Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics Assistant Director

Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics Assistant Director

Requirements

• Doctorate Degree from an accredited institution with a relevant major in one of the biological sciences – required
• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) – currently certified by the American Board of Pathology in Clinical Pathology – required
• At least two years of post-doctoral training and or experience directing an acceptable clinical microbiology and molecular diagnostics laboratory
• An overall understanding of all aspects of clinical microbiology including bacteriology, diagnostic immunology, mycobacteriology, mycology, parasitology and virology.
• Ability to work with the Director in managing a high volume, computerized Clinical Microbiology & Molecular Diagnostics laboratory in an academic medical center.
• A strong interest in teaching, research, and development.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Analyze, design, and implement complex systems that successfully incorporate personnel, instrumentation, and information management.
• Effectively implement change and lead change management process improvement programs in the department.
• Understand diverse values and work successfully in a multicultural environment.
• Valid or eligible for a New York State Department of Health Certificate of Qualification in several subspecialities of the laboratory – required
• Certified by the American Board of Medical Microbiology; or four years of training and/or experience in an acceptable Microbiology laboratory subsequent to receiving the degree – required

Responsibilities

• Assists the Director with overseeing the development of a microbiology and molecular diagnostic strategic plan consistent with that of the organization.
• Participate in interdisciplinary teams to assess overall systems integration issues.
• Assist the System Administrative Director, Director, and Supervisor(s) in developing and continually assessing an annual operating budget and long-term capital expenditure plan.
• Develop a knowledge base in current emerging scientific disciplines and technologies.
• Assist the Director in providing leadership in the development of laboratory policies and procedures that support and ensure compliance with all applicable service, hospital and center policies and procedures.
• Encourages the participation of personnel in shaping the laboratory’s vision and values.
• Assist the Director to oversee the implementation of control systems to ensure quality results.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.
• Participate in the preparation and follow-up for on-site inspections/surveys by accrediting and regulatory agencies.
• Have knowledge of feedback systems for laboratory performance.
• Work with the Director to act on concerns to improve/change laboratory service.
• Use aggregate laboratory data to evaluate possibilities for improving laboratory practice.
• In the absence of the Director, successfully negotiate contract terms for instrumentation used throughout the laboratory.
• Assist Director in determining space and resource requirements.
• Communicates these needs to the System Administrative Director with the help of the Director and Supervisor(s) and follows through to meet these standards.
• Assist Director in ensuring that processes for identifying and correcting sentinel events are in place.
• In absence of the Director, directs the microbiology proficiency testing program to ensure the following: The laboratory is enrolled in a PT program for the testing performed. Testing of proficiency samples is performed the same as for patient specimens. Results are returned within the timeframes established by the program. Result reports are reviewed to evaluate laboratory performance. The approved corrective action plan is followed when results are found to be unacceptable or unsatisfactory.
• Establish verification and documentation procedures to determine the accuracy, precision, and other pertinent performance characteristics of testing methods.
• In absence of the Director, ensure that all necessary remedial actions are taken and documented whenever significant deviations from the laboratory’s established performance specifications are identified, and that patient test results are reported only when the system is functioning properly.
• Authorize culture workup when beyond the scope of the SOP.
• Assist the Director to determine when a test can and should be automated or eliminated or a new technology implemented.
• Prepare and present the business plan to ensure implementation of cost-effective changes.
• Ensure all information on the microbiology report is accurate and the report/test result contains pertinent information needed for the interpretation of the result.
• Provide onsite, telephone or electronic consultation for overall laboratory operations.
• Coordinate the interaction of Infectious Disease staff and microbiology technical staff.
• In the absence of the Director, oversee development and/or maintain current job descriptions, which specify the responsibilities and duties of each person engaged in the performance of preanalytic, analytic and postanalytic testing.
• Identify which examinations/procedures each individual is authorized to perform, whether supervision is required, and whether consultant or director review is required prior to reporting patient test results.
• Constructively communicate with staff and laboratory supervisors to set a climate for positive motivation and effectively resolve staff conflicts and performance issues.
• In the absence of the Director, administer the microbiology quality assurance program, and participate in the Laboratory Service Quality Improvement Team.
• In the absence of the Director, evaluate customer satisfaction with laboratory services and use data to make decisions for laboratory process improvement activities.
• Develops leaders at every level who help fulfill the laboratory’s mission, vision, and values.
• Advance understanding and consensus through a wide variety of presentation skills.
• Serves as a mentor in technical and administrative procedures for the supervisor(s).
• Actively participate in the educational programs for the laboratory, service, and organization by providing in services and/or lectures for team members, students, and residents.
• Encourage team members development at all levels.
• Maintain qualifications in clinical microbiology and infectious disease management.
• Actively pursue current trends in new technology through attendance and participation at national and local professional meetings, networking with peers, and other forms of continuing education.
• Readily available to provide consultation and interpretation of microbiology data for health care providers.
• Counsel and advise physicians/providers regarding test ordering patterns and antimicrobial usage.
• Assists clinicians in the interpretation of abnormal results.
• Offers explanations for variances and assists in the selection of appropriate follow-up testing to confirm abnormal results when needed.
• Serve as a member of various hospital committees, including but not limited to, antimicrobial stewardship, high risk pathogen committee, and clinical laboratory utilization committee.
• Serves as a resource in the resolution of healthcare system-wide issues.
• Maintain a productive working relationship with other affiliate hospitals, laboratory departments, laboratory and center administrations, other areas/departments of the Medical Center and the medical community to accomplish goals.
• Plan, design and/or adapt information management system(s) in conjunction with LIS/IS, optimizing the system(s) to meet internal and external needs, including the following: confidentiality, privacy, security, accessibility, and resolution of complaints.
• In absence of the Director, immediately address and assess any issues and/or complaints regarding patient safety.
• In conjunction with the System Administrative Director, Quality Manager, and Supervisor(s), complete a thorough investigation which results in a corrective action plan to address the concern.
• Collect and analyze data relating to microbiology and molecular patient results.
• Notify hospital and laboratory leadership if any nonconformances are identified.
• Ensure that all testing is done according to hospital policies and procedures, including proper patient identification.

Preferred Qualifications

No preferred qualifications provided.