Public Health Laboratory Assistant Director

Class Concept

This is technical and administrative work assisting in directing the state public health laboratory. Employee, as assistant director, coordinates and supervises the scientific work of all sections of the laboratory division, and advises and assists the director on personnel, planning, and other administrative matters arising in the laboratory. Responsibilities include serving with full authority to act as director of the laboratory in the latter's absence. Employee consults with local health directors, sanitarians, engineers, physicians, and others on the interpretation of results obtained from the examination of various specimens submitted to the laboratory for examination. Work is evaluated in terms of the employee's effectiveness in providing technical supervision of laboratory activities, and in providing administrative assistance to the director.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and procedures applied in public health laboratory technology.
• Thorough knowledge of the basic principles and procedures of biochemistry, bacteriology, and related field as applied to medical diagnostic work.
• Thorough knowledge of the application and interpretation of departmental administrative policies and procedures related to the laboratory division.
• Thorough knowledge of the literature and recent developments in the field of medical technology.
• Ability to supervise the work of a large professional, technical, and clerical staff, and to plan work procedures for the mass testing of large numbers of samples.
• Ability to organize and direct special research projects, and to present interpreted results in lucid scientific form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with State and federal health agencies, private physicians, local health departments, and the public.

Minimum Education and Experience

Doctoral degree in epidemiology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, or a related biological field from an appropriately accredited institution, and three years of progressive public health technical and administrative experience; or Master's degree in epidemiology, microbiology, or biochemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and five years of supervisory or administrative experience in public health laboratory work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience