SCID-SMA Group Manager

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Under minimal supervision of the Newborn Screening Molecular Branch Manager, oversees the planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the resources and activities of the Newborn SCID/SMA Analysis Group. Directs the daily operations of critical molecular testing services for selected human genetic disorders. Oversees the ongoing functionality of test systems, equipment, and personnel to maintain continuous processing of specimens. Ensures testing protocols provide rapid and accurate case detection. Ensures adherence to standard operating protocols and quality assurance regulations and guidelines. Supervises group personnel through monitoring, coaching and evaluating. Prepares, monitors, and manages material resources and budget expenditures. Coordinates the development of short-term and long-term goals and objectives. Supervises development and implementation of new technologies. Consults with customers to determine their needs and resolve customer concerns. Works cooperatively and meets regularly with other Newborn Screening Group Managers to plan and ensure integrated and cohesive Newborn Screening Laboratory operations. Acts for the Branch Manager when needed. Duties are performed with extensive latitude for use of professional knowledge, initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of laboratory, newborn screening, and molecular technology, techniques, and terminology.
• Extensive knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of the pathology of newborn screening disorders and the ability to apply this knowledge towards optimizing services for case detection.
• Knowledge of statistics and their application to biological data; ability to review and make recommendations based on study data.
• Ability to detect and troubleshoot analytical problems that could influence test results such as problems with reagents, equipment, test calibration, and employee performance.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.
• Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.
• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise personnel and maintain work schedules for completion of critical laboratory services on a high volume of specimens.
• Ability to communicate technical instructions and to interact effectively with staff.
• Ability to work in harmony with other team members.
• Ability to lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.
• Ability to teach work area procedures to subordinates and guests.
• Ability to conduct personnel interviews and evaluations.
• Knowledge of human interaction dynamics and their use in building effective work teams.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to keep accurate, detailed records.
• Ability to interact with customers on a variety of concerns including complaints.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives for work teams and to monitor progress of teams.
• Knowledge of budgetary and material management procedures.
• Have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution with at least two years of experience in laboratory testing; have at least one year of supervisory experience in laboratory testing, required.
• Experience performing molecular testing for human disease, required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in newborn screening, preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Directs, reviews, and monitors testing, logistics, and quality assurance activities of the Group.
• Performs and directs personnel management in the Group.
• Performs and provides direction, guidance, and assistance to customer services activities.
• Develops goals, oversees implementation, and manages resources.
• Other duties as assigned include but are 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

• DSHS offers 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: Manager