National Director, Technical Lab - Microbiology

The National Technical Director provides technical and operations leadership for Microbiology specialties.  This position sets standards for operationalizing testing including assay validation, reagent utilization, proper workflow and scheduling, and associated standard operating procedure.  The responsibility spans both regional and esoteric labs to improve and standardize testing with a focus on service, quality, cost, and employee engagement. 

• Promote and drive Quest Diagnostics Vision, Strategy and Goals. 
• Provide technical standards, SOP’s and metrics for testing family. 
• Drive standardization of testing across regions – common processes, assay, and platforms. 
• Optimize platform and assay performance  
• Drive requirements and standards in platforms – work closely with automation initiative. 
• Drive platform and regional consolidation. 
• In collaboration with CLO and procurement, select equipment platform and laboratory supplies. 
• Define required competencies and proficiency of personnel. 
• Support development of all training & competency materials for assays 
• Spend time working in regional labs to maintain a working knowledge of the regional testing environment. 
• Build capability for new testing processes – working with franchise teams. 
• Support for equipment choice – vendor relations, contract negotiations. 
• Maintain supplier relationships in support of the local business unit – liaisons between what is happening locally and nationally. 
• Work with IT resources to ensure RFS requirements are met and coordinate regional testing & training to ensure their requirements are being met. 
• Coordinate resolution of assay and instrument issues  with Medical/Procurement/Regions  
• Provides Franchise with expert resource knowledge/guidance 
• Provides recommendations regarding menu & method rationalization 
• Collaborates and coordinates with Science & Innovation to bring new offerings to market. 
• Utilizes lean/continuous improvement tools to effectively manage projects and platform implementations 
• Applies Everyday Excellence behaviors in daily interactions 
• Promote and replicate best practices  
• Actively participate in process improvement and generate cost saving initiatives 
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve/enhance assay/platform performance 
• Collaborate in the design of new and existing laboratory building/space  
• Accountabilities / Metrics include: 
  • Testing processes and standards 
  • Cost quality service, efficiency 
  • Regulatory compliance 
  • Compliance issues 
  • Expense and Capital Management 
  • Adherence to budgets and guidelines 
  • Supply Cost utilization  
  • Cost containment 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Work Experience:  

Deep technical expertise in their subject area (Minimum 8-10 years experience) 

Preferred Work Experience:  

N/A

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time 

Knowledge:  

• Financial and business acumen 
• Strategy – Know the business, Focus on the customer, Promote strategic alignment 
• People – Collaborate with others, Communicate openly and transparently, continually develop self and others. 
• Results – Deliver superior performance, Demonstrate agility in decision making, Accelerate and embrace change 

Skills:  

• Cross systems view 
• Strategic thinking 
• Cultivating vendor relationship 
• Crisis management and prioritization 
• Decision making 
• Executive presentations and presence 
• Continuous Improvement mindset 
• Excellent written and verbal skills 
• Leadership

EDUCATION

Bachelors degree in Microbiology, Medical Lab Scientist or related field. Graduate degree preferred.

LICENSE CERTIFICATIONS

MLS (ASCP) SM, D(ABMM), DCLS or equivalent

Preferred certification in Continuous Improvement, Project Management, Lean Six Sigma or any other Business Transformation discipline.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.