Director, Science

Responsible for directing, planning, and managing the scientific/medical quality of the technical department. Works with scientist(s) and medical laboratory scientists on the development and optimization of clinical assays. Provides expert advice to management and technical personnel regarding development technologies and activities.  Is accountable for quality and timeliness of projects involving themselves or colleagues.

• Responsible for test method selection and validation.
• Ensures that proficiency testing program is conducted in a timely manner, reviewed by appropriate staff, and approve of corrective action when a proficiency testing result is found to be unsatisfactory.
• Monitors quality control to ensure that acceptable levels of analytical performance are maintained for each test system. Ensures that patient test results are reported only when the system is functioning properly.
• Reviews corrective action and preventative action plans and procedures.
• Routinely reviews Standard Operating Procedures for test systems.
• Provides discussion of assay data for clients via personal interaction.
• Provides clinical consultation to clients of the laboratory.
• Ensures that test results include pertinent information required for interpretation.
• Communicates matters about quality of test results and interpretation in relation to specific patient conditions.
• Ensures safety procedures applicable to the department clearly defined and strictly enforced through proper delegation to laboratory supervisors. Reviews all safety procedure updates and revisions.
• Ensures compliance with the polices on quality and accuracy of reporting of test results. Maintains appropriate communications both intra and inter-departmentally.
• Ensures departments are in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal licensing regulations.
• Participates in continuous improvement utilizing the Quest Management System (QMS).
• Directs the on-going research and development of new assays, troubleshooting and/or improvements of current assays.
• Participates, as needed, in the formulation and coordination for sales and marketing objectives and programs. Assists in the identification of new clients and services. Functions as a liaison between laboratory clients and the sales and marketing organization. Provides assistance to Sales and Marketing in terms of writing technical brochures and, as required, give lectures to clients and sales representatives.
• Serves as Quest Diagnostics representative to the scientific community via services, publications, presentations, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

• M.D., D.O., or D.D.S. degree, or an earned doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D., Sc.D.) in a relevant chemical, physical, or biological science major from an accredited institution.

• ABMM certification or eligibility preferred.

• Typically requires at least 3-5 years of work experience inclusive of postdoctoral fellowship.

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

• The employee is frequently required to sit and stand; and is occasionally required to walk and stoop. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and depth perception. 
• Job duties are performed in a laboratory environment utilizing standard lab equipment. Some operations include the use of chemicals which require following safe handling procedures. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

• Ability to compute basic statistical measures associated with quality control functions. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, linear algebra, and curve fitting at a sufficient level to guide staff and assess the quality of departmental work.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  Ability to analyze an extensive variety of business and technical information, make appropriate assumptions, and understand the implications of both the data limitations and assumptions on the conclusions drawn.  Ability to effectively analyze and challenge data and conclusions generated by others.

• Must be able to lead projects and programs, set standards, and train staff.  Must develop staff to independently solve technical problems; must act as a lead source t scientific knowledge in the business unit.  Familiarity with clinical laboratory practices and operations is desirable.  

• Must possess excellent command of the English language and grammar, with demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communications.  Ability to understand and critically analyze internal product development documents and business presentations, general business periodicals, relevant technical journals, and applicable governmental regulations.  Ability to write clear, concise reports and business correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to common inquiries or complaints from employees, executives, vendors, customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the scientific community.