Public Health Laboratory Director

State of Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA

4d

About The Position

The Laboratory Director provides executive direction over all administrative and scientific functions of a statewide public health laboratory system. The Director serves as a laboratory science advisor to higher-level officials within the Louisiana Office of Public Health and the Louisiana Department of Health. The Office of Public Health Laboratory’s goal is to protect the health and safety of Louisiana residents and visitors by providing accurate, timely laboratory data to state officials, public health programs, and the public.

Requirements

• A doctorate degree in a biological, environmental, or chemical science.
• Five years of experience in a biological, chemical, or environmental laboratory.
• At least three years of the required experience must have been at the supervisory level or above.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and/or security clearance, including requirements for the Federal Select Agent Program and Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners license requirements.
• For clinical testing positions involving human specimens or laboratory results used in human diagnosis or treatment, must hold a current Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Generalist (CLS-G) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist Specialist (CLS-S). A temporary license fulfills this requirement only for the period granted; permanent-license requirements must be met before it expires.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive direction for a statewide public health laboratory system.
• Oversee the scientific and technical aspects of the laboratory system.
• Ensure adherence to federal regulations and standards mandated by CMS (CLIA), the FDA, EPA, USDA, and CDC.
• Direct laboratory personnel functions and recommend hiring, termination, promotion, and reallocation of personnel within the laboratory system.
• Review and set budget priorities to optimize public health infrastructure and diagnostic capabilities.
• Consult with Louisiana Office of Public Health and Louisiana Department of Health executives, medical directors, program managers, regional administrators, and medical professionals about public health laboratory issues and services.
• Interact with other state agencies, local officials, and the general public.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree