PUBLIC HEALTH ASSISTANT LABORATORIES DIRECTOR

CLINICAL

Recruitment #2207-5422-002

Introduction

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old-world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.  

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents.

If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.   The Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) Public Health Laboratories offers a dynamic, innovative work environment where each employee contributes to making the City of Milwaukee a safe place to live, work, recreate and grow!

Purpose

The MHD Public Health Laboratories currently has a leadership vacancy for Public Health Assistant Laboratories Director (PHALD-Clinical Laboratories). The PHALD-Clinical is considered essential staff during public health emergencies.  

Under the direction of the Public Health Laboratories Director, the Public Health Assistant Laboratories Director-Clinical assists with the clinical and molecular laboratories’ new program development; administrative, budgetary, and strategic planning; and overall operational support for managing the Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory (MHDL) quality services and regulatory compliances. The incumbent serves as the technical director for the clinical laboratory and manages daily operations in the microbiology, virology, and molecular sections.

Essential Functions

Administrative

  • Assist the Laboratory Director in the support, maintenance and enhancement of the clinical laboratory testing services under the MHD Medical branch.
  • Coordinate the activities of the clinical laboratory sections, MHD medical branch and external partnering agencies.
  • Ensure compliance with the requirements of laboratory regulatory agencies and professional accrediting organizations relevant to clinical testing.
  • Assist in financial oversight by monitoring and reporting monthly revenue and expenditures for each laboratory areas.
  • Serve as the technical adviser to the clinical lab, MHD communicable and sexually transmitted infections programs, clients and community partners. 

Technical/Operational

  • Supervise and manage scientific sections of the MHD laboratory, including coordination of testing staff, quality assurance and control, safety activities, hiring, training and competency, continuing education and personnel-related matters.
  • Provide technical leadership in the evaluation, analysis and validation of test results of routine and emerging methods for microbial and molecular testing.
  • Provide day-to-day management of staff, prioritization of work, staff time approvals, coordination of supply orders, maintenance of equipment and laboratory spaces, prompt and accurate processing of specimens and timely reporting of quality lab results.
  • Schedule and coordinate bench level laboratory technical staff activities.
  • Explore and adopt new technologies in the detection of microbial pathogens in clinical samples to enhance laboratory diagnostic capabilities.
  • Explore possibilities for expanding laboratory operations in clinical and disease surveillance testing areas, per state and federal guidelines.
  • Develop policies and procedures and document laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs); adhere to research and technology standards and the governance framework set by MHD programs and laboratory leadership.
  • Collaborate with IT support services to upgrade the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and to improve laboratory proficiency and efficiency in providing state-of-the-art services.
  • Ensure all regulatory compliance obligations are met such as Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations, the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC)’s Select Agent Program responsibilities and deliverables for Laboratory Response Network (LRN), for continuing education and relevant proficiency testing programs.

Collaboration/Development

  • Provide oversight of specialty programs such as public health preparedness and response as well as to emerging pathogens laboratory.
  • Pursue appropriate grant opportunities with the MHD programs, community partners and academic and private sector collaborators.
  • Liaise with external agencies including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), state public health laboratory, local hospitals/clinics, and Police, Fire, and Emergency Management, to ensure MHD Laboratory preparedness expectations are met during public health emergencies.
  • Maintain academic relationships by serving as a guest lecturer, mentoring students and may hold teaching affiliations with local colleges, research institutes and universities as appropriate, including the UW- Milwaukee School of Biomedical Science and the Zilber School of Public Health.
  • Explore revenue generating options for the City of Milwaukee with internal and external clients and collaborators.

