University of Washington · 4 weeks ago
Assistant Director, DIDD Clinical Laboratory Operations
Seattle, Non-Campus
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$156K/yr - $198K/yr
6+ years expThe University of Washington is seeking an Assistant Director for the Division of Infectious Diseases Diagnostics at the Renton Central Laboratory. The role involves providing clinical oversight, managing laboratory operations, and ensuring compliance with regulations while fostering innovation and staff development.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
In conjunction with division faculty, the Division Head, and the Central Laboratory Director, formulate goals and objectives for the DIDD clinical testing laboratories
Direct and implement strategies to actualize Division goals and projects that encourage growth and meet future demands
Develop plans for division staff to stay abreast of the latest technologies and foster a collaborative environment for devising new diagnostic tests
Evaluate and implement changes to promote innovation and improvements in laboratory functions using technological advancements with direct application of laboratory-based diagnoses
Oversee the development and implementation of divisional policies and procedures; centralize and consolidate testing by location where appropriate; and optimize the use of the physical laboratory space and resources. Automate where applicable
Oversee and authorize the design, performance, and coordination of diagnostic test development and validation, including resource allocation
Review and approve research testing requests and cost accounting after technical feasibility consultation with Division Faculty
Consult with the Division Head on technical decisions for the Division and use recommendations/input for technical developments, changes, and implementations
Resolve all escalated problems to include, but not be limited to, diagnostic testing, development, validation, and quality, as well as related services with internal and external clients while utilizing interpersonal and collaborative skills. Communicate and collaborate with managers and internal and external personnel from other departments and lab divisions, as needed
Escalate conditions, issues, and incidents to Lab Director(s), Division Head(s), and Faculty when needed for appropriate and timely direction of the laboratories
Act as a liaison for the DIDD clinical laboratories in place of the Division Head and Central Laboratory Director with other healthcare personnel
Prepare presentations for faculty, staff, students, and professional meetings
Maintain current knowledge of relevant literature and scientific advances
Oversee the development of the clinical testing budget, prepare data for cost analyses, and manage expenditure of funds. Consult with the Central Laboratory Director regarding these decisions
Approve departmental equipment and contract needs <$10,000 and manage the selection of equipment and supplies
Evaluate and negotiate contracts and pricing for equipment, supplies, standing orders, and services contracts >$10,000. Make recommendations to the Central Laboratory Director
Create monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports with justifications and resolutions for any over-budgeted areas to include, but not be limited to, FTE, projects, contracts, and consumables
Monitor and assess staffing and overall productivity in all laboratory sections
Ensure DIDD clinical laboratories are in compliance with regulations and accrediting bodies. Direct and review quality control standards and programs
Provide effective evaluation of departmental practices and promote the Division’s continuous process improvement initiatives
Utilize tracking, benchmarking, and metrics reports to establish quality standard and ongoing process improvement strategies for diagnostic testing
Maintain competent technical staff and high-quality diagnostic testing and training. Work with managers to coordinate continuing education and in-services for staff when needed
Oversee and coordinate activities in DIDD clinical testing sections; manage change and foster innovation and improvements
Responsible for the opening of new and replacement positions; interview, hire, and orient, and train new section managers/employees, including, but not limited to, Health Services Manager, MLS Leads, and MLS 2s
Delegate responsibilities, duties, and tasks to optimize the use of section managers’ time, skills, and expertise without compromising quality of laboratory operations
Audit and evaluate new section staff while considering workload, staff turnover, budget, UW Medicine initiatives, etc
Develop and mentor DIDD section managers to meet expected operational goals; provide consultation on staff performance to include, but not be limited to, evaluations, expectations, investigations, and corrective actions
Responsible for direct performance management of section managers to include, but not limited to, employee performance, feedback, expectations, mentorship, investigations, and disciplinary or remedial actions as needed
Effectively use and role model current leadership techniques and theories to encourage decision making skills development of managers and staff; provide insight and leadership in complex situations
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or equivalent field applicable to the laboratory division
Medical Laboratory Science certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent, or certification with a specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division
Six (6) to eight (8) years of progressively responsible clinical technologist experience, including five (5) years in a laboratory leadership capacity to include budget responsibilities and a proven track record that shows an ability to work cross-functionally to achieve business outcomes
Must understand occupational health and safety principles and applications with demonstrated ability to direct and conduct effective quantitative and qualitative exposure/risk assessments for complex laboratory/research operations
Must have broad knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, and policy guidance into University programs and operations
Must have demonstrated oversight of effective health and safety programs, including developing and maturing programs and implementing program improvements and efficiencies
Preferred
Master's degree in medical laboratory science or equivalent field applicable to the laboratory division
Experience developing diagnostic laboratory developed tests
Experience working in an academic medical center or health system
Experience managing two (2) or more sections/disciplines in a high-volume reference or core laboratory setting
Experience with cost optimization, productivity metrics, operational efficiencies, and business process improvement
Experience with driving results through team leadership, including working with individual managers/teams to define and measure specific goals and outcomes
Experience with automating laboratory work benches and processes, as well as Total Laboratory Automation
Experience with metric/KPIs development and/or Lean Six Sigma or other quality improvement methods
Benefits
Relocation incentive for eligible new employees.
Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly, including 12 paid holidays.
State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.
Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.
Company
University of Washington
University of Washington is an educational institution that provides undergraduate, graduate, and research programs.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Washington has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (249)
2024 (211)
2023 (159)
2022 (171)
2021 (169)
2020 (154)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$205.35MKey Investors
Avista foundationNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesAdvanced Research Projects Agency for Health
2025-04-21Grant· $0.01M
2024-09-13Grant
2024-08-13Grant· $21.1M
Leadership Team
Andrew S Allen
Adjunct Professor
Arthur Denny
Founder
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