Laboratory Improvement Consultant

State of North Carolina

6d • $46,203 - $65,000

About The Position

The Laboratory Improvement Consultant provides technical consultation and training to improve the quality and compliance of laboratory services across North Carolina. This position supports public health and clinical laboratories by evaluating laboratory practices, developing educational programs, and ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations, including CLIA requirements. Operating within the State Laboratory of Public Health, the consultant collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to enhance laboratory performance and public health outcomes. The role includes responsibilities in program evaluation, quality improvement, and the implementation of new laboratory methodologies. Work is performed under general supervision and involves both on-site and remote consultation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, biology or chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience in a medical or health-related laboratory, environmental laboratory, OR other scientific laboratory depending upon area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA’88 personnel requirements for a technical supervisor in a laboratory performing moderate complexity testing.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining clinical laboratory instrumentation, including microscopes, centrifuges, and spectrophotometers, in compliance with laboratory safety protocols.
• Proven track record of interpreting and applying CLIA regulations and public health laboratory standards to ensure procedural accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in developing and delivering technical training using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with a focus on laboratory procedures and quality assurance practices.
• Experience conducting laboratory testing in microbiology, chemistry, and serology/immunology, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in real time.
• Documented success in reading and synthesizing complex technical materials and protocols, with consistent accuracy in following detailed oral and written instructions in laboratory and training environments.

Responsibilities

• Identify laboratory training needs and develop targeted educational programs for public health and clinical laboratory staff.
• Design and deliver in-person and virtual training sessions using current instructional technologies and adult learning principles.
• Evaluate laboratory procedures and practices to ensure compliance with CLIA regulations and quality assurance standards.
• Provide technical consultation on laboratory methods, instrumentation, and quality control to local health departments and partner laboratories.
• Conduct competency assessments, review quality control data, and recommend improvements in laboratory operations.
• Develop and update technical procedures, training materials, and self-study modules based on emerging laboratory technologies.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to co-sponsor and implement statewide training initiatives.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement (CQI) projects using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies to enhance laboratory efficiency.
• Assess and validate new laboratory methodologies for applicability in public health settings.
• Support laboratory safety programs by adhering to protocols for handling biohazards, chemicals, and specimen transport.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.
• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level