Laboratory Technology Coordinator - Regional Laboratory - Public Health

Summary

The Laboratory Technology Coordinator performs laboratory testing and administers the technical aspects of the LIMS within the Tarrant County Public Health North Texas Regional Laboratory.

Testing responsibility is assigned as needed in one or several of the following laboratory sections: Bio-terrorism Response and Emerging Agents, Clinical, or Consumer Microbiology. The Laboratory Technology Coordinator ensures accurate and efficient capturing and reporting of laboratory data in compliance with various regulatory agencies (e.g. CLIA, TCEQ, TNI, CDC, DSHS, and FDA).

The Laboratory Technology Coordinator acts as the subject matter expert on all things related to the LIMS and is responsible for administering the daily operation of the LIMS.

This position coordinates the initial implementation, continuous support, validation, and troubleshooting of the LIMS and trains and coaches lab staff in all areas of the laboratory.

Posting may close at any time.

BENEFITS

Tarrant County employees enjoy superior health, retirement, and insurance benefits &

13 County Holidays

For more information, please click on the link below:

http://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/human-resources/employee-benefits.html

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory analysis of water, food, milk and dairy products, and environmental or clinical specimens as assigned and in accordance with all internal and regulatory procedures. Calculates the results of tests performed.

• Acts as the primary contact for the data management process between laboratory personnel, vendors, and IT professionals to understand the needs of the laboratory staff and clients. Configures and maintains the LIMS in a manner that addresses those needs and maximizes the system's potential.

• Reports laboratory results to submitters and regulatory agencies electronically (i.e. computer or fax), in writing, and orally and maintains appropriate documentation for all regulatory requirements.

• Creates and maintains LIMS test codes, forms, and interfaces; defines rules for data accuracy and consistency; resolves data quality issues; and develops and modifies processes and procedures to meet user requirements for LIMS data entry and reporting.

• Conducts quality control and preventative maintenance procedures on analytical tests, equipment, reagents, media, and samples. Evaluates results of these procedures, implements corrective action when indicated, and maintains appropriate documentation for all regulatory requirements.

• Identifies, implements, and documents appropriate solutions for problems and issues with the LIMS during daily operations that can improve the laboratory information management process. Follows appropriate quality validation processes and applications processes.

• Works with internal and external clients, providing data to and from the lab to ensure all required electronic deliverables are met by the lab and the client.

• Trains others as appropriate on specific areas of LIMS expertise including employees and external system users. Assists in the development of systems documentation, training materials, and training processes.

• Works with Laboratory Coordinators in the supervision of laboratory staff to ensure quality of testing data and workload completion daily.

• Participates in selecting, motivating, and evaluating laboratory personnel. Works with subordinate coworkers to correct deficiencies.

• Maintains competency and participates in proficiency testing in assigned areas of responsibility; participates in onsite inspections per regulatory mandates.

• Responds as needed in the event of a bioterrorism event or any public health threat.

• Performs other related duties involved in the operation of the TCPH as assigned or required.

Minimum Requirements

NOTE:YOU MUST FILL OUT THE WORK HISTORY and EDUCATION SECTIONS OF APPLICATION TO SHOW YOU HAVE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION AS REQUIRED BY HIRING DEPARTMENT OR BE DISQUALIFIED.

TO APPLY, must have aBachelor's degree in a biological sciencewith a minimum of thirty (30) hours in microbiology and/or biology + Five (5) full-time years of laboratory work experience

OR

TO APPLY, must have a Master's degreein a biological science or higher + Three (3) full-time years of laboratory work experience

A degree in public health or a clinical laboratory science is preferred.

Three (3) full-time years of work experience using or managing a LIMS is desirable. Combined experience of implementing or managing a LIMS and laboratory testing is preferred.

Experience with CLIA, TNI, FDA, or CDC preferred. Laboratory professional certification preferred (MT ASCP, ASCLS, etc.).

Requires working knowledge of the regulatory environment.

Requires strong written and verbal communication skills across different and diverse groups or individuals, ability and desire to learn technologies, and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the workday.

Ability to work under pressure and troubleshoot problems.

Knowledge in system testing, validation, problem resolution, and training preferred.

Familiarity with laboratory computing including instrument and system interfaces preferred.

If hired, must provide proof of educational attainment

at New Hire Processing or during the promotional process.

Tarrant County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.

Physical Demands and Work Environment & Other Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to bend, carry, climb ladders, climb stairs, be exposed to electrical hazards, grasp/squeeze, use hand tools, hear, keyboard, kneel, lift below the waist, lift between waist and shoulder, lift overhead, lift to the side/twist, tolerate noise, pull, push, reach, reach overhead, see color, see far and near, sit, squat, stand, stoop, talk, twist, use his/her hands, drive a vehicle, walk, and work alone and with others. There is chemical and biohazard exposure related to testing competencies.