Lab Technician Supervisor - HDRL

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Laboratory Technician Supervisor to perform laboratory procedures and provide supervision to section technicians.

This position will be in support of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited HIV Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory (HDRL) in the Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB)/Molecular Department. HDRL provides clinical laboratory support for Department of Defense Medical Treatment Facilities, US Army European Command, US Army Central Command, US Medical Entrance Processing Command, and US Military research initiatives. HDRL conducts molecular diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic monitoring assays to include, but not limited to, qualitative HIV, HCV, GC, CT, TV, MGen, and SARS-CoV-2, quantitative HIV, HCV viral load, HIV Drug resistance genotype, and research molecular assays. HDRL also conducts clinical immunological and serological assays to include, but not limited to, HIV-1 EIA, HCV EIA, HBsAg, HBsAg neutralization, anti-HBs, anti-HBcore, HIV-1 WB, and Rapid Tests. The incumbent will work with the HDRL Laboratory Director, Associate Laboratory Director, Quality Assurance Manager to establish standards, develop or modify analytical and/or test methods, and will be responsible for the efficiency/accuracy of all analyses and testing performed in the Molecular Laboratory Section as well as the Clinical Serology Sections in the absence of the Serology Technical Supervisor. The incumbent will work in a multidisciplinary environment consisting of US Military, Department Army Civilian, Contractor, and visiting Scientists.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Works with the Laboratory Director, Associate Laboratory Director, Senior Laboratory Manager, Team Lead and Quality Assurance Manager to develop, and implement new testing platforms/assays/procedures as required for new missions in support of US Military Force Health Protection and Readiness.
• Oversees, and performs when required, all clinical procedures in the Clinical Molecular Laboratory Section in conjunction with Team Lead and manages all clinical procedures in the Serology Section in the absence of the Serology Technical Supervisor. Monitors all activities to ensure all regulatory standards and test turn around times are met.
• Maintains in depth knowledge of College of American Pathologists (CAP) /Clinical Laboratory Information Amendment (CLIA)/FDA regulatory requirements for high complexity testing.
• Plans workload to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, and prepares schedules for completion of work to ensure efficient and accurate testing for both clinical and research missions.
• Evaluates/resolves new and complex problems in the Clinical Molecular Laboratory Section in collaboration with the Team Lead, as well as Clinical Serology Sections in collaboration with the Serological Technical Supervisor and Serological Team Leads.
• Ensures all instrumentation is functioning properly and is maintained in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Troubleshoots instruments, test methods, and specialty processes. Corrects and documents all issues in accordance with DCB's Occurrence Management Plan.
• Develops validation plans to evaluate new instruments and test methods, conducts evaluations of methods, summarizes data for presentation to DCB leadership, and incorporates into Section testing menus.
• Reviews in coordination with the Quality Assurance Section, all quality indicators for Molecular and Serology Sections to ensure assays are performing as required and technologists are reporting results according to manufacturer and/or Laboratory specific requirements, test turn-around times (TATs) are in accordance with established laboratory guidelines and benchmarks. Takes appropriate actions to improve performance where applicable.
• Prepares, writes, reviews, and revises SOPs for the Molecular Sections and provides technical guidance to laboratory personnel.
• Continually monitors temperatures of rooms, refrigerators, and freezers with the use of DataTron EXT system for proper storage of reagents and samples.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries. Provide input on employee performance evaluations.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in a science related field required.
• Minimum of 6-8 years experience required.
• Previous experience working in a CAP accredited molecular laboratory required with at least four (4) years training and experience in high complexity molecular testing and four (4) years experience in a science discipline.
• Preferable minimum of 1 year of supervisory experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to perform and troubleshoot molecular diagnostic assays: quantitative and qualitative assays for detection and monitoring of HIV, HBV, HCV, HIV drug resistance genotype testing, and research molecular assays; familiar with serological assays used to detect HIV, HBV, HCV, and other sexually transmitted infections.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Should have technical knowledge of scientific disciplines and has written standard operating procedures or laboratory protocols necessary for accreditation.
• Professional knowledge of analytical laboratory principles, theories, practices, and established methodologies sufficient to perform the full range of duties involved in developing and modifying methods that are used to analyze and test body fluids in a regulated environment.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Licenses and Certifications

• MT(ASCP) or equivalent is required.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting. 100% onsite at HDRL, 9100 Brookville Rd, Bldg 508, Silver Spring, MD.
• Work schedule with be Monday - Friday during normal business operations.
• Occasional weekend coverage required.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $67,500-$95,000. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.