Department/Community

  • Participate in departmental and community activities to support the mission of the Milwaukee Health Department-PHL.
  • Coordinate the activities across laboratory sections, MHD’s medical, environmental, policy branches and external partnering agencies.
  • Present MHD Laboratory activities and outcomes at local, state, national, and international committees, meetings and conferences.  
We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date.  You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/User/jkamme/Policies/FinalCOVID-19VaccinationPolicy9.1.2021-final.pdf

  • Work outside standard business hours to respond to public health and security emergencies. 
  • Occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 10 lbs.
  • Wear a particulate respirator (e.g., N95, PAPR); have a respirator fit test and TB skin test annually. 
  • Participate in the Federal Select Agent Program (Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002). 
  • Obtain DOJ/FBI background clearance to comply with federal program requirements.
  • Travel outside of the City of Milwaukee; occasional overnight travel may be required.
  • Based upon each department’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and the needs of each department, employees may be expected to work from home intermittently or continuously.

Minimum Requirements

  1. Ph.D. or Dr.PH. in microbiology, immunology, or molecular biology from an accredited college or university.
  2. Two years of experience serving in a managerial capacity beyond postdoctoral training within a clinical or public health laboratory setting performing functions related to molecular biology, microbiology, immunology and/or virology; analytical and biochemical testing; and related advanced molecular diagnostic techniques.
  3. Board certification for Laboratory Directors of High Complexity Testing per CLIA guidelines within one year of appointment. For more information on the CLIA certification, please visit: https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/CLIA/Certification_Boards_Laboratory_Directors.
  4. Valid driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical 

  • Knowledge of clinical and/or public health microbiology on issues related to communicable and sexually transmitted diseases, including quality control and laboratory safety.
  • Knowledge of laws, rules and regulations governing the operation of a public health laboratory.
  • Knowledge of regulatory standards and accreditation agencies relevant to assigned work areas to assure laboratory certifications and standards are maintained.
  • Knowledge of common causes and modes of transmission of communicable diseases and emerging pathogens of public health importance.
  • Knowledge of health and safety precautions and procedures required in a laboratory setting.
  • Knowledge of the standards and practice of Biosafety Level 2 and 3, applied research, program development and evaluation.
  • Knowledge of laboratory management, including continuous process improvement methods.
  • Knowledge of and ability to work effectively with computer applications, including the LIMS, document management software, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, and other relevant database.
  • Knowledge and experience in applied research as exemplified by the public-private partnerships, active participation in professional organizations and journal publications.
  • Ability to apply mathematical and statistical operations to tasks.
  • Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to practical problems.
  • Ability to read, analyze, interpret and communicate the most complex technical, administrative and educational documents.
  • Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.  

Communication and Interpersonal  

  • Ability to author effective, persuasive speeches, presentations and articles on complex scientific, regulatory and policy topics.
  • Ability to use original or innovative techniques to present complex topics, deliver persuasive speeches, write scientific articles, and present to varied audiences.
  • Ability to build and maintain good working relationships with a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary team, the City officials and managers, community partners, academics, other agencies and institutions and the public.
  • Ability to foster an environment of diversity and inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment, remaining positive and poised under pressure and to handle sensitive situations diplomatically and professionally.
  • Planning and organizational skills to be able to handle multiple assignments simultaneously, adjust to changing priorities and complete assignments in a timely manner.  

Professionalism, Leadership and Judgement

  • Professionalism, honesty, and integrity, as well as the ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Ability to provide leadership and direction to laboratory staff pertaining to administrative, quality assurance and public relations functions.
  • Supervisory skill, including the ability to provide staff oversight, teamwork, and handling personnel issues.
  • Critical thinking skills, including analytical and problem-solving skills, decision-making skills and sound judgment.
  • Commitment to professional development and staying apprised of best practices in laboratory operations.
  • Commitment to the promotion of health and the prevention of disease.

Current Salary

The current salary range (1JX) is $80,051-$114,879 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $84,512-$118,326 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.  

BENEFITS:

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The examination will be held as soon as practical after Friday, August 19, 2022. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

  • APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting, https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL/.
  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
  • The Department of Employee Relations is located at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

EEO=102  

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.