Clinical Laboratory Administrator, #X40

basic Purpose:

Positions within this job family are assigned responsibilities for the overall management and supervision of a staff of technical and support personnel who perform clinical laboratory examinations or for directing the activities of a comprehensive statewide laboratory system providing diagnostic epidemiological and scientific services to state residents.

Typical functions:

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

• Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates a statewide clinical laboratory service.

• Develops and establishes laboratory goals, policies, programs and plans.

• Appraises needs for laboratory services; develops new, additional or different laboratory service programs.

• Coordinates and integrates laboratory activities with those of other subdivisions and with other state agencies conducting programs that require support from the clinical laboratories.

• Participates in the development of new programs, methodologies, tests and products necessary to further the department’s commitment to prevention and control of disease.

• Supervises the preparation and maintenance of laboratory records and reports; summarizes laboratory activities, accomplishments and needs.

• Develops and implements policies, procedures and performance standards designed to ensure efficient laboratory operation.

• Interprets or verifies difficult or unusual analyses; plans and supervises the performance of special tests and projects.

• Consults with physicians, hospital personnel and independent and hospital laboratory personnel regarding common laboratory problems.

• Plans new laboratory facilities; requisitions new equipment and laboratory supplies; determines and recommends laboratory support for departmental programs and activities.

• Represents the department in court or at hearings as an expert witness and public contacts, reviews, comments, and interprets federal, state legislation and local laws, objective, rules and procedures affecting the operation of laboratories.

• Cooperates with local, state and national agencies and organizations for the improvement of laboratory services particularly in reference to public health and medical services.

The Clinical Laboratory Administrator job family consists of two levels which are distinguished based on the complexity of the duties performed and the depth and breadth of accountability of assigned responsibilities.

Level I            Code: X40A            Salary Band: N

At this level incumbents plan, supervise and coordinate biological and microbiological examinations in a division of a major laboratory and perform biological and microbiological examinations and research of diverse complexity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the advanced principals of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology and microbiology; of microbiological, chemical, biochemical, immunological techniques and procedures; of the hazards of laboratory activities and safety procedures; and of the business requirements of the agency. Ability is required to manage the financial aspects of a unit including budgeting and cost benefit analysis; to collaborate with program and technical managers in the decision making process; to manage and supervise subordinate technical and/or support staff; and to exercise initiative and independent judgment.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or immunology and six years of experience in a laboratory performing standardized microbiological examinations, including two years in a supervisory capacity; or a master’s degree in microbiology or immunology and five years of experience in a laboratory performing standardized microbiological examinations, including two years in a supervisory capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting a Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in one of the above fields for two years of the required experience.

Level II            Code: X40B            Salary Band: P

At this level employees are assigned responsibilities involving the direction of the activities of a comprehensive statewide laboratory system providing diagnostic, epidemiological and scientific services to state residents.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of laboratory principles and techniques in bacteriology, virology, parasitology, serology, immunology and chemistry; of literature and informational sources in biological and physical science; of proper laboratory safety procedures; of the organization and functions of public health agencies; of the principles and methods of supervision; of the laws that pertain to public health laboratories; and of budget preparation. Ability is required to plan and coordinate the work of a laboratory with other services and programs within the agency; to establish and maintain professional working relationships with others; and to plan staffing needs.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a doctoral degree in chemical, physical or biological science, medicine or public health; certification by the American Board of Medical Microbiology, the American Board of Clinical Chemistry or the American Board of Bioanalysis and three years of supervisory experience in a public health, general hospital, medical research laboratory or closely related work.