Address:  250 N. 17th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $84,700 

Grade: 23

This position is responsible for the planning and supervision of all activities and programs within the Bacteriology Section. This would include supervising and reviewing the laboratory testing of priority biological agents classified as select agents; 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.

Manage and direct subordinate staff (work assignments, setting priorities, hiring, discipline, provide training, approving leave requests, and preparing evaluations). Oversee training and orientation to all laboratory personnel within the section. Evaluate and document the performance of all testing personnel.
Monitor test analyses and specimen examinations to ensure acceptable levels of analytic performance.
Conduct laboratory testing analyses in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures.
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.

Knowledge of:
- Characteristics of microorganisms.
- Familiarity of modes of disease transmission.
- Molecular and microbiological techniques including: isolation, identification, DNA amplification, DNA sequencing, microscopy, cell culture, sterilization, aseptic technique, centrifugation and laboratory safety.
- Use of specialized equipment.
- Good grasp of scientific terminology (medical/microbiological/genetic).
- State, Agency, Division and Laboratory policies.
- Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Lean methodologies.

Skill in:
- Strong communication skills.
- Strong leadership skills.
- Strong computer skills.
- Strong degree of manual dexterity.

Ability to:
- Multi-task and adapt to changing laboratory needs.
- Perform molecular and microbiological techniques including: isolation, identification, DNA amplification, DNA sequencing, cell culture, microscopy, sterilization, aseptic technique, centrifugation and laboratory safety.
- Interpret and analyze.
- Teaching ability.
- 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.

Candidate must meet the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) minimum requirements for the performance of high complexity testing as defined in the CLIA regulations subpart D6171 493.1489(b)(2)(i). See the following link: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CLIA?03_Interpretive_Guidelines_for_Laboratoires.asp

The selected candidate will be required to submit to and pass a Department of Justice (FBI) Security Risk Assessment and will be required to carry an on-call phone on an rotating basis.

Bachelor's Degree in a laboratory science to include 12 semester hours in microbiology, molecular biology, biology or related field 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 5 years of professional level work experience in a laboratory.

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

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 contribute 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 Tammy.Kaczmarek@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.