Laboratory Manager IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

20d • $6,825 - $7,875 • Onsite

About The Position

Serves as Group Manager in the Radiochemistry Group of the Environmental Chemistry Section: Works under limited direction from Section Director with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Leads the group in adopting changes in practices, processes or techniques; ensures rapid and complete analysis of all samples submitted; assures the quality of all testing; manages personnel matters; manages laboratory records and other documents; and consults with public health personnel, industry representatives, and other officials. Supervises drinking water testing for radionuclides under TCEQ's Public Water Supervision program according to TNI (NELAC) Standards and EPA Drinking Water quality systems. Oversees emergency response program for mobile and stationary radionuclide laboratory analyses in the event of nuclear emergencies. Based on the work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Provides customer service and technical guidance and consults with customers to determine their needs and resolve customer concerns.

Requirements

• Knowledge of radiochemistry principles, radiochemical analytical techniques, instrumentation, and laboratory practices used for the analysis of radionuclides in environmental and drinking water samples.
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and methods used for testing environmental contaminants in water, food, and soil samples.
• Knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analytical methods, quality systems, and regulatory guidance.
• Knowledge of The NELAC Institute (TNI) standards, laboratory accreditation requirements, and quality assurance principles.
• Knowledge of quality control, quality assurance, and statistical methods used in laboratory analysis.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations governing radiological testing, environmental monitoring, and public health laboratory operations, including emergency response protocols.
• Knowledge of personnel supervision, employee development, and performance management practices.
• Knowledge of records management, document control, and retention requirements.
• Skill in evaluating radiochemical analytical methods, instrumentation, test systems, and laboratory performance.
• Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating multiple projects and competing workload demands.
• Skill in supervising, coaching, training, and evaluating professional and technical staff.
• Skill in identifying, investigating, and resolving technical, operational, and quality-related issues.
• Skill in implementing corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Skill in interpreting radiochemical and analytical data and evaluating method performance.
• Skill in designing and maintaining systems for workflow management, inventory control, and recordkeeping.
• Skill in oral and written communication, including presentation of technical information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to establish team goals and monitor progress toward laboratory objectives.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex scientific, technical, and regulatory information and make sound decisions.
• Ability to interpret and apply radiochemistry, laboratory accreditation, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, customers, regulatory agencies, public water systems, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and exercise professional judgment in technical and operational matters.
• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise staff while maintaining productivity, quality, and customer service standards.
• Ability to manage laboratory resources and ensure timely delivery of high-quality radiochemical analytical services.
• Ability to lead process improvements and adapt laboratory operations to changing program and regulatory requirements and technological advancements.
• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in a chemistry, environmental, biological sciences, physical sciences or engineering field from an accredited institution.
• At least two years of laboratory experience in high complexity testing.
• Experience in managing the work of others, either in a management or leadership role.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience in a radiochemical testing laboratory testing drinking water, non-potable soil, food matrices.
• Preferred experience in a TNI/NELAC accredited and/or EPA certified laboratory environment with strong familiarity in performing quality control with corrective action documentation.

Responsibilities

• Exercises day-to-day supervision of Radiochemistry Group laboratory operations under TNI Standards and EPA Drinking Water quality systems.
• Manages an emergency response program for mobile and stationary radionuclide laboratory analyses in the event of nuclear emergencies.
• Ensures timely and complete analysis of all submitted samples.
• Assures the quality of all testing in the Group.
• Manages personnel matters within the Group and ensures group goals are supported through effective hiring, job descriptions, training plans, employee development, and performance management.
• Manages laboratory records and documentation, ensuring recordkeeping practices comply with QA policies.

Benefits

• insurance coverage
• other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS)

What This Job Offers

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