Associate Director of Science (Microbiology)

Quest Diagnostics•Chantilly, VA

About The Position

Responsible for directing, planning, and managing the scientific and medical quality of the technical department. Works with scientists and medical laboratory scientists on developing and optimizing clinical assays, and advises management and technical personnel on development technologies and activities. Accountable for the quality and timeliness of projects involving the position holder or colleagues. The role directs ongoing research and development of new assays and troubleshooting or improvements to current assays. It also provides clinical consultation and assay-data discussion to laboratory clients, supports sales and marketing activities, represents Quest Diagnostics to the scientific community, and teaches pathology residents and medical technologists or students in training. Most duties are performed at a desk using a computer, telephone, or written materials to analyze data and reports. Some work occurs in an office or laboratory and may involve operating equipment or instruments, handling chemicals under applicable safety procedures, and attending meetings. The position requires strong written and oral English communication, statistical and mathematical capability, and the ability to analyze technical and business information and draw sound conclusions.

Requirements

M.D., D.O., or D.D.S. degree, or an earned doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D. or Sc.D.) in a relevant chemical, physical, or biological science major from an accredited institution.
Typically at least 2 years of work experience, inclusive of postdoctoral fellowship.
Excellent command of English language and grammar, with demonstrated written and oral communication proficiency.
Ability to understand and critically analyze product-development documents, business presentations, business periodicals, technical journals, and applicable governmental regulations.
Ability to write clear, concise reports and business correspondence and present information effectively to employees, executives, vendors, customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the scientific community.
Ability to compute basic statistical measures related to quality control and apply probability, statistical inference, linear algebra, and curve fitting sufficiently to guide staff and assess departmental work.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; analyze business and technical information, understand data limitations and assumptions, and evaluate and challenge others’ data and conclusions.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent use of hands and arms to operate equipment or instruments; frequent sitting; occasional standing, walking, and stooping; frequently lifting or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds; and close and distance vision, color distinction, and depth perception.
Follow safe handling procedures when working with chemicals.

Nice To Haves

ABMM certification or eligibility is preferred.

Responsibilities

Select and validate test methods.
Ensure proficiency testing is conducted on time, reviewed by appropriate staff, and followed by approved corrective action when results are unsatisfactory.
Monitor quality control and ensure acceptable analytical performance for each test system; ensure patient results are reported only when the system is functioning properly.
Work with clinical laboratory operations staff to ensure assays perform as expected and laboratory practices meet CLIA, CAP, and state regulatory requirements.
Review corrective and preventive action plans and procedures.
Routinely review standard operating procedures for test systems.
Discuss assay data with clients and provide clinical consultation.
Ensure test results include pertinent information needed for interpretation and communicate matters concerning result quality and interpretation in relation to patient conditions.
Ensure departmental safety procedures are clearly defined and enforced through appropriate delegation; review safety procedure updates and revisions.
Ensure compliance with policies on the quality and accuracy of test-result reporting and maintain intra- and interdepartmental communications.
Ensure departments comply with applicable local, state, and federal licensing regulations.
Participate in continuous improvement using LeanThinking.
Direct ongoing research and development of new assays and troubleshooting or improvements to current assays.
Participate as needed in formulating and coordinating sales and marketing objectives and programs; assist in identifying new clients and services and serve as a liaison between laboratory clients and sales and marketing.
Assist Sales and Marketing by writing technical brochures and, as required, giving lectures to clients and sales representatives.
Represent Quest Diagnostics to the scientific community through services, publications, presentations, and other activities.
Teach didactics to pathology residents and medical technologists or students in training.

Benefits

Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees working 30 or more hours.
Well-being programs.
Annual no-cost Blueprint for Wellness® health assessment program.
healthyMINDS mental health program.
Vacation and Health/Flex Time.
Six holidays plus one “MyDay” off.
FinFit financial coaching and services.
401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service.
Employee stock purchase plan.
Life and disability insurance, with buy-up option.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Annual incentive plans.
Matching gifts program.
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
Career advancement opportunities.