NBS Technologist Supervisor

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The NBS Technologist Supervisor works in the Colorado Newborn Screening Program (CONBSP) within the Colorado State Public Health Lab. The program screens Colorado newborns for conditions designated by state law and the Colorado Board of Health, with the goal of preventing or reducing morbidity and mortality and ensuring families of affected newborns receive appropriate follow-up and education. This position manages daily activities of the newborn screening laboratory work unit and directly supervises laboratory testing staff. It supports analytical assay testing, implementation, and communication of results; oversees validation and verification activities; helps troubleshoot problems; advises on new testing methodologies; and serves as a subject matter expert in newborn screening processes. The position ensures work is performed in accordance with applicable CLIA and HIPAA requirements, laboratory procedures, and policies. The role also performs newborn screening analyses, maintains instruments and supplies, supports pre-analytical sample handling, and trains staff. The position is based at 8100 E Lowry Blvd, Denver, Colorado. Hybrid work may be available at the supervisor’s discretion and based on business needs. Colorado residency is required when applying, with an additional stated exception for work performed primarily within 30 miles of the state border. This is a critical-status position that may require immediate reporting during emergencies, continuity-of-operations activation, or delayed-start, early-release, or closure situations.

Requirements

Meet the applicable education and laboratory training qualifications: an accredited bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a relevant laboratory or science field; an accredited associate degree in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology; qualifying coursework and laboratory training; qualifying military medical laboratory training; qualifying continuous high-complexity testing service in a CLIA-certified laboratory since December 28, 2024; or a qualifying Colorado medical, osteopathic, or podiatric license.
Have seven years of relevant public health laboratory or similar work-related experience, counting education and experience in combination; experience alone or a combination may be used to qualify.
Be a Colorado resident when submitting the application, subject to the posting’s stated exception for positions performed primarily within 30 miles of the state border.
Adhere to CLIA regulations, including educational requirements.
Be able to distinguish colors for a colorimetric assay review.
Be available to report immediately to the regular or alternate work location in emergencies and during activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan; travel restrictions may apply.
Provide education transcripts or diploma with the application if using education to qualify.
Be legally authorized to work in the United States; the employer does not provide visa sponsorship.
Submit a complete State of Colorado application and substantiate qualifications in the Work Experience section; “See resume” is not accepted.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience.
Knowledge of and experience using laboratory equipment and instrumentation such as incubators, mass spectrometers, and thermocyclers.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with a wide range of customers.
Knowledge of and experience using desktop computer hardware and software.
Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills.
Ability to interpret and analyze data.
Experience using Excel spreadsheets to track and record data.
Experience using word processing software to create reports and communication documents.
Keen attention to detail.
Ability to self-motivate.
Ability to work well independently and as part of or with a team.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise Newborn Screening Program laboratory testing staff, including monitoring workflow and schedules, reviewing training records, and overseeing quality performance.
Coach staff in problem resolution and skill development; write and review performance plans; participate in hiring; and manage workplace disagreements and conflicts.
Maintain unit morale and a healthy, safe, productive workplace, while ensuring performance quality, quantity, and program objectives.
Maintain current knowledge of department and statewide policies and procedures.
Perform analytical testing to identify newborns at risk for conditions screened by the program and participate in proficiency testing and reporting.
Train and instruct entry-level staff in testing procedures, concepts, troubleshooting, and instrument maintenance.
Monitor reagent kit lots and bench quality-assurance and quality-control materials, and perform kit lot parallels.
Follow laboratory standard operating procedures and safety requirements and maintain documented competency for clinical methods performed in the program.
Operate, calibrate, and maintain equipment used for quantitative and qualitative specimen analysis; verify equipment functionality and document maintenance.
Report equipment issues to supervisors and contact vendors for preventative maintenance or repairs.
Contribute to inventory maintenance for testing reagents and materials for assigned benches and the overall program.
Set up, clean, decontaminate, and maintain laboratory equipment and work surfaces in accordance with safety protocols and SOPs.
Receive incoming newborn screening samples and perform quality checks and handling according to SOPs, with limited supervision.
Sort specimens by screening type, check demographic completion and sample suitability, and complete routine data entry, date stamping, labeling, and traceability tasks.
Refer potentially unsatisfactory specimens to a program scientist or supervisor for review.
Troubleshoot testing problems or errors, oversee validation and verification testing, advise on adoption of new testing methodologies, and communicate results.

Benefits

Medical and dental plans.
Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit or defined contribution plans.
Optional 401(k) and 457 retirement plans.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Potential flexible working arrangements.
11 paid holidays per year and generous paid time off.
Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
Tuition assistance.
Employee wellness programs.
Professional development opportunities.
Career opportunities throughout Colorado state government.
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.