PUBLIC HEALTH ASSISTANT LABORATORY DIRECTOR

** This position is exempt from Civil Service and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Commissioner of Health **

What Milwaukee can offer YOU…

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.  

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

Administrative:

• Assist the Laboratory Director in the support, maintenance and enhancement of the laboratory testing services of all MHD Programs.
• Participate in departmental and community activities to support the mission of the Milwaukee Health Department-Public Health Laboratory.
• Coordinate the activities of the laboratory sections, MHD medical branch and external agencies.
• Ensure compliance with the requirements of laboratory regulatory agencies and professional accrediting organizations.
• Assist in financial oversight by monitoring and reporting monthly revenue and expenditures for each laboratory area.
• Serve as the technical adviser to the Laboratory Operations Manager, MHD communicable, sexually-transmitted disease programs, 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 technological leadership in the evaluation, analysis and validation of test results of routine and emerging methods for microbial testing.
• 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 surveillance testing areas, per state and federal guidelines.
• Develop policies, procedures and document laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with IT support services to upgrade 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, CDC’s Select Agent Program responsibilities and deliverables for Laboratory Response Network (LRN), for continuing education and proficiency testing programs.
• 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 lab results.
• Schedule and coordinate bench level laboratory activities.

Collaboration/Development:

• Provide oversight of specialty programs such as bioterrorism preparedness and emerging pathogens laboratory.
• Pursue grant opportunities with the MHD programs, community partners and academic collaborators.
• Liaise with external agencies including the CDC, FBI, state public health laboratory, local hospitals/clinics, Police, Fire, and Emergency Management, to ensure MHD Laboratory preparedness expectations are met during public health emergency.
• Maintain academic relationships by serving as a guest lecturer and by holding teaching affiliations with local colleges, research institutes and universities, 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.
• Present MHD Laboratory activities and outcomes at local, state, national, and international platforms, meetings and conferences.

Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• 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 FBI background clearance to comply with federal program requirements.
• Travel outside of the City of Milwaukee; occasional overnight travel may be required.

1. Ph.D. 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 that performs 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 at time of application. 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: College transcripts and copy of CLIA certificate are required and must be EITHER attached to the online application or emailed to: staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov by the application close date and time. Student/unofficial copies are acceptable; however, your transcript must be legible and include your college/university name, your name, the degree completed and the date completed.  

• Experience working in a public health laboratory environment.
• Experience related to advanced molecular diagnostic applications.
• Experience working in a high containment laboratory.

• Knowledge of public health microbiology on issues related to contaminates 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 common causes and modes of transmission of communicable diseases.
• Knowledge of health and safety precautions and procedures required in a laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of the standards and practice of Level 2 and 3 biosafety research, development, testing and evaluation.
• Knowledge of laboratory management, including continuous process improvement methods.
• Knowledge of and ability to work effectively with computer applications including the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Specimen Management, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, and database software.
• Ability to apply mathematical operations to tasks.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to practical problems.
• Ability to provide leadership and direction to laboratory staff pertaining to administrative, quality assurance and public relations functions.
• Critical thinking skills, including analytical and problem-solving skills, decision-making skills and sound judgment.
• Ability to read, analyze, interpret and communicate the most complex technical, administrative and educational documents.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to author effective, persuasive speeches, presentations and articles on controversial or complex topics.
• Ability to use original or innovative techniques to present complex topics, persuasive speeches and articles to diverse populations.
• Ability to build and maintain good working relationships with a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary team, City officials and managers, community partners, other agencies and institutions and the public.
• 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, honesty, and integrity, as well as the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to professional development and staying apprised of best practices in laboratory operations.
• Commitment to the promotion of health and the prevention of disease.

The current salary range (PG 1JX) is $80,442-$112,627 annually, and the resident incentive salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $82,855-$116,006 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 which includes:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• 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.

Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation of each applicant’s education, experience, and professional accomplishments, which should be detailed in an online application, cover letter, and resume. Additionally, each candidate must submit a response to each of the Supplemental Questions by the application deadline.

• Please complete the online application and EITHER attach a cover letter and resume to the online application OR submit the attachments via email by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2020 to staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.  Please indicate “Public Health Assistant Laboratory Director” in the subject line.
• Questions relative to the selection process may be directed to Nola Nelson, Human Resources Representative, nnelson@milwaukee.gov or by calling 414.286.5066.
• The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process.

INITIAL FILING DATE: The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2020. Receipt of application materials 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. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting, http://city.milwaukee.gov/jobs.
• 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

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