Overview

Connect passion with purpose. The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to the health of the population of Georgia as our work impacts past, present and future generations.

What we offer. Enjoy a generous benefits package that includes a flexible work schedule, unique training opportunities, engaging worksite wellness events, wellness breaks, lactation rooms, employee retirement plan, deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, dental, vision, long term care, and life insurance; in addition to telework opportunities depending on the position.

Make your mark in public service. As an accredited public health department, we’re seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position of Director, State Public Health Laboratory.

Won’t you join us?

Job Responsibilities

This senior management position serves as the licensed clinical laboratory Director for the Georgia Public Health Laboratory (GPHL). Functioning under the direction of Georgia Department of Public Health’s Director of Medical/Clinical Services, the GPHL Director position supervises scientific managers, professional/technical staff, and administrative support positions across multiple program areas including microbiology, emergency preparedness, newborn screening, quality assurance, facilities, and budget administration.   This position oversees the GPHL, which includes the main laboratory facility in Decatur and a laboratory facility in Waycross.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Oversees strategic planning, accreditation, and directs day-to-day functions of GPHL
  • Provides leadership to GPHL staff by developing and implementing goals and continuous improvement efforts
  • Ensures GPHL provides relevant and accurate scientific data necessary for disease surveillance, prevention, and control as well as environmental protection
  • Provides direct supervision to scientific managers, professional/technical staff, and administrative support positions across multiple program areas including microbiology, emergency preparedness, newborn screening, quality assurance, facilities, and budget administration
  • In conjunction with program managers and Division leadership, develops and provides oversight of laboratory budget and all grant and contract activities
  • Works with GPHL Deputy Director to plan and convene routine meetings for information sharing and problem-solving sessions for optimal communication and lab operations
  • Evaluate effectiveness of GPHL activities and recommends course changes in the best interests of public health
  • Oversee safety, security, and maintenance of the laboratory facilities as well as provide input on new laboratory construction
  • Develops policies, procedures, and training materials for GPHL laboratory program
  • Expand and maintain relationships with key state and local partners so that the resources of the laboratory can be effectively applied to public health issues
  • Serves as technical consultant for all services in GPHL including in directing and assisting in evaluation of new test procedures
  • Coordinates lab integration and implementation of administrative and technical changes with a particular focus on advanced molecular detection and enhancing laboratory bioinformatics capabilities
  • Conducts annual surveillance to ensure that both State and Federal licensure requirements are met
  • Provides quality assurance and quality control consultation as needed
  • Develops strategies for retention and succession planning that develop and expand the competencies of GPHL staff and attract people with skills needed in a modern public health laboratory
  • Builds collaborations with public/private sector entities to establish partnerships in the service of improving public health
  • Seeks out additional opportunities for federal and non-federal funding to maintain and enhance GPHL programmatic activities.
  • Attends and participates in professional and scientific workshops, seminars and meetings, and gives lectures and presentations as directed
  • Handles special assignments and projects as directed
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Doctorate degree in a related filed from an accredited college or university AND Four years of management/supervisory experience in health care services/clinical laboratory

Education & Licensure Requirements:
Must possess an earned doctoral degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry or related fields; and must either be certified or eligible for certification, by an accepted certifying agency. Must submit international evaluation if degree was granted by a foreign educational institution.
Required to meet State of Georgia licensure and Federal (CLIA’88) certification requirements for a Clinical Laboratory Director.
Must possess certification as a High Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD) or pass an approved certifying examination within eighteen (18) months of hire date as a condition of employment
U.S. citizenship required, and must pass Select Agent (SA) security clearance: (http://www.selectagents.gov/Regulations.html).

Experience Requirements:
At least four (4) years of demonstrated technical experience in a clinical laboratory
Must have extensive knowledge of laboratory regulations and quality standards
Must have extensive knowledge of quality management systems, including quality assurance practices and method verification and validation processes
Must have working knowledge of laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and terminology of subject areas
Must have knowledge of the hazards of working with potentially hazardous materials and the appropriate safety precautions to avoid adverse health effects
Must have working knowledge of epidemiology and public health
Must be capable of understanding and accurately follow complex oral and written instructions and of reading technical materials
Must be able to express oneself clearly, concisely, and professionally in verbal and written communication using Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
Must have excellent management and leadership skills.

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About Georgia Department of Public Health

Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner and leaders encourages all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.

The use of wellness breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and assist employees in meeting their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes in a given workday may be used to engage in wellness activities, generally in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information

Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board rules regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credential recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

As an employee of DPH, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

If you require accommodations under the American Disability Act (ADA), email request by the closing date of this announcement to: DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov.

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

TO APPLY: In order to successfully apply for a position; the hiring agency requires interested applicants to complete the GA Department of Public Health’s Online Employment Application.

This job application can be found at www.dph.georgia.gov. Click on "About DPH" and then “Careers” and locate this position, click “Apply” and begin your application.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY FOR THIS POSITION AT www.dph.georgia.gov