Technical Lab Supervisor (Molecular) – Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Technical Laboratory Supervisor (Molecular) to support the Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB) located at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Md. HJF provides scientific, technical, and programmatic support services to DCB.

Responsible for supervising all molecular diagnostic testing and laboratory operations. Works to establish standards and develop and/or modify analytical methods, while providing efficient/accurate analyses of all testing. Multidisciplinary environment not limited to contractors and US Military.

NOTE: As a U.S. Government contractor, all HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will be required.

Responsibilities:

• Works with the Laboratory Director and Associate Laboratory Director to develop, and implement new testing platforms/assays/procedures for new missions in support of US Military Force Health Protection and Readiness.
• Oversees, and performs when required, all clinical procedures in the Clinical Molecular Laboratory Section in conjunction with the Team Lead and manages all clinical procedures in the Serology Section in the absence of the Serology Technical Supervisor. Monitors all activities to ensure all regulatory standards and test turn around times are met.
• Maintains in depth knowledge of College of American Pathologists (CAP) /Clinical Laboratory Information Amendment (CLIA)/FDA regulatory requirements for high complexity testing.
• Plans workload to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, and prepares schedules for completion of work to ensure efficient and accurate testing for both clinical and research missions.
• Evaluates/resolves new and complex problems in the Clinical Molecular Laboratory Section in collaboration with the Team Lead, as well as Clinical Serology Sections in collaboration with the Serological Technical Supervisor and Serological Team Leads.
• Reviews/verifies all technical data for accuracy and trends.
• Ensures all instrumentation is functioning properly and is maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Troubleshoots instruments, test methods, and specialty processes. Corrects and documents all issues in accordance with DCB’s Occurrence Management Plan.
• Develops validation plans to evaluate new instruments and test methods, conducts evaluations of methods, summarizes data for presentation to DCB leadership, and incorporates into Section testing menus.
• Supervises a team of medical technologists. Promotes performance improvement through training and mentorship. Assists with interviews and hiring actions of new employees.
• Reviews in coordination with the Quality Assurance Section, all quality indicators for Molecular and Serology Sections to ensure assays are performing as required and technologists are reporting results according to manufacturer and/or Laboratory specific requirements, test turn-around times (TATs) are in accordance with established laboratory guidelines and benchmarks. Takes appropriate actions to improve performance where applicable.
• Prepares, writes, reviews, and revises the SOPs for the Molecular Sections and provides technical guidance to laboratory personnel.
• Coordinates the procurement of supplies, equipment, and instrumentation within budgetary limits and in conjunction with DCB leadership.
• Continually monitors temperatures of rooms, refrigerators, and freezers with the use of DataTron EXT system for proper storage of reagents and samples.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Excellent molecular laboratory and technical skills. Ability to perform and troubleshoot molecular diagnostic assays: quantitative and qualitative assays for detection and monitoring of HIV, HBV, HCV,SARS-CoV2, HIV drug resistance genotype testing, and research molecular assays. Knowledge of testing algorithms used for HIV screening, diagnosis, and monitoring; familiar with serological assays used to detect HIV, HBV, HCV, and other sexually transmitted infections. Knowledge of CAP/CLIA/GCLP requirements for conducting high complexity clinical testing of human specimens. Ability to oversee the work activities of subordinate staff members. Excellent documentation and record keeping abilities. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or biological science is required.

Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements: A minimum of 9-10 years of experience is required. Master’s degree, a minimum of 6-8 years’ experience is required. Previous experience working in a CAP accredited molecular laboratory required with at least four (4) years training and experience in high complexity molecular testing. Professional knowledge of analytical laboratory principles, theories, practices, and established methodologies sufficient to perform the full range of duties involved in developing and modifying methods that are used to analyze and test body fluids in a regulated environment. Experienced in problem solving in a high paced laboratory environment conducting high complexity testing. Previous experience with Hologic Panther platforms and high complexity platforms for genotyping.

Physical Capabilities: Requires lifting materials up to 50lbs. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, or exposure to chemicals.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Oversees a team of medical technologists, direct authority to make decisions on the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, starting salaries and merit increases; conduct employee performance evaluations and directs work activities.

Work Environment: Monday through Friday (40 hours per week). Occasional weekend coverage and coverage as needed during off hours to help resolve laboratory emergencies.

Work Arrangement: 100% on-site.

Background/Security: Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Tier I investigation/Public Trust and a Common Access Card (CAC).

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, addresses, education, and credentials, a criminal background check, drug screening, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Experience

• 9 - 10 years: A minimum of 9-10 years of experience is required.
• 4 year(s): CAP Training

Education

• Bachelors or better

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)