Microbiology CLIA Director - Eurofins USA Clinical Diagnostics

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.

Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. Eurofins is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.

In over just 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 55,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 50 countries. Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The CLIA Microbiology Director shall:

• Support Eurofins Donor & Product Testing business philosophy, leadership values and ethics.
• All employees are expected to meet basic expectations of DPT’s quality management system, including, but not limited to good workmanship, adherence to standard operational procedures, training, good documentation practices, accurate recordkeeping so the company may meet its stated quality policy and objectives.
• Responsible for the development and execution of the laboratory structure and organization at each site.
• CLIA regulations require a high complexity laboratory to have a Laboratory Director available to oversee the overall operation and administration of the laboratory
• Responsible for the development and execution of the laboratory structure and organization
• Maintain continuous lab operations with integrity and validity for all laboratory activities
• Responsible for oversight of the Microbiology laboratory leadership team to ensure timely delivery of quality test results, will interact with customers, provide strong technical leadership, and collaborate effectively across groups within the organization

ROUTINE BUISNESS OPERATIONS

• Oversees and directs Eurofins DPT Microbiology and Sterility Management
• Focus on strengthening individuals and their capabilities to build a leadership pipeline
• Maintain quality accuracy and ensure all quality monitors meet laboratory objectives
• Enforce applicable policies and procedures throughout the entire laboratory operation
• Develops, implements & enforces laboratory policies, procedures & performance standards affecting wide range of customer entities (Organ Procurement Organizations, Tissue Banks, etc.)
• Work directly with the Director of Laboratory Operations to plan, develop, and drive the vision and strategy of this laboratory to meet the company’s set objectives
• Participates in developing new methodologies & tests and develops strategic planning initiatives
• Oversees all laboratory testing and provides scientific expertise to staff for all human related specimens
• Reports critical information to Executive Team, as needed
• Demonstrates passion and enthusiasm for the company's vision, and motivates, leads, and empowers others to achieve company goals
• Evaluate automation of current and new testing platforms based on the needs and capacity of the department
• Plan and have oversight of the implementation of new instrumentation to increase efficiency of laboratory processes
• Recommends new technology/equipment for the laboratory and works within DPT's budget cycle
• Establishes quantitative financial metrics by which the laboratories efficiency and effectiveness can be evaluated; identifies opportunities for improvement (Consumables/personnel as a % of revenue)
• Ensures timely review and approval of all laboratory procedure and safety manuals, review and approval of all proficiency testing results (before submission to vendor and upon receipt of evaluation report) demonstrated by comments, signature/date
• Ensures an annual review of training and competency files and corrective action plans/reports demonstrated by comments, signature/date
• Continuous staffing model assessment and oversight of headcount for the Microbiology department
• Evaluates department personal headcount structure and can prepares justifications for additions
• Ensure that prompt corrective action is taken for all lab audit findings or deficiencies noted
• Serve as a laboratory departmental liaison during regulatory inspections and/or client audits
• Consistent communication with Executive Leadership to ensure they are aware of relevant matters
• Responsible for maintaining suitable staffing levels throughout the lab and satellite locations and provides continuous feedback and training; ensures that staff is qualified and cross-train microbiological staff to provide consistent and timely services
• Ensure that the laboratory passes all audits and maintains appropriate regulatory status
• Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and safety requirements. Understand and stay updated on regulatory requirements for the industries we service (i.e. CLIA, FDA, TGA, etc.).
• Stays abreast on all Quality Event Management items (complaints, deviations and corrected reports, SCARs, CAPAs)
• Plans, direct and manage the Sterility and Microbiology Laboratory in all activities related to Microbiology testing to include proper testing, reporting results, test interpretation, development of test methodologies, setting of standards & certification of tests meeting CLIA/CAP certification requirements &/or other state & federal guidelines
• Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials, and techniques used in laboratory work with the ability to aid in trouble shooting of technical problems
• Implements policies and procedures that will improve day-to-day operations
• Excellent presentation skills
• Exceptional cross-functional team leadership skills and ability to work in close collaboration with others
• Strong organizational and planning skills as well as strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision, adapt to change and manage multiple tasks
• Ability to problem-solve and make decisions on complex issues, often in a cross-functional team setting
• Critically reviews laboratory key performance indicators/quality assurance indicators/reactive rates
• Build and maintains relationships with Director of Business Development and Account Executives to make decisions regarding operational activities and goals
• Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive
• Creates and executes on department strategy with support of Director of Laboratory Operations
• Participates in the hiring and training of managers, supervisors and leads
• Counsels Microbiology management regarding problems encountered in daily operations
• Communicates and explains new directives, policies, or procedures to managers; for major changes, meets with entire operations staff to explain changes, answer questions, and maintain morale

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must have an M.D., Ph.D., or M.D. / Ph.D., and be fellowship trained (ABP MM or ASM CPEP) and board-certified or board-eligible in Medical Microbiology by either the American Board of Pathology or American Board of Medical Microbiology
• Must meet the Code of Federal Regulations 493.144:

(1) Be a Doctor of Medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and Be certified in anatomic or clinical pathology, or both, by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; OR

(2) Be a doctor of medicine, a doctor of osteopathy or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located; and have at least one year of laboratory training during medical residency (for example, physicians certified either in hematology or hematology and medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine); or have at least 2 years of experience directing or supervising high complexity testing; OR

(3) Hold an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution and;

• Be certified and continue to be certified by a board approved by HHS; or
• Before February 24, 2003, must have served or be serving as a director of a laboratory performing high complexity testing and must have at least: (A) Two years of laboratory training or experience, or both; and (B) and (B)

(4) Be serving as a laboratory director and must have previously qualified or could have qualified as a laboratory director under regulations at 42 CFR 493.1415, published March 14, 1990 at 55 FR 9538, on or before February 28, 1992; OR

(5) On or before February 28, 1992, be qualified under State law to direct a laboratory in the State in which the laboratory is located;

• • Minimum 6 year of clinical laboratory testing experience and minimum 3 years of clinical laboratory experience within a supervisory or management role
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in clinical microbiology

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in the clinical laboratory setting with a strong focus on Microbiology testing including BioBurden, VDmax, and Sterility testing
• 2+ years of experience serving as a director of a Clinical Microbiology Laboratory is preferred. Proficient with Laboratory Information Systems and Microsoft Office and experience with analytic data software (i.e. MicroSoft BI)
• This position requires leadership and management experience to ensure the smooth operation of the large department and expanse of testing
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to communicate with a heavy customer focus when working with client leadership and employees.
• Knowledge of Federal, CAP, and other regulatory regulations.
• Prior experience in a high-volume environment
• Familiar with new laboratory instrumentation and equipment automation
• Strong working knowledge of operations and expense control
• Previous experience managing multiple locations is highly preferred
• Proven success in training and developing technical employees
• Ability to problem solve and provide solutions under minimal supervision
• Strong communication skills; both written and verbal
• High level of attention to detail with strong organizational skills

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• This laboratory carefully maintains all hazardous materials.  All employees must abide by Eurofins DPT’s Safety and Exposure procedures.  This includes using the provided safety clothing and equipment.
• For a list of potential chemical hazards, see appropriate SDS sheet.

Compensation:

• Salary: $120,000 - $140,000

Schedule:

• Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

What we offer:

• Excellent full time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays

Eurofins is a M/F, Disabled, and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.