System Technical Director, Microbiology

Job Summary: System Technical Director, Microbiology

Plans, implements, monitors, and leads the system microbiology laboratory technical operations. Reports to the operations laboratory director with matrixed reporting to the microbiology CLIA directors. Provides the laboratory technologists and technical directors with guidance and direction on standard and specialized testing procedures. Develops, coordinates, and presents system educational programs and internal testing procedures. Performs clinically relevant research and analysis for advanced and new microbiology testing. Responsible for developing, implementing and leading major microbiology research projects. Provides consultation to physicians, participates on outside committees, and collaborates with leaders within and outside of laboratory on system-level quality improvement initiatives. Supports work with Operational Alignment system strategies by working with laboratory directors, technical directors, and leadership on identified metrics and goals.

Essential Functions: System Technical Director, Microbiology

Plans, implements and directs the technical and administrative activities of the system Microbiology Laboratories to maintain an efficient workflow. Monitors testing and results for accuracy to ensure the quality control of processes within the Microbiology Laboratory. Ensures lab practices continue to meet regulatory compliance requirements (CLIA, CAP, etc).
• Provides guidance and direction to the microbiology staff in proper procedures and oversees competency of all employees in the department. Evaluates laboratory needs and assigns technologists to appropriate committees. Delegates technologists’ time and efforts as required by laboratory functions. Assists the technologists in determining the need and extent for additional and/or specialized testing and troubleshoots major testing concerns or seeks necessary commercial technical assistance. Performs clinically relevant research and analysis on pathogens involving Corewell Health patients and in evaluating new or advanced tests methods.
• Researches, standardizes, promotes, and implements new procedures and technologies that will assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Ultimately determines what test methodology is to be adopted by the system Microbiology Laboratories and where necessary seeks physician input for test methods. Evaluates validation studies for all new tests and delegates or develops the corresponding policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Provides consultation in areas of expertise to a variety of healthcare providers, including physicians in regards to assessment of differential diagnosis, test selection, evaluation for appropriate antimicrobial therapy in concordance with known susceptibility patterns and test results, and interaction with pathologists in cases upon their request. Participates as an active member and consultant on numerous internal and external committees to specifically include the Infection Prevention and Control Committee, the Infectious Disease Pharmacy Committee, and Laboratory Governance Committees. Provides guidance
in disease outbreaks and investigations and serves as an intermediary with public health organizations.
Provides input into Operational Alignment goals and metrics, works collaboratively with leadership on goals and our focus to meet them departmentally. Assists in developing department budget, equipment, and personnel needs. Provides input on correct and compliant charging of Microbiology testing to help ensure hospital financial goals. Provides input into identified safety or risk concerns that could impact department team members.
• Assists with the hiring, evaluation and corrective actions of laboratory staff and provides input to all staff scheduling decisions.
• Assists with the hiring, evaluation, scheduling, and corrective actions of laboratory staff. Creates opportunities and an environment for staff to excel in their profession.
• Evaluates outside research opportunities that align with departmental and/or system goals and manages the resources and efforts for successful completion.Actively participates in safety initiatives and risk mitigating measures where appropriate and completes all position and unit
safety related competencies and requirements on a timely basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications: System Technical Director, Microbiology

Education Level Education Details Required/Preferred
Doctorate in Microbiology Required

CRT-American Medical
Microbiology (ABMM) - ASM American Society for Microbiology Upon Hire Required

15 years of relevant experience technical and/or scientific experience in
microbiology or related field Required
3 years of relevant experience providing laboratory leadership to technical and
support staff Required

Physical Demands - System Technical Dir