Public Health Laboratory Director (FAA00468-09/28/26)

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) protects the health of the population by identifying known and novel infectious diseases and outbreaks; detecting environmental contaminants in food products, natural medicine, and drinking and recreational waters; responding to bioterrorism and chemical threats; certifying every instrument in the state used for evidential breath alcohol testing; testing every infant born in Colorado and Wyoming to identify treatable genetic-related conditions at birth; performing audit functions and certification of outside laboratories; and conducting surveillance and public health research. The CPHL conducts around 3 million tests annually and works in partnership with local public health agencies to investigate and monitor public health events. The CPHL is a division within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), known internally as the Laboratory Services Division. CDPHE’s laboratory director is in the senior executive services class and appointed by CDPHE’s executive director. The position serves as the leader of the Colorado Public Health Laboratory, providing regulatory, scientific and operational direction and oversight of nearly 140 staff and an annual budget of $45 million. The director is supported by four deputies and numerous managers. The director sets the vision and performance goals, in alignment with CDPHE’s senior leaders. The director fosters an environment that integrates strategic, scientific and systems thinking, plus prioritizes strict attention to quality and compliance, ensuring the validity and dependability of laboratory results, and a continuous improvement mindset. The director provides laboratory personnel with the direction, management and professional development necessary to ensure that laboratory programs effectively meet their statutory and regulatory obligations, and are effective and scientifically rigorous, including Public Health and Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Chemistry, Newborn Screening, Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing, Laboratory Certification, Quality Assurance, Biosafety, Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences, Gamete Bank and Fertility Clinics, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Laboratory Data Systems. The position will also oversee and support the laboratory’s ongoing modernization and quality improvement efforts, working in concert with the department’s Senior Executive Team and quality improvement consultants, providing leadership and scientific consultation, and implementing change management strategies with staff in order to improve laboratory services. The position regularly identifies and communicates issues, resource needs and other challenges to the department’s Senior Executive Team (SES), including Chief Medical Officer, Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and others, assuring that problems are addressed swiftly and effectively. The position works across CDPHE to collaborate with other divisions for testing services and coordinated emergency response.

Requirements

MD, DO, or DPM degree OR PhD /doctoral degree in chemical, biological, or laboratory science.
Four or more years of experience in a laboratory executive role, managing staff and a budget.

Nice To Haves

CLIA Certification: MD, DO, or DPM degree with pathology board certification OR 2+ years experience directing high-complexity tests, plus 20 CE credit hours in relevant laboratory practice; or PhD /doctoral degree in chemical, biological, or laboratory science and board-certified by an HHS-approved board, and 2 years experience directing and 2 years supervising high complexity testing, plus 20 CE credit hours in relevant laboratory practice
Extensive experience implementing quality assurance systems and assuring compliance with regulatory requirements
Excellent performance management skills.
Dynamic leadership skills and demonstrated record of producing results.
Political acumen

Responsibilities

Transformational leadership and oversight of the laboratory
Quality assurance, environmental health & safety, and state and federal regulatory compliance
Operational oversight, ensuring operational excellence and fiscal stewardship
Human resources management
Laboratory modernization and process improvement
Legislative and regulatory initiatives and public affairs
Emergency preparedness and response

Benefits

Medical and dental plans.
Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan.
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.