Laboratory Director

Job Overview:

Valley Medical and Wellness is seeking a full-time Laboratory Director for a growing regional specialty laboratory located in Burnsville, MN.  The preferable candidate will have a background in Toxicology with experience in Molecular Diagnostics and chemistry considered an added benefit.

The primary responsibilities would include planning, organizing, and directing the overall operation of the Laboratory Department. Activities included are performance of molecular, chemical, and toxicologic tests performed in the laboratory to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of diseases.  Oversight of current services and review to assure they are of the best quality, are cost contained and are carried out in an expeditious manner as well as development of new tests as the laboratory grows. Additional responsibilities include assuring competency of all personnel, formulating the budget for the department, maintaining performance improvement activities within the department, and maintaining efficient and effective departmental operations in compliance with all state, federal, and local regulatory laws, standards and protocols.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work with management on planning, organizing, and directing laboratory operations and ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Be available on a daily basis in Laboratory to judge effectiveness of operation, utilization of personnel and supplies, and general ethical and professional atmosphere.

• Oversite for medical laboratory productivity by monitoring workload of functional areas; identifying peak and slack periods; making operational or staffing adjustment.
• Oversite to quality results by participating in quality assurance program; monitors performance of proficiency surveys; performs review of quality control and quality assurance programs; develops and revises lab and organizational policies and procedures; generates operational reports and business assessments; maintains laboratory, regulatory, and financial records.
• Responsible for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of performance improvement activities.
• Secure and maintain the physical facilities, equipment and supplies which are required to carry out effective patient care and create an optimum physical environment.
• Initiate and actuate improved methods of services and direct their implementation.
• Prepare department budgets for personnel, operating expenses, and capital equipment.
• Responsible for the fiscal operation of the department.
• Communicate appropriately and clearly to clients, staff and administration. 
• Consult other departments, as appropriate, to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Establish and maintain standards of performance and ensure competency and appropriate licensure of personnel.
• Direct and participate in the human resource management function for the department by coordinating the selection, promotion, orientation, and performance appraisal processes.
• Maintains medical laboratory staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, and mentoring employees.
• Coordinate and attend the department’s in-service training.
• Promote effective intradepartmental relationships.
• Initiate, interpret, maintain, and enforce Laboratory Services policies and procedures.
• Cooperate in planning programs and safety and preparedness for fire and disaster.
• Participates in inter-facility projects which help the laboratory achieve its goals of providing quality service and client support in a cost-effective manner.
• Responsible for providing 24/7 functionality of Laboratory Services.

Non-Essential Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Professional Requirements

• Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Complete annual education requirements.
• Always represent the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicate the mission, ethics, and goals of the organization.
• Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of CLIA, CAP, COLA, OSHA and local, state, federal regulations.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time.
• Excellent critical thinking skills to solve day-to-day problems and complex situations.
• Able to work in fast-paced environment to maintain testing quality and efficiency.
• Able to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - written, verbal, and listening.

• Strong knowledge of clinical laboratory services.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information.
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner.

Required Education, Experience and Credentials:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Molecular Diagnostics.
• Maintains current registration with the American Board of Clinical Chemistry and/or equivalent accrediting agency.
• Must have experience with regulatory and accreditation of laboratory operations, preferably CLIA and CAP.

• Minimum five (5) years of supervisory/managerial experience in a high-volume multidisciplinary clinical laboratory.

Additional Position Details: (hours, locations, commute)

• 40 hours a week.  Standard work hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and other hours as necessary to support and oversee business operations and initiatives.

• Ability to work on a holiday as part of a rotation and float to other VMW locations as needed.

• As needed, is on-call or accessible to other leadership and supervisors for event escalation of business decisions outside of the hours indicated above.
• Work is predominantly based in Burnsville MN corporate lab location with occasional travel to other VMW clinic sites.

FLSA Status: Exempt