DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Address:  250 N. 17th Ave

                        Phoenix, AZ  85007

Salary: 70,000 

Grade: 22

This position is responsible for the planning and supervision of all activities and programs within the Bacteriology/Mycobacterium Section. This would include supervising and reviewing the laboratory testing of priority biological agents suspected in bioterrorist attacks; providing interpretation of laboratory results; providing consultation and training for staff, physicians and laboratories; developing and implementing new laboratory testing methods; budgeting and forecasting; and interfacing with federal, state and county health and regulatory agencies.

- Plan and direct all daily activities and supervise personnel within the section.
- Monitor test analyses and specimen examinations to ensure acceptable levels of analytic performance.
- Conduct laboratory testing analyses in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures.
- Oversee training and orientation to all laboratory personnel within the section. Evaluate and document the performance of all testing personnel.
- Monitor the section's budget and forecast section needs. Manage reagent and supply inventory and monitor equipment performance.
- Provide oversight of the section's quality assurance program. Draft monthly Quality Assurance Reviews for regulatory compliance.

Knowledge of:
- Use of specialized equipment. Knowledge of department, division, and bureau policies. Characteristics of microorganisms.
- Familiarity with modes of disease transmission. Knowledge of molecular and microbiological techniques including: isolation, identification, DNA amplification, DNA sequencing, TRF, microscopy, sterilization, aseptic technique, centrifugation and laboratory safety.
- Good grasp of scientific terminology (medical/microbiological/ genetic).
- Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Lean methodologies.

Skill in:
- Excellent training skills for organization of presentations, workshops, tabletop exercises, and wet laboratory exercises Interpretation and application of test results.
- Excellent communication and writing skills.
- Strong computer skills.

Ability to:
- Perform molecular and microbiological techniques including: isolation, identification, DNA amplification, DNA sequencing, TRF, microscopy, sterilization, aseptic technique, centrifugation and laboratory safety.
- Excellent teaching ability High degree of manual dexterity.
- Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.

Bachelor's Degree in a laboratory science to include 12 semester hours in microbiology, biochemistry or molecular biology from a nationally accredited college or university (or a foreign degree which has been determined to be equivalent by a nationally recognized accrediting agency) and at least 2 years of professional level work experience in a laboratory.

Employees who drive on state business require possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any driver training (See Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
− Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
− Paid vacation and sick time
− 10 paid holidays per year
− Wellness program and plans
− Life insurance
− Short/long-term disability insurance
− Defined retirement plan
− Award winning Infant at Work program
− Credit union membership
− Transit subsidy
− ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will make a contribution to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27 week wait period for contributions to begin.

Arizona State Government is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-1085. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.