Director, Genetics Laboratory

Location: Chicago, IllinoisHospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: RML Genetics LaboratoryWork Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)Pay Range: $119,000 - $180,000 per yearRush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data.

The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.Summary:The Director, Genetics Laboratory, provides scientific, technical, and operational leadership for assigned laboratory units. The Director is responsible for the quality, validity, timeliness, and clinical appropriateness of laboratory services and works closely with the Medical Director, Laboratory Manager, supervisors, and specialist staff to ensure effective laboratory operations and compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.The Director serves as acting Medical Laboratory Director in the Medical Director’s absence.Other information:Required Job Qualifications:Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in a relevant biological or laboratory science, including biochemistry, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology. Additionally, the role requires the the following -

• Qualified Cytogeneticist certification/qualification requires either:
• Successful completion of an accredited fellowship with an emphasis in clinical cytogenetics; or
• In the absence of fellowship training, four years of training and/or experience in human medical genetics or pathology, including at least two years of experience in clinical cytogenetics.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the analytical performance of all tests in the laboratory. Direct the work of the appropriate staff members in resolution of problems related to laboratory test procedures.
• Oversees the provision of external laboratory services for those tests not carried out in the laboratory.
• Consults and communicate with professional staff regarding issues of availability, validity and appropriateness of laboratory services, including but not limited to the following:
• Questions about methodology, test selection or significance of test results.
• Problems with laboratory service, with emphasis on those problems appropriately addressed at the professional staff level.
• Introduction of new tests, changes in tests or changes in interpretive protocols (e.g., reference ranges, critical values, chart report formats, etc.)
• Potential research projects.
• Is available to the laboratory staff at all times to receive information on matters appropriately addressed at the professional staff level, and take action to address and/or resolve these matters in a timely and appropriate manner. Attends and participates in laboratory staff meetings and laboratory management meetings on a regular basis.
• Works closely with the Medical Director and Laboratory Manager in developing, updating and monitoring the achievement of long range goals and objectives for the laboratory within the framework of the goals of RML. Meets regularly on both a formal and informal basis with the Laboratory Manager, supervisory staff and laboratory staff for these purposes.
• Works with the Laboratory Manager in providing a laboratory operation that is efficient and cost effective and meets the needs of the customers served. Financial and personnel decisions and recommendations that impact upon clinical service must be made with full cooperation and sharing of information and agreed upon between the Medical Director and the Laboratory Manager.
• Directs the evaluation of new or revised methods or instruments for possible introduction into the laboratory.
• Works with the Directors and Managers of other RML units (for example: LISS, LSS) to ensure the provision of valid and timely laboratory services that meet the needs of the customers served. Refer these matters to the Medial Director of RML as appropriate.
• Participates with the Laboratory Manager in projects related to space utilization, planning and remodeling, gathering appropriate information and making recommendations to the Director of RML.
• Participates with the Medical Director and Laboratory Manager in the selection of new instrumentation, gathering appropriate information and making recommendations to the Director of RML.
• Directs the involvement of the laboratory in internal and extramural research projects.
• Directs the quality assurance and proficiency testing programs within the laboratory units assigned. Directs the work of the appropriate staff members in these activities.
• Oversees the technical training of the staff when new or revised methods or instruments are introduced. Direct the work of the appropriate staff members in these activities.
• Participates in the provision of regular continuing education and in-service programs for the staff.
• Monitors all aspects of laboratory function to ensure compliance with the requirements of regulatory and accrediting agencies, taking action and/or making recommendations as appropriate.
• Represents the laboratory within and outside RML and RUMC as appropriate.
• Consults with vendor representatives regarding:
• Availability and characteristics of new methods or instrumentation.
• Problems with methods or instrumentation currently in use.
• Potential research projects.
• Maintains an up-to-date working knowledge of the laboratory through continuing education activities.
• Participates in the training and education of pathology residents and medical technology students.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of RML.Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at ourRush benefits page(https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).