Job Summary

This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), Public Health Laboratory Division (PHL). The incumbent is responsible for providing scientific and technical leadership across all microbiological testing activities. This includes oversight of molecular techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, real - time PCR (rt - PCR), digital PCR (dPCR), and rapid molecular platforms (e.g., GeneXpert). The incumbent supervises a team engaged in the detection, identification, and characterization of microorganisms from food, environmental, and/or clinical specimens, with a focus on pathogens of public health significance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Serves as a Laboratory Unit Manager and directs daily operations involving the isolation, and identification of microorganisms from human specimens (e.g., tissues, fluids, lesions), food, and environmental sources. Investigates the relationship between microorganisms and disease, including epidemic control and ensures timely identification and response to emerging threats. Oversees the testing, analysis, and interpretation of physiological, morphological, cultural, and molecular examination of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins), utilizes both conventional molecular methods, including rapid identification systems and advanced molecular methods (i.e., rt-PCR, dPCR, and rapid molecular platforms(e.g., GeneXpert). Serves as the Responsible Official or Alternate Responsible Official for the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Biological Response Team, overseeing the analysis of potential bioterrorism agents. Performs and oversees complex and specialized testing procedures, adapting protocols as needed based on investigative findings or emerging needs. Leads the design, validation, and implementation of new assays and analytical methodologies in compliance with regulatory requirements and laboratory best practices. Develops and implements programs and strategies to address evolving public health needs, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements. Serves as the Designated Technical Supervisor under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), responsible for the scientific and technical oversight of diagnostic and environmental microbiology testing; supervises and ensures compliance with moderate and high-complexity testing in accordance with CLIA '88, CDC, FDA, and departmental policies, as well as other applicable professional standards and best practices.

Ensures robust quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) programs are in place and maintained. Investigates and resolves technical issues, ensuring appropriate remedial actions are taken and documented when test systems deviate from established performance specifications. Provides full supervisory oversight of assigned staff, including performance evaluation, workload distribution, leave approval, hiring recommendations, disciplinary actions, and identification of training and developmental needs. Trains staff on new equipment and methodologies and ensures access to current reference materials and professional literature. Oversees the procurement of laboratory supplies and instrumentation, ensuring timely acquisition and cost-effectiveness while maintaining compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements. Tracks and reports on grant deliverables to ensure milestones are met and funding is used appropriately. Manages laboratory resources to ensure efficient handling of high-volume and specialized testing demands. Ensures optimal use of equipment, instruments, and materials in service to the public health of the District of Columbia. Manages grant-funded projects and special initiatives, including planning, budgeting, reporting, and ensuring compliance with funding agency requirements. Oversees project timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation to support laboratory goals and public health priorities. Advises the Public Health Laboratory Director and other senior officials on microbiology, biology, and quality assurance matters. Represents the laboratory in high-level meetings with District and external stakeholders as needed. Leads problem-solving initiatives, evaluates operational challenges, and implements effective solutions. Troubleshoots technical issues and develops alternative approaches when necessary.

Qualifications and Education

Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent.

Or

Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Licensure and Certifications

None.

Work Conditions/Environment

This position's duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) which is a protection-sensitive facility. As such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.

The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday - Friday

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: MS-0403-14

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

MSS At Will: Management Supervisory Service (MSS) serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

Position Suitability: This position has been deemed Safety Sensitive under the guidelines of the DC Personnel Manual and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic criminal background checks and traffic records checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random drug and alcohol Testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.

Position Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency and acceptance of this offer confirms you agree to adhere to the policies in sections 1271 and 1274 of DPM Chapter 12, regarding essential/emergency employees. As an essential employee, you will be required to either report to work, stay at work, or telework (if directed to do so) during a declared emergency or during a period of non-emergency where your duties have been deemed as critical District government functions/operations. You may be required to perform other duties outside of your position description during a period of a declared emergency (such as manual labor, shelter services, etc.).

Residency Preference: Applicants claiming Residency Preference will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

Residency Requirement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.