DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Address: 250 N 17th Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $84,700 

Grade: 23

This position provides oversight for the performance of all statutorily-required testing and quality assurance activities done in the Newborn Screening laboratory, including the release and reporting of results and coordinating related activities. The purpose of this position is to ensure the accurate, appropriate and timely receipt, preparation, analysis, interpretation and reporting of results on a large volume of clinical specimens for twenty-eight inherited disorders in newborns. This position will also serve as the technical specialist and primary supervisor for the Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Cystic Fibrosis testing sections.

Plan and direct all daily activities and manage and direct subordinate staff (work assignments, setting priorities, hiring, discipline, provide training, approving leave requests, and preparing evaluations).

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.

Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%).

Knowledge of:
-Causes of inherited disorders, their effects
and their laboratory evaluation.
-Specialized microbiological and chemical
laboratory techniques and specialized
equipment.
-Theory of colorimetric assays, fluorometric
immunoassays, isoelectric focusing, HPLC,
MS/MS, and PCR.
-High volume clinical laboratory setting.
-Department, Division, and Bureau policies.
-Contract procedures.
-Budget tracking.
-Familiarity with statistical analyses.
-Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Lean methodologies.

Skill in:
-Proper Microbiological/Clinical Chemistry techniques.
-Operation of specialized equipment.
-Leadership, supervision, and establishing
and maintaining effective work relationships.

Ability to:
-Teach and coach.
-Dilution, pipetting, and centrifugation.
-Interpersonal skills in dealing with wide variety of persons and organizations.
-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 laboratory science or a related field and at least 4 years of professional level work experience in a laboratory as a Chemist or Microbiologist. Master's degree in a related field may substitute for 1 year of experience. PhD degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience.

Driver's License.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
− Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
− Paid vacation and sick time
− Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
− 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

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. 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.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing Miriam.Sheffield@azdhs.gov. 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.