Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics Assistant Director

Department/Unit:

Molecular Diagnostics

Work Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Salary Range:

$106,604.71 - $170,567.54

The Microbiology & Molecular Diagnostics Assistant Director possesses the character, competence, training and ability to direct, in association with the Director, the technical and scientific operation of the clinical microbiology and molecular diagnostic laboratories, including routine and special bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, virology, diagnostic immunology and molecular diagnostic services. The assistant director ensures proper supervision or performance of test procedures, adherence to the department's quality control standards, and accurate reporting of findings and tests. Other key aspects include method development, quality management, interpretive consultation, administrative management, and educational activities for staff and students. The assistant director is responsible for meeting all regulatory requirements for the position and maintain a Certificate of Qualification (CQ) from NYSDOH CLEP program in the categories they are responsible for. The assistant director must also adhere to all regulatory requirements as established in the NYSDOH CLEP standards of practice.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic and Operational Planning

  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.

• 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.

  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 in