Manager, Molecular Diagnostics Laboratories

The University of Kansas Health System•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

The Manager, Molecular Diagnostics Laboratories provides operational leadership for the Molecular Diagnostics Division at The University of Kansas Health System. The role is responsible for regulatory compliance and overall laboratory performance, ensuring accurate, timely, high-quality patient testing and adherence to regulatory and accreditation requirements. The manager oversees staffing, scheduling, training, competency assessment, budgeting, quality assurance and improvement, and departmental operations, as well as operational, financial, and personnel functions such as customer service, contracting, billing, coding, inventory, equipment, and human resources. Working with section directors and division leadership, the manager helps set strategy for current and future molecular diagnostics needs. In collaboration with the Medical Director and Section Director, the manager oversees sound development and validation practices and ensures test performance characteristics are confirmed and documented. The position also oversees proficiency testing, MolDx technical assessments, quality control, and corrective actions; manages personnel and training; and supports inspections, audits, accreditation, and external laboratory assessments. The manager promotes a patient-centered culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, aligning departmental goals with organizational priorities and supporting the Health System’s mission, vision, values, and strategic initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Biology, Medical Lab Science, or Physics from an accredited college or university.
At least 2 years of supervisory experience in a high-complexity PCR and NGS molecular laboratory.
At least 5 years as an ASCP-certified Medical Lab Scientist or Molecular Scientist (MB), with PCR and NGS experience.
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification from the ASCP Board of Certification upon hire, or Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB) certification from the ASCP Board of Certification upon hire.
Fluent English.
Demonstrated competence in critical thinking, interpersonal relationships, and technical skills.

Responsibilities

Partner with section directors and division leadership to set strategy for current and future molecular diagnostics needs.
Collaborate with the Medical Director and Section Director to ensure development and validation practices meet or exceed regulatory requirements.
Ensure test performance characteristics, including sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, are confirmed and documented.
Provide internal and external consultation as needed and as required by CLIA.
Ensure enrollment in and participation in a CAP-approved proficiency testing program appropriate to services offered.
Ensure MolDx Technical Assessments are submitted on time and achieve successful outcomes to support z code claims requirements and reimbursement.
Establish an appropriate quality control program and acceptable analytic performance parameters, and ensure they are maintained throughout testing and reporting.
Resolve technical problems and ensure remedial action when test systems deviate from established performance specifications.
Manage human resources functions, including interviewing, selection, orientation, education and training, feedback, performance evaluation, and policy and procedure development.
Maintain personnel files and documentation of staff orientation, competency, training, discipline, and performance reviews.
Oversee departmental timekeeping and payroll; manage employee issues and performance; and conduct coaching, counseling, disciplinary actions, and annual appraisals.
Monitor staff adherence to hospital and departmental policies and procedures and provide technical consultation on policies, procedures, and practices.
Ensure patient test results are withheld until corrective actions are complete and the test system is functioning properly.
Identify training needs and ensure testing personnel receive regular in-service training and education appropriate to laboratory services.
Evaluate testing personnel competency and ensure staff can perform procedures and report results promptly, accurately, and proficiently.
Provide effective team leadership and communicate critical success factors for the unit or team.
Report to regulatory and accrediting agencies as appropriate.
Review ongoing records of reagent and control reactivity, instrument function checks, and temperature records.
Delegate duties as appropriate, including general supervisor and testing personnel roles defined in laboratory policies.
Perform the professional, clinical, and/or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
Support organizational mission, vision, values, and strategic initiatives through resource management, decision-making, communication, and service to patients, providers, and colleagues.