Clinical Chemistry Director

Department/Unit:

Clinical Chemistry

Work Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Salary Range:

$130,842.00 - $209,347.00

The Clinical Chemistry Director possesses the character, competence, training and ability to direct the technical and scientific operation of the clinical chemistry laboratory along with providing oversight and direction for assigned sections of the laboratory that may include chemistry receiving, general chemistry, special chemistry, OR lab and forensic toxicology lab, with division of responsibilities determined by the Clinical laboratory Service Director and other Clinical Chemistry directors if applicable. The director ensures proper supervision or performance of test procedures, adherence to the department's quality control standards and accurate reporting of findings and tests for all assigned sections. Other key aspects include method development, quality management, interpretive consultation, administrative management, and educational activities for staff and students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic and Operational Planning
  • Oversee the development of clinical chemistry strategic plan consistent with that of the organization.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary teams to assess overall systems integration issues.
  • Assist the System Administrative Director and Supervisor(s) in developing and continually assessing an annual operating budget and long-term capital expenditure plan.
• Planning and Program Development
  • Develop a knowledge base in current emerging scientific disciplines and technologies. Expand the knowledge base into other disciplines as new implications impact the specialty.
  • Provide direct 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.
  • 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. Act on concerns to improve/change laboratory service.
  • Use aggregate laboratory data to evaluate possibilities for improving laboratory practice.
  • Successfully negotiate contract terms for instrumentation used throughout the laboratory.
  • Responsible for determining space and resource requirements. Communicates these needs to the System Administrative Director with the help of the Supervisor(s) and follows through to meet these standards.
  • Ensure that processes for identifying and correcting sentinel events are in place.
  • Direct the clinical chemistry proficiency testing program to ensure the following: (1) The laboratory is enrolled in a PT program for the testing performed, (2) Testing of proficiency samples is performed the same as for patient specimens, (3) Results are returned within the timeframes established by the program, (4) Result reports are reviewed to evaluate laboratory performance, (5) 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 patient 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 medical staff and clinical chemistry technical staff.
  • Oversee development and/or maintain current job descriptions, which specify the responsibilities and duties of each person engaged in the performance of pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic testing.
  • Identify which examinations/procedures each individual is authorized to perform, whether supervision is required, and whether consultant or director