Associate Director - Diabetes Diagnostic Laboratory

Associate Director - Diabetes Diagnostic Laboratory

All Ranks

All Tracks

The Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences at the University of Missouri is seeking outstanding candidates for the position of Associate Director of the Diabetes Diagnostic Laboratory (DDL). Primary responsibilities will include coordination of the clinical and research efforts in this laboratory and participation as an investigator on all grants and contracts for which the Director, Dr. Randie Little, is the current PI. The candidate must have some experience in both clinical and research areas and have respect for both areas of work. This position is expected to transition to Director on retirement of the existing director.

About the DDL

The DDL is nationally recognized for our HbA1c testing and expertise, leading us to the forefront of efforts to standardize and improve the quality of HbA1c testing. Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art diabetes-related testing for both research and clinical trials.

Our facility has served as a reference laboratory for the groundbreaking study, the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), operates as the central diabetes testing laboratory for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), and functions as the administrative core of the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP), an international program for standardization of HbA1c assays, which are important tests used to assess glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

The Clinical Role

A basic knowledge of clinical laboratory regulatory requirements such as Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) is important, as well as an understanding of these specific diabetes test methodologies. Experience in managing a clinical laboratory is helpful but not mandatory. The clinical portion of the laboratory includes, but is not limited to:

• Measurements of HbA1c (by both ion-exchange and boronate affinity HPLC)
• Insulin and c-peptide analyses
• Patient result reporting

The Research Role

The research portion of the laboratory considerably overlaps with the clinical portion. The DDL Laboratory Director serves as the NGSP Network Coordinator. The NGSP maintains a laboratory network with reference method results that are based on landmark clinical trial data. The program certifies manufacturer assay methods for HbA1c and certifies and monitors laboratories doing large studies and clinical trials where measurement of HbA1c is a key variable. Proficiency testing, primarily through the CAP, is used to evaluate progress toward improved comparability of results among laboratories. The NGSP network assigns values to the accuracy-based CAP HbA1c survey.

Current research projects include:

• Examination of stability of HbA1c and interference (e.g. from Hb variants) with different assay methods
• Standardization of c-peptide assays (in progress)
  • The c-peptide program includes the use of single donor and pooled serum specimens for use by manufacturers in the calibration of their assays.
  • Operates a LS/MS reference method for c-peptide in coordination with the National Metrology Institute of Japan which also has a C-peptide reference method.
• Traceability scheme, including a reference method and certified reference materials has been proposed along with next steps for implementation
• Evaluation of glycated albumin for use in patients with renal failure and determination of glycation rates of common variant hemoglobins

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD, MD, or DO
• Clinical and Research experience related to diabetes

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• PhD in Biology, Chemistry or Clinical Chemistry
• History of obtaining and securing extramural funding
• Mass spectrometry experience
• Clinical lab testing experience
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications

Employees of the University of Missouri and University of Missouri Healthcare are eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Community

Columbia is rated by Forbes magazine as the fifth best small city for business and careers in America and is consistently rated a top place to live by Money Magazine, boasting a low cost of living, a vibrant community, and nationally renowned public schools. Columbia is an ideal college town that combines small-town comforts, and community spirit, with big-city culture, activities, and resources. Our community is energetic and engaged, packed with restaurants and entertainment venues, and hosts more than a dozen annual cultural festivals.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at U.M. System Total Rewards Benefits

Our Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Vice-Chancellor of Human Resource Services/Affirmative Action officer at 573-882-4256.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Disability Inclusion and ADA Compliance Manager at 573-884-7278.

EEO IS THE LAW

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), please use the following links:

EEO is the Law English Version
EEO is the Law Spanish Version
EEO is the Law Chinese Version

Vaccination Statement

After careful consideration of COVID-19 virus trends and the overwhelming evidence of COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness, the School of Medicine, along with MU Health Care, the Sinclair School of Nursing and the School of Health Professions, recently announced the decision to require COVID-19 vaccinations by Oct. 1, 2021, for all employees, unless granted a medical or religious exemption.

All new hires will be required to submit proof of vaccination prior to your start date. If you would like to request a medical or religious exemption, you must do so upon acceptance of employment so our team has time to review prior to your scheduled start date. You will not be allowed to begin work until you have submitted proof of vaccination or received an approved medical or religious exemption.

Thank you for helping us to create the safest environment possible for our colleagues, students and our patients by protecting yourself and others through COVID-19 vaccination.

2ujYLdA19j