Laboratory and Scientific Director

ABOUT CDPHE:

Colorado for All Philosophy: Colorado for All means working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. It means we support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity.

At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Join us in serving our communities to advance Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

Join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado’s health and protecting the places we live, work, learn and play in this beautiful state we call home.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 

• This position is Non-Classified and therefore this announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. If selected for the position the candidate will be required to establish residency in Colorado.
• Employment is at-will, with no actual, expressed or implied contract.
• This position will have hybrid workplace options available, at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs, but will still be required to report to the office located at 8100 Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO, 80230.
  

CDPHE offers: 

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.

• Flexible working arrangements

• Retirement ( PERA options), Medical and dental health plans

• Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off

• Tuition assistance 

• Wellness programs

• Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects

• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

The Work Unit:

State public health laboratories are foundational to protecting the health of the population. Only one of these highly specialized labs exist per state, creating a national network that works closely with the EPA, CDC, FDA and other federal agencies.  The Colorado Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) protects the health of the population by identifying known and novel infectious diseases and outbreaks; detecting environmental contaminants in food products, natural medicine, and drinking and recreational waters; responding to bioterrorism and chemical threats; certifying every instrument in the state used for evidential breath alcohol testing; testing every infant born in Colorado and Wyoming to identify treatable genetic-related conditions at birth; performing audit functions and certification of outside laboratories; and conducting surveillance and public health research. The CPHL conducts around 3 million tests annually and works in partnership with local public health agencies to investigate and monitor public health events. 

The CPHL is a division within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), known internally as the Laboratory Services Division. 

What You Will Do:

The Laboratory and Scientific Director is in the senior executive services class and appointed by CDPHE’s executive director. The position serves as the leader of the laboratory, providing regulatory, scientific and operational direction and oversight of nearly 150 staff and an annual budget of $45 million. The director is supported by four deputies and numerous managers. The director sets the vision and performance goals, in alignment with CDPHE’s Senior Executive Team. The director fosters an environment that integrates strategic, scientific and systems thinking, plus prioritizes strict attention to quality and compliance, ensuring the validity and dependability of laboratory results, and a continuous improvement mindset. 

The director provides laboratory personnel with the direction,  management and professional development necessary to ensure that laboratory programs effectively meet their statutory and regulatory obligations, and are effective and scientifically rigorous, including Public Health and Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Chemistry, Newborn Screening, Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing,  Laboratory Certification, Quality Assurance, Biosafety, Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences, Gamete Bank and Fertility Clinics, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Laboratory Data Systems. The laboratory director also serves as the director for CLIA High Complexity Testing.

The position will also oversee and support the laboratory’s ongoing modernization and quality improvement efforts, working in concert with the department’s Senior Executive Team and quality improvement consultants, providing leadership and scientific consultation, and implementing change management strategies with staff in order to improve laboratory services.  The position regularly identifies and communicates issues, resource needs and other challenges to the department’s Senior Executive Team (SES), including Chief Medical Officer, Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and others, assuring that problems are addressed swiftly and effectively. The position works across CDPHE to collaborate with other divisions for testing services and coordinated emergency response.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Oversight of the Laboratory

2. Quality Assurance/Environmental Health & Safety/State and Federal Regulatory Compliance

3. Operational Oversight of the Laboratory

4. Human Resources Management

5. Laboratory Modernization and Process Improvement

6. Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives and Public Affairs

7. Emergency Preparedness and Response/Laboratory Logistics

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

This posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must meet minimum requirements for a CLIA high complexity laboratory director: MD, DO, or DPM degree with pathology board certification OR 2+ years experience directing high-complexity tests and 20 CE credit hours in relevant laboratory practice

• OR PhD /doctoral degree in chemical, biological, or laboratory science and board-certified by an HHS-approved board and 2 years experience directing and 2 years supervising high complexity testing and 20 CE credit hours in relevant laboratory practice

• Must have two or more years of experience in an executive role at a laboratory, managing staff, and a budget.

You must substantiate that you meet the minimum qualifications when filling out the Work Experience section of the application. “See resume” will not be accepted.  In addition, part-time work will be prorated when determining whether minimum qualifications are met. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:  

1. Experience working as an executive in a similarly sized laboratory.

2. Experience implementing quality assurance systems and assuring compliance with regulatory requirements

3. Excellent performance management skills.

4. Dynamic leadership skills and demonstrated record of producing results.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

• A financial check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

• Travel (frequency, location, etc.): Potential meetings in other areas of the state or national conferences out of state. May include overnight stays 1-2 times per year.

• Colorado Driver’s License

• On-call Status: On call for public health emergencies or service disruptions

• Critical Services Designation:  This is a critical position and can be expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start, early release, or closure situations.

A complete application packet must include:

• Completed State of Colorado application.

• A Resume

• A Cover Letter

• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process:

All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.

E-Verify: 

CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

ADAAA Accommodations:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at [email protected] or call 303-692-2060, option 5.