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Assistant Director of the COVID-19 Saliva Testing Laboratory

Employer
University of Virginia
Location
Charlottesville City, VA
Closing date
Oct 20, 2021

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Sector
Pharmaceutical, Laboratory
Organization Type
Corporate
*Job location: *Charlottesville, VA

*Employment Type:* Full-time
*Posted data:* 2021-09-02
*Req:* R0022186
The University of Virginia [Office for Vice President for Research](http://https/research.virginia.edu/) seek applicants for an *Assistant Director of the COVID-19 Saliva Testing Laboratory* to help oversee the operations of a molecular testing facility for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This position will likely require late night and weekend work. Qualifications include a degree in Medical Technology and at least 4-years-experience in Clinical Microbiology and/or Molecular Diagnostics, and will have strong knowledge of molecular testing and robotics and working knowledge of quality assurance procedures. Duties of this position include but are not limited to assistance in oversight and management of testing personnel, review of molecular assay output (PCR, etc.), trouble shooting of molecular biology techniques, implementation and oversight of quality control procedures and management of laboratory supplies and budget. This position will aid in the interface with University administration in the coordination of testing services and with the Medical Directors of the UVA Medical Laboratories to ensure adherence and compliance with CAP/CLIA standards and regulations. This position, along with the Director, manage the COVID-19 PCR saliva testing performed at the University of Virginia, which will focus on asymptomatic screening testing for the University of Virginia on- and off-campus community.. This laboratory is a highly dynamic, fast paced work environment that requires overcoming ongoing challenges on a daily basis to manage critical supplies shortages and rapidly growing demand for the COVID-19 testing.
*Responsibilities:*

* In partnership with the Director, supports oversight of the daily operational COVID-19 testing activities of the laboratory, including both the technical and non-technical operations.
* Ensure the laboratory meet the needs of the testing services, including turnaround time (TAT).
* Ensures laboratory is compliant with corporate, state and federal regulatory requirements (CLIA, State, etc.,) related to personnel safety and quality of laboratory testing as well as professional conduct in assigned areas.
* Investigates technical issues, analytical failures, and deviations from established procedures at PHL to ensure effective corrective action in a timely fashion.
* Provides support to laboratory staff regarding HR issues and general work issues.
* Effectively manage staffing to ensure adequate coverage with the right level of training.
* Effectively facilitate innovation, promote teambuilding, and manage unexpected scenarios to provide the highest quality and most cost-effective testing service possible.
* Manages the workflow of the laboratory to ensure compliance, access, and efficiency.
* Assists with developing and implementing of laboratory procedures, installation of equipment and methods according to scheduled timelines.
* Oversees inventory of laboratory supplies and ensures that adequate supplies are available.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* And other duties not described above.
*Qualifications:*
*Education:* Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biology, or Medical Technology is required.
*Experience*:

* Four years of experience in lab technical and supervisory role is required.
* Experience as a medical technologist in a high-complexity clinical laboratory.
* Experience in a high-volume clinical laboratory environment.
* Prior supervisor experience managing multiple direct reports.
* Strong knowledge of molecular biology fundamentals.
* High level of proficiency with robotics.
* Previous experience with Hamilton robotics or other liquid handling robots and with QuantStudio 5 or other high-throughput PCR platforms is strongly preferred.
* Strong working knowledge of quality assurance practices and procedures.
* Understanding of laboratory operations as well as policies and procedures.
* Proven ability in troubleshooting technical issues and provide solutions under minimal supervision.
* Proven success in training and developing both technical and non-technical employees.
* Strong communication skills; both written and verbal.
* Highly motivated and energetic with the ability to work effectively in a high test volume setting.
*Licensure:* Medical Laboratory Technician certification obtained through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
*Physical Demands: *This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments or caring for animals. Also requires keyboarding and other bench work and animal procedures requiring finer finger manipulation.
*Anticipated Hiring Range:* $70,000 - $100,000 (commensurate with qualifications) with [UVA benefits](http://hr.virginia.edu/benefits). *This is a one-year appointment likely requiring work late night hours and on weekends.*
*Application:*
For questions about the position or the application process, please contact [Bethany Case](mailto:blc8fu@virginia.edu), Academic Recruiter. Application review will begin March 4th, however this position will remain open until filled.
Please apply through [Workday](http://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs), and search for "*Assistant Director of the COVID-19 Saliva Testing Laboratory".* Complete an application online and attach a cover letter and a CV/resume all into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

*COVID Vaccination Requirement*

The University of Virginia expects all current and new employees (UVA Health System and Academic), to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

*If hired to work within the University Health System, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to receive the vaccination.* Employees may request a medical or religious exemption from vaccination.

If hired to work on the Academic side of the University, excluding the School of Medicine, School of Nursing, UPG, and the Health Systems Library, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to submit to mandatory, weekly prevalence testing. Employees that are working 100% remotely will not be subject to weekly prevalence testing; however, if the employee works on UVA Grounds (including the Medical Center) even intermittently, then they are required to be tested for COVID-19 once per week on an indefinite basis and follow masking mandates.

NOTE: Some medical and safety-sensitive positions require vaccination and are not eligible for an exemption. For more information on how the vaccination and testing requirements will apply to you at your work location, see the [UVA New Hire Vaccination Requirements](https://hr.virginia.edu/covid-vaccination-requirements-uva-new-hires) webpage.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

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