Laboratory Manager III

Location: Austin, TX

About the role

Under minimal supervision, this position performs complex managerial work, planning, directing, and supervising the technical resources and activities related to administering the daily operations and activities for the specimen support services of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory. The role oversees the Microbiology Check-In Group, including quality assurance, technical resources, pre-analytical receiving and processing of a high volume of critical specimens for clinical testing, and administrative functions. Responsibilities include internal and external communications, staff monitoring, personnel training, competency development, and staffing schedules. The position also involves developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedural Manuals, preparing document requirements for new Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), and incorporating new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Manages activities of the Microbiology Check-In Group, directing personnel in the pre-analytical receiving, processing, and accessioning of clinical specimens. Supervises, plans, assigns, and delegates tasks to ensure maximum productivity. Prepares system-required documents for new LIMS and directs the implementation of technologies. Adapts processes to new and changing criteria and assists with Continual Quality Improvement (CQI) projects. Provides direction and guidance to staff in developing and integrating new acceptance criteria and procedures. Ensures changes are communicated to employees, laboratory customers, and program personnel. (25%)
• Supervises assigned staff, including coordinating posting of vacant positions, developing screening criteria, conducting interviews, and selecting candidates. Reviews and updates job descriptions, develops employee performance plans, conducts performance evaluations, and addresses performance or disciplinary issues. Coordinates training and coaching needs, maintains training and competency documentation, and monitors employee time and leave requests. (25%)
• Provides customer service by ensuring internal and external customer needs are met. Solves logistical and technical problems, advises section personnel on processing procedures for complex or unusual specimens, and coordinates specimen processing with staff. Communicates specimen submission information to healthcare providers and DSHS program staff. (20%)
• Develops and implements processes for monitoring compliance with regulatory and quality assurance requirements, including CLIA, CAP, ISO 17025:2005, FDA, DOT, and FAA regulations. Develops, modifies, implements, evaluates, and maintains standard operating procedures and training materials. Monitors quality assurance issues, accuracy rates for clinical check-in specimens, and initiates corrective actions. Serves as the Group’s Safety Coordinator, enforcing safety policies and collaborating with the Safety Office. (15%)
• Performs administrative functions, including coordinating shipment of dangerous goods and laboratory specimens, completing routine and ad-hoc reports, scheduling and attending meetings, and ensuring document retention compliance. Oversees inventory management to prevent delays in critical testing services. Ensures staff are certified and trained to ship biological substances in accordance with IATA requirements. (10%)
• Performs other duties as assigned, including disaster response, COOP activation, and specimen transport via state vehicle. (5%)

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology; or an Associate’s degree in a laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from a U.S. accredited institution with major coursework in a related field. Experience and education can be substituted on a year-by-year basis.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working in a clinical, research, environmental, or public health laboratory.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in quality assurance activities.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in writing, developing, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures.
• Three years’ experience in a supervisory role as a team lead or direct supervisor.
• Valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent from another state.

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of microbiological and chemical principles, techniques, and terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety, including sample-handling techniques, and quality assurance functions.
• Knowledge of purchasing and material management procedures, statistics, and their application to biological data.
• Skill in establishing goals and objectives for work teams and monitoring progress.
• Skill in dealing with stress and manipulating standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.
• Skill in centralized accounting and payroll/personnel system managerial aspects.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, follow instructions, and use various laboratory equipment.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff, work in harmony with team members, and follow standard operating procedures accurately.
• Ability to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious material and complete tasks without close supervision.
• Ability to recognize and solve work area problems, ensure proper maintenance of instruments and equipment, and plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to direct activities in microbiology and clinical chemistry fields, work independently, and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge.
• Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.
• Ability to review and make recommendations based on study data, conduct personnel interviews and evaluations, and assess LIMS functionality.

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).

Pay

$6,300.00 - $7,245.00 per month

Schedule

• Full-time
• Day shift (First)
• Not eligible for telework
• Up to 5% travel required