Public Health Laboratory Director

Job Code: 32000667
Salary Grade: MH23
Revision Date: 06/2018

Class Concept

This is professional administrative and technical work in planning, negotiating, organizing, staffing, directing, and evaluating the services of the State Public Health Laboratory. Work in this class requires considerable expertise in coordinating a multi-service laboratory program which analyzes medical and environmental specimens on behalf of physicians, hospitals, local health departments, other laboratories and clinics, and a variety of federal, State, and local agencies to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and/or monitoring of individual, community, or environmental health problems. The employee in this class will direct and coordinate the activities of a large technical staff in areas of microbiology, clinical chemistry, environmental sciences, cancer cytology, virology/serology, and laboratory improvement to ensure successful delivery of laboratory services. The employee maintains standards of quality in the performance of a variety of laboratory analyses; determines policies, plans, and methodologies for implementation in the laboratory; and sets priorities for laboratory work. The Director serves as liaison with professional contacts in the scientific/ academic communities and acts as chief spokesperson for the laboratory. Work is subject to administrative review by the Public Health Director.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of microbiology, biochemistry, environmental sciences, virology, serology, as well as relevant application to public health programs.
• Thorough knowledge of local, State, and federal laws, rules, and regulations relative to all aspects of public health.
• Thorough knowledge of all aspects of public health and health needs in North Carolina.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with local, State, and federal officials; the general public; and members of the scientific/ academic communities.
• Ability to organize, direct, and plan administratively and technically the operation of large analytical; service, and reference laboratory.
• Ability to interpret a variety of analytical data and assess impact on the public's health.

Minimum Education and Experience

Doctoral degree in epidemiology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, or a related biological science field from an appropriately accredited institution, with at least five years of responsible and progressive experience with a minimum of three years in a responsible administrative capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.