed if necessary.
- Assure the
proper operation, calibration, performance checks, and maintenance of all
clinical laboratory instruments and equipment.
- Recognize and
correct basic instrument malfunctions if necessary.
- Assure that
reagents and media are prepared from a prescribed procedure and adjustments are
made if necessary.
- Assure that
media, reagents, and calibrators are evaluated according to established
criteria.
- Assure that
established quality control procedures are conducted on analytical tests,
equipment, reagents, media, and products.
Evaluate results of quality control and ensure implementation of
corrective action when indicated.
- Determine
performance specifications for new methods.
- Establish
basic quality control procedures.
- Assure that
comparison studies of precision, accuracy, linearity, cost, suitability, etc.
are performed on new and existing procedures and results are reported in an
established format.
- Correlate and
interpret data based on knowledge of physiological conditions affecting results
and assess plausibility of laboratory results through correlating of data when
necessary.
- Specify the
need for additional laboratory tests for definitive diagnostic information in
prescribed instances.
- Confirm and
verify results through knowledge of techniques, alternatives, and instruments.
- Recognize
problems, identify the cause, develop alternatives, and determine solutions
where no preset criteria are available.
- Establish and
monitor quality assurance/continuous quality improvement programs.
- Establish and
monitor safety programs in compliance with laboratory regulations.
- Assure that
records are maintained that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are
tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
- Assure
utilization of laboratory information systems or other methods to report
patient results accurately and effectively.
- Assure that
laboratory procedures are written to conform to a standardized format.
- Provide
clinical orientation and supervision for students and new or less skilled
laboratory personnel.
- Monitor
ordering or direct ordering of drugs, solutions, and equipment and assure that
records of ordering are maintained.
- Initiate the
purchase of supplies and equipment required for the laboratory.
- Assist with
the interpretation of corporate policy and state law as related to the
laboratory.
- Participate in
Corporate safety procedures and programs.
- Remain current
in laboratory knowledge and skills.
- Must be
licensed as a laboratory director in the State of Tennessee or able to obtain
within a year.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly manages supervisors and/or technical and clerical staff in the laboratories.
Carries out managerial responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning,
assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees;
addressing complaints and resolving problems.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Must possess a PhD in biological science, chemistry, medical technology,
or related area and hold an HCLD certification. Must have at least five years
of full-time laboratory experience, or its equivalent subsequent to qualifying
as a manager. Experience must be in a
clinical laboratory acceptable to the Medical Laboratory Board of Tennessee and
with a director at the doctoral level.
OTHER
SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of
the principles and practices of supervisory and general management abilities
for a laboratory. Ability to establish
and maintain an effective working relationship with faculty members, students,
residents, staff, patients, and other third parties. Ability to organize tasks, working as a team
member and independently. Ability to
operate computer, keyboard, and printer.
Convey a professional and positive image and attitude.