Lab Director of Molecular Pathology and Cytogenetics

DMC University Laboratories (DMCUL) is a regional, integrated laboratory system providing services to the eight hospitals of Detroit Medical Center. DMC University Laboratories evolved in 1993 and is comprised of Core Laboratories, Specialty Laboratories, two rapid response hospital laboratories, Centralized Stat Lab, Centralized Blood Bank Lab, and full-service outreach infrastructure which includes patient service centers, remote ambulatory laboratories, marketing staff, courier system and billing department. The DMC University Laboratories service area covers the entire Southeast Michigan market, and is growing at a rapid pace with the following outstanding features: Test menu of over 1,000 tests, which includes high end specialty tests. Less than 1% of our tests are sent to outside reference laboratories. Provide reference laboratory services to many of the other healthcare systems in Southeastern Michigan and several out of state facilities.


The Division of Laboratory Genetics consists of Molecular Pathology, Cytogenetics and HLA laboratories and performs a wide range of testing for both inherited diseases and cancer. Clients include DMC physicians, regional outreach clients, and the Karmanos Cancer Institute, an on-campus NCI-Designated Cancer Center. The Detroit Medical Center and Karmanos Cancer Institute are academic institutions affiliated with Wayne State University School of Medicine and have many training programs including residency and fellowship programs in Pathology and Hematology/Oncology along with a Genetic Counseling program. The candidate will be appointed as faculty of the Wayne State University Department of Pathology at an academic rank commensurate with experience. The candidate will be expected to participate in teaching of residents, fellows, and students.


Summary Description


• In conjunction with Division of Laboratory Genetics Medical Director, assumes responsibility for effective planning, organization, direction and coordination of technical operations of the Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Laboratories, including pre and post-analytical functions.


• In conjunction with Administrative Director, assumes responsibility for controlling productivity, fiscal responsibility and quality of results of test performed under his/her direction. Reports on a variety of specialized diagnostic laboratory tests and procedures.


• Works with Medical Director to develop and implement technical policies, systems and procedures for the Medical Genetics Laboratory. Provides recommendations and input to policies, procedures and systems for other DMC laboratory functions. Cooperates with Site Medical and Administrative Directors by providing technical assistance for diagnostic testing performed within the Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Diagnostic Laboratories.


• Participates in development and structure of Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Diagnostic Laboratory technical objectives; assists in development of specific short-term and long-range plans and programs including supporting budget and cost information.


• Establishes and monitors all technical methods, processes and procedures; in conjunction with Administrative Director, cooperates with Medical Director to direct and implement department work schedules, staffing schedules, preventative maintenance programs and personnel requirements for the Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Diagnostics Laboratories.


• Ensures validity, accuracy and analyses of all tests performed within the Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Diagnostics Laboratories.


• Determines and develops department standards for test procedures. Prescribes appropriate test methods and ensures strict adherence to quality control programs within the Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Diagnostics Laboratories.


• Participates in proficiency surveys to evaluate the Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Diagnostics Laboratory's performance.


• Conducts and directs continuing assessment of test procedures; conducts and directs examination of new techniques and methods in order to determine appropriate changes to improve quality, reduce costs and enhance efficiency.


• Directs technical training programs as required for employees, new employees, medical technology students, medical students and/or residents. Conducts periodic reviews with appropriate personnel to determine progress of individuals.


• Establishes and maintains technical records and reports as required; issues reports regarding quality and quantity of clinical test procedures and results to management.


• Maintains liaison with physicians and support staff, such as genetic counselors, nurses, and nurse practitioners. Prepares and distributes reports regarding discrepancies from standard test procedures and results to physicians and medical directors as indicated.


• Develops and maintains contacts with educational institutions, professional organizations, government agencies, etc. to keep abreast of changes, developments and regulations related to clinical test procedures for diagnosis of illness and disease.


• Assists in performance of experimental testing procedures as necessary. Submits results to Medical Director with recommendations regarding changes in methods to improve validity and accuracy of tests.


• Appraises performance of subordinates and contributes to their development in conjunction with Medical Director and Administrative Director. Ensures adherence to work rules and recommends changes in status as appropriate.


• Participates in development of operating and capital equipment budget for the Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Diagnostics Laboratories.


• In conjunction with Administrative Director, assumes responsibility for ensuring that the Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Laboratory operates within assigned budget.


• Attends and participates in meetings of board and committees related to administration of the core laboratory as appropriate and assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications


1. PhD in Life Science relevant to genetics, molecular biology, cancer biology, etc.


2. Previous experience in a clinical laboratory including administrative and managerial experience in technical activities to develop familiarity with laboratory technical activities and procedures involving Molecular Pathology or Cytogenetics is desirable


3. Board certification or Active Candidacy by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics, Clinical Cytogenetics and Genomics, or Clinical Molecular Genetics and Genomics is required.


Skills Required


1. Experience with a variety of molecular genetics and cytogenetic methodologies including next-generation sequencing, RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing, microarray, FISH, karyotype, etc.


2. Knowledge of CLIA and CAP regulations.


3. Analytical ability to serve in an advisory/consultative role in determining and/or developing strategies, policies, processes, protocols and methods, frequently in the absence of guidelines or technical assistance, and to evaluate and direct complex systems that foster innovative approaches to procedures/processes.


4. Communication and interpersonal skills for frequent contact with internal customers as well as stakeholders external to the DMC to persuade or negotiate on a wide range of subjects in situations which may be controversial, sensitive and/or lead to confrontation. A mastery of a variety of communication modalities is required to include leading meetings, making formal presentations, and writing complex documents and managing complex relationships over time.


5. Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team-based environment. Project management skills including the ability to define program, project, or process objectives, identify stakeholders and their interests, plan steps, coordinate and allocate human, technological and fiscal resources to accomplish goals and objectives in a resourceful yet timely manner.


6. Leadership skills including demonstrated willingness to pursue leadership roles with increasing levels of accountability, comfort with decision-making responsibilities, coaching, teaching and counseling skills, and the ability to inspire and build confidence in others and to forge alliances and garner support.