Public Health Assistant Laboratories Director

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

PURPOSE

The Public Health Assistant Laboratories Director (PHALD) oversees the day-to-day activities of the clinical laboratory, ensuring efficient operations and coordinating staff laboratory functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Public Health Laboratory (PHL) Management

• Plan and lead validation and verification activities for new test implementation to improve public health laboratory (PHL) testing services.
• Provide technical leadership in the evaluation, analysis, and validation of clinical test results using routine and/or emerging methods for microbial testing.
• Ensure prompt and accurate processing of specimens and timely reporting of results.
• Ensure all regulatory compliance obligations are met, such as those for CLIA, CDC Select Agent Program, and the Laboratory Response Network (LRN).
• Address test-related issues, including result interpretation and sample collection and storage.
• Serve as the CLIA Technical Supervisor for clinical diagnostic testing.

Staff Management and PHL Development

• Oversee staff conducting testing in the Microbiology, Virology, Molecular, and Keenan sections of the MHD laboratory.
• Assure smooth operations by providing day-to-day management of staff, prioritization of work, and coordination of ordering supplies.
• Pursue grant opportunities with internal and external community partners.
• Explore possibilities for expanding laboratory operations in clinical and disease surveillance testing areas.
• Develop policies, procedures, and document laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Assist with molecular epidemiological studies of communicable disease outbreaks.

Administrative

• Assist the PHL Director in the support, maintenance, and enhancement of the clinical laboratory testing services.
• Assist in financial oversight by monitoring and reporting monthly revenue and expenditures.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory agencies' requirements, recommendations, and guidelines.
• Participate in MHD lab quality management program activities.

Collaboration

• Contribute to departmental and community initiatives that support the mission of the MHD Laboratory.
• Participate in the public health laboratory community by presenting MHD Laboratory activities and data at committees, meetings, and conferences.
• Provide technical consultation related to test functionality, protocols, results, and limitations.
• Liaise with external agencies, including CDC, FBI, state public health laboratory, and local hospitals/clinics.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Work outside standard business hours to respond to public health and security emergencies.
• Obtain DOJ/FBI background clearance to comply with federal program requirements.
• Travel outside of the City of Milwaukee; occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Required pre-placement tests and vaccines apply.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must qualify as a CLIA Technical Supervisor for Microbiology in the subspecialty of bacteriology and/or virology as outlined in 42CFR 493.1449 at the time of appointment.
• Valid driver's license and access to an adequately insured vehicle at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of or progress toward obtaining a Board certification (e.g., ABMM or ABB), which would qualify the applicant to serve as Laboratory Director of High Complexity Testing per CLIA guidelines.

CURRENT SALARY

The current salary range (1JX) is $104,997- $123,106 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $109,197- $128,030 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications.

BENEFITS

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.