Laboratory Technician Supervisor - DCB

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Laboratory Technician Supervisor to perform laboratory procedures and provide supervision to section technicians in support of Serology/Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB). The Laboratory Technician Supervisor will oversee all testing and laboratory operations within the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited HIV Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory (HDRL) in DCB, Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR) at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). 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 clinical immunological and serological assays to include, but not limited to, HIV-1 EIA, HCV EIA, HBsAg, HBsAg neutralization, anti-HBs, anti-HB core, HIV-1 WB, and Rapid Tests. HDRL also conducts molecular diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic monitoring assays to include, but not limited to, qualitative HIV, HCV, and SARS-CoV-2, quantitative HIV, HCV viral load, HIV Drug resistance genotype, and research molecular assays. The incumbent will work with the HDRL Laboratory Director, Senior Laboratory Manager, and 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 Serology Laboratory Section as well as the Clinical Molecular Section in the absence of the Molecular 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.

• Responsible for helping to identify disease situations and to design proper laboratory support for these projects. Maintains in depth knowledge of CAP/CLIA/FDA regulatory requirements for high complexity testing.
• Oversees, and performs when required, all clinical procedures in the Serology Section in conjunction with Team Leads and manages all clinical procedures in the Molecular Section in the absence of the Molecular Technical Supervisor. Monitors all activities to ensure all regulatory standards and test turn around times are met. Provides coverage for unscheduled events within the laboratory as required.
• Evaluates/resolves new and complex problems in the Serology Section in collaboration with Lead Technologists, other Departmental Supervisors, Operations Personnel, Quality Assurance staff and Senior Management.
• Ensures all instrumentation is functioning properly and is maintained in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and HDRL SOPs. Troubleshoots instruments, test methods, and specialty processes. Corrects and documents all issues in accordance with DCB's Occurrence Management Plan.
• Continually monitors temperatures of rooms, refrigerators, and freezers with the use of DataTron EXT system for proper storage of reagents and samples.
• Trains, in collaboration with the Team Leads, new Technologists (MT) and Technicians (MLT) and other support staff in theories and techniques to ensure appropriate training for assigned tasks and duties. Prepares, writes, reviews, and revises the Standard Operating Procedures and provides technical guidance to laboratory personnel.
• 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. Ensure assay turnaround times (TATs), are in accordance with established HDRL guidelines and benchmarks, and takes appropriate actions to improve performance where applicable. Reviews/verifies all technical data for accuracy and trends.
• 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. Prepares, writes, reviews, and revises the Standard Operating Procedures and provides technical guidance to laboratory personnel.
• Works with the Laboratory Director, Senior Laboratory Manager, Team Leads 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. Attends, presents and participates in Section/General Laboratory meetings, DCB Department meetings, and Division Seminars.
• Supervises staff in Serology Section to include, assessing personnel competency, monitoring and evaluating employee performance, and performance improvement through active participation in the Occurrence Management System. Provides training to US Military HIV Research Program Laboratory personnel and visiting Scientists as required.
• 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.
• Gain a basic knowledge and understanding of the assays in operation within the Administrative, Specimen Processing and Molecular Sections to provide support and guidance for staff in the absence of their respective section supervisors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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 Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum of 6-8 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent laboratory and technical skills. In depth knowledge of serological testing methodologies and the ability to perform and troubleshoot them, including assays for the detection of; HIV, HBV and HCV.
• Ability to learn new assays and techniques to cover other laboratory areas when needed including but not limited to: quantitative and qualitative assays for detection and monitoring of HIV, HCV, HBV, GC, CT, TV, Mgen, HIV drug resistance genotype testing, and research molecular assays.
• Knowledge of CAP/CLIA/GCLP requirements for conducting high complexity clinical testing of human specimens.
• Ability to oversee the work activities of subordinate staff members.
• Excellent documentation and record keeping abilities. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Supervisory experience.
• Must live in the US the past three out of five years.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials over 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged period.

Licenses and Certifications

• MT (ASCP) certification is required.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.
• Monday-Friday during normal business operations. May require occasional weekend coverage for resulting and special project management.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $64,200-$85,000. 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

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