SCID/SMA Team Leader

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the minimal supervision of the SCID-SMA Screening Group Manager, this role plans, directs, and manages the technical resources and activities of the SCID-SMA Newborn Screening Team. The position ensures analytic accuracy is maintained and process corrections are implemented by utilizing expert working knowledge of all procedures. It involves developing, establishing, and updating standard protocols for the molecular testing of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and other procedures. The role monitors and documents quality assurance issues, including specimen turnaround time, quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing performance. It is responsible for making significant decisions about the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens, participating in personnel training, and encouraging communication within the team. The position also assists in preparing laboratory budgets, providing cost analysis, assessing equipment needs, and incorporating new technologies. It provides information to public health personnel and serves as an authority, technical resource, and positive role model. Duties are performed with extensive latitude to develop and interpret protocols with advanced use of scientific knowledge and judgment. The role supports the creation of a laboratory-wide safety culture by serving as a liaison to the Safety Office to ensure a healthy and safe workplace. Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary, and all staff members will be required to work on Saturday as part of a rotating schedule.

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, quality assurance, CLIA regulations and molecular genetic principles, techniques and terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of math and statistics as applied to laboratory science.
• Ability to perform analytical procedures, detect and troubleshoot analytical problems that could influence test results such as problems with reagents, equipment, and employee performance.
• Ability to maintain, recognize and solve staff and specimen work schedules for completion of critical laboratory services.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment associated with work area.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff and work in harmony with other team members.
• Ability to work as part of a management team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures both at the analytical bench level and at the managerial/administrative task level.
• Ability to lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• Ability to work independently, organize, multi-task and self-motivate as appropriate to complete tasks without close supervision.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Ability to keep accurate, detailed records.
• Ability to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious material.
• Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.
• Ability to maintain work area instruments and automated testing equipment.
• Ability to teach work area procedures to subordinates and guests using laboratory technical and training skills.
• Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately.
• Ability to plan, assign, and monitor the work of others.
• Ability to make technical decisions and use mature judgment in test interpretation based on professional knowledge and experience.
• Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.
• Knowledge of personnel management and supervisory skills including team, interpersonal, leadership and motivational skills.
• Must wear provided personal protective equipment (including face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, safety glasses) as required by testing/safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with clinical molecular laboratory testing including procedures in newborn screening.
• Experience in a high-volume workload laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of quality assurance, quality control, and CLIA/CAP regulations in a laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the advanced molecular genetic daily activities of the SCID-SMA screening laboratory.
• Ensures analytical accuracy of testing performed in the laboratory through regular reviews of Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and proficiency surveys.
• Identifies discrepancies, implements, and documents corrective actions and outcomes.
• Ensures that testing is performed without disruption within established turnaround times and that reports are accurate.
• Maintains current, CLIA-compliant standard operating procedure manuals.
• Consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.
• Performs routine bench technical duties, including analysis, interpretation of highly complex molecular data, verification, and release of results.
• Coordinates research, evaluation, and development projects to assure state of the art testing.
• Coordinates and implements new procedures as appropriate and conducts validation studies.
• Performs troubleshooting of technical and equipment issues.
• Prepares complex technical reports and research papers.
• Performs administrative functions including completing regular reports and ad hoc reports, attending meetings, and storing records.
• Notifies supervisor of problems, either technical or personnel, that impact the functioning of the laboratory.
• Participates in preparing laboratory budgets and cost analysis, assessing equipment and staffing requirements.
• Ensures adequate inventory of supplies and reagents to prevent delays in critical testing services.
• Provides technical consultation, data analysis, and excellence in customer service to internal and external customers.
• Conducts technical presentations, tours, and student training.
• Maintains documentation for and ensures appropriate training for staff.
• Communicates with supervisor to supply needed input for personnel management.
• Provides input into appropriate staffing qualifications for job descriptions, by participating in interview and selection teams and by recommending training for staff.
• Monitors and provides feedback to supervisor on team members’ technical performance.
• Encourages communication throughout the area.
• Plans and assigns technical bench assignments.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and 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: Senior