Mass Spectrometry Team Leader

Chemist IV

Under minimal supervision of the Newborn Mass Spectrometry Group Manager the Team Leader oversees the daily activities of the Newborn Mass Spectrometry Team. They will use expert knowledge to independently perform and monitor highly complex tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis on high volume neonatal specimens to screen newborns for amino acid, fatty acid oxidation and organic acid disorders and other disorders as required.

Responsible for independently performing specimen preparation, quality control, and assay acceptability, data and work list evaluation, result entry, release of final results, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment. Utilizes expert working knowledge of all procedures to independently determine, troubleshoot and release complex results ensuring that analytic accuracy is maintained. Serves as an authority and role model.

Responsible for making significant decisions on the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens. Actively participates in instrument and method evaluation, validation and optimization. Actively participates in the safety program.

Monitors and documents quality assurance parameters. Responsible for monitoring staff, training personnel and providing customer service. Duties are performed with significant latitude and with extensive use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1. Oversees the daily activities of the Newborn Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Monitors staff activities and daily timelines notifying the Group Manager immediately of any significant issues or delays. Ensures high quality of analytical reporting is maintained in the Newborn MS/MS Laboratory by performing and documenting periodic quality control review, equipment performance, specimen workload tallies, training records, and supply inventory to ensure consistently acceptable quality assurance and test performance. Identifies discrepancies and recommends, implements and documents corrective actions and outcomes. Participates in the update and development of Standard Operating Protocols (SOP) and training materials. Assists with the evaluation, optimization, validation and implementation of MS/MS and LC-MS/MS methods to screen neonatal screening specimens. Consults with and keeps Group Manager up to date on method performance and technical issues. (25%)

EJF 2. Evaluates and interprets highly complex data assigning final results. Uses expert knowledge to investigate, interpret, assess, review, and resolve problems with atypical results, consulting with the Group Manager as necessary. Reviews and releases final results using the laboratory information management system. Identifies, documents, and resolves quality issues with laboratory data. Cross-checks positive mailed report verifying abnormal reports are correct. Monitors that preparation of final report timelines are met including panic level fax reports to the Clinical Care Coordination staff. (20%)

EJF 3. Ensures MS/MS instruments and equipment, including laboratory information system equipment, are maintained for optimum performance and minimum downtime. Schedules equipment preventive maintenance according to standard operating procedures. Maintains equipment records and reviews instrument performance. Ensures equipment preventive maintenance is completed per schedule. Performs routine and specialized preventive maintenance of highly complex tandem mass spectrometry instruments, and other equipment. Perform complex data analysis to determine acceptable instrument and method performance. Performs instrument tuning and optimizations as necessary. Identifies and documents instrument and equipment problems, performs troubleshooting, makes adjustments as indicated, consulting with group manager and requesting vendor support as needed. (20%)

EJF 4. Performs highly complex MS/MS and LC-MS/MS analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens. Performs, as needed, high volume sampling of filter paper specimens, standards, and controls for all newborn screening tests. Uses technical knowledge to determine specimen acceptability. Completes all documentation with required information. (15%)

EJF 5. Serves as a knowledgeable resource to laboratory personnel in the NBS MS/MS laboratory on difficult instrumentation and analytical issues. Performs administrative functions including completing regular reports and ad hoc reports, attending meetings and storing records. Notifies supervisor of technical or personnel problems that impact the functioning of the laboratory. Ensures adequate inventory of supplies and reagents to prevent delays in critical testing services. Participates in preparing team budgets, assessing equipment and staffing requirements. Trains employees on instrument maintenance and on performing analytic assays adhering to standard operating protocols. Completes and maintains training records. Conducts training and tours for external customers and students. Determines and recommends staffing needs and requirements for the laboratory. Actively participates in monitoring and documentation of employee performance and competency. Participates in interviewing and selection of employees. Ensures that specimen testing, reporting, and other essential functions are completed in a timely manner. Schedules and plans workflows through cooperative interaction and overall coordination with supervisors, co-workers, and customers (internal and external). May assign tasks and responsibilities among team members and oversees progress of assigned tasks schedules for timeliness. Immediately identifies and notifies the Group Manager of delays or anticipation of delays and determines a plan of action. (15%)

EJF 6. Reinforces a shared vision for an accurate, fast, and high quality newborn screening laboratory to decrease the morbidity and mortality of infants born in Texas. Promotes teamwork and excellent customer service with supervisors, co-workers, and internal and external customers. Assists in maintaining efficient operations of the NBS MS/MS laboratory functions. Consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. May consult with physicians and public health staff concerning proper procedures for the collection and submission of specimens for newborn screening tests. Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, quality assurance, and MS/MS and LC-MS/MS principles, techniques, and terminology.

Comprehensive knowledge of assay method development, optimization and validation procedures

Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Ability to interact effectively with staff.

Ability to work in harmony with other team members.

Ability to work as part of a team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures that are performed in high volume.

Ability to lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example.

Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.

Ability to keep accurate, detailed records.

Ability to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious material.

Ability to complete tasks without close supervision and use mature judgment in test interpretation.

Ability to prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required section timeframes.

Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.

Ability to use, maintain, and troubleshoot work area instruments and automated testing equipment.

Ability to teach work area procedures to co-workers and guests.

Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately.

Ability to plan, assign, direct, and monitor the work of others.

Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.

Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.

Ability to complete complex sample data analysis using Microsoft excel.

Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

None Required Initial Selection Criteria:

Education - bachelor's degree or higher in a chemical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology

One year experience performing complex laboratory testing of human specimens, prefer experience in using tandem mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Must be able to work on Saturdays.

Experience with interpretation of biochemical test results preferred.

Experience with complex instrument troubleshooting preferred.

Experience with method or instrument validation preferred.

Experience mentoring, monitoring or supervising a team preferred.

Additional Information:

Hepatitis Risk High. Required Hepatitis B and Tetanus/Diphtheria immunizations are provided. Must wear provided personal protective equipment (including: face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, safety glasses) as required by testing/ safety procedures.

Interviews scheduled after screening. Work hours and laboratory assignments may vary.

Position qualifies for shift differential pay. Position includes regular work on Saturdays.

List on Application in Employment History percent time and experience with specific analytical instruments and specific duties, types of samples tested, types of tests interpreted.

List on application in Employment history specific experience with method development and validation

List on application length of experience with mentoring, monitoring or supervising staff.

Education (Bachelor's, Master's, or certain course work) degree from a U.S. accredited college or university or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator. Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. may contact Quality Control Officer (512-458-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 92L, 71B, 72D, 8831, 4B0X, 61CX. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

MOS Code:

92L, 71B, 72D, 8831, 4B0X, 61CX

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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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