Director of State Public Health Laboratories (WMS 4) DOH8188
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA 98133
Description:
Salary: $97,688.00 - $168,324.00 Annually
Location : King County - Shoreline, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: DOH8188
Department: Dept. of Health
Division: Disease Control and Health Statistics (DCHS)
Opening Date: 07/18/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Director of State Public Health Laboratories (WMS 4)
This is an onsite, full-time, permanent position within the
This position will remain open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications Thursday, August 1st.
This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on public health in Washington State and the region. You will be at the forefront of critical decisions, from implementing new lab testing programs and systems to advising agency leadership on cutting-edge science and technologies. Your role involves active participation in national public health organizations, keeping you connected with the latest developments in public health and laboratory sciences. This position not only offers a chance to lead a highly skilled team but also to influence public health policy and practice at local, state, and national levels.
As the Director of the Washington State Public Health Laboratories (PHL), you will play a pivotal role in the Washington Department of Health's (DOH) mission to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state. Your primary responsibility will be to oversee the entire operation and administration of the PHL, ensuring that it advances the best science, meets the highest standards of efficiency and compliance, and fosters a positive and inclusive workplace culture. You will provide strategic direction for the PHL's multidisciplinary functions, coordinating with various programs within the PHL, other Department of Health programs, local health jurisdictions, tribal health organizations, private laboratories, and federal agencies. Your expertise will be crucial in developing and implementing policies that govern personnel, technology, safety, and quality assurance, thereby ensuring that the PHL operates smoothly, safely, and effectively.
The ideal candidate for the Director of State Public Health Laboratories position is you if:
Responsibilities:
Qualifications And Experience:
Location
Join our onsite team to collaborate directly with colleagues and be part of our dynamic workplace environment. This position requires working in-person at our Public Health Laboratory located in Shoreline, WA.
Benefits
We prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "why DOH" by visiting
About us
The PHL: Empowering Health and Protecting Communities!
The Washington State Public Health Laboratories (PHL) provides essential support to local health jurisdictions, tribes, and healthcare providers in disease surveillance, outbreak response, and prevention activities. As part of the nation's Laboratory Response Network, PHL maintains the capacity to respond quickly to biological and chemical threats and other high-priority public health emergencies through training, rapid testing, timely notification, and secure messaging of laboratory results. PHL identifies rare diseases such as rabies, hantavirus, and West Nile virus, along with analyzing clinical samples for pathogens of public health importance and conducting environmental testing including drinking water and shellfish contamination. With a focus on public health, PHL plays a critical role in safeguarding communities and addressing potential health threats.
About the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our for the future of Washington health.
APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:
To apply, click "Apply" and complete the application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and at least three professional references (including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you've supervised or led, if applicable). Do not include private information such as social security numbers or year of birth.
Make sure to document your years of experience in this field or area of work along with any tools, applications, software, etc. listed in the qualifications section of this job posting in your application materials.
Do attach the following:
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.
DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran's status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need accommodation in the application or selection process, or need information in an alternative format, contact Shawnelle Goalder at For general DOH recruitment questions, email the Talent Acquisition Team at Deaf or hard of hearing contact Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1; individuals outside of Washington State contact Washington Relay Service at [redacted].
Technical Support
Conditions of Employment:
I am prepared, with or without accommodations, to do the following:
Work Setting, Including Hazards: This position's duty station is in Shoreline, Washington. Work is performed indoors in a fast-paced office and laboratory environment, including a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory. You must be willing to work in a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free environment. Occasionally, you will need to work in stressful emergency response conditions. This role requires extended periods of sitting and standing, working at a computer, and attending various meetings within the building and throughout the state. You will also travel occasionally to out-of-state conferences and meetings, and work extended hours based on circumstances, priorities, and public health emergencies.
Schedule: This position is overtime exempt and typically follows a 40-hour work week. However, you must be willing to work more than 40 hours per week, potentially including weekends and evenings. You are expected to adjust your schedule and work additional hours as needed to meet business demands and deadlines, effectively being on-call 24/7 for emergency responses, especially for outbreak investigations and terrorism-related events.
Travel Requirements: This position requires travel, including between the Department's work locations and other state agency locations. You will also attend national meetings and conferences, both in-state and out-of-state, to give presentations and visit federal partners like the CDC and FDA to discuss lab-related issues and policies.
Tools and Equipment: You will use standard office furniture and equipment (desks, files, cabinets, computers, projectors, phones, cell phones, fax machines, copy machines, etc.), as well as laboratory equipment, including Biosafety Level 3 laboratory equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as needed.
Customer Relations: Strong customer service relationship capabilities are essential. You will frequently meet with agency executives, personnel (HR, managers, supervisors, employees, etc.), other state and federal agency managers and staff (including legislative and governor's office staff), and external stakeholders (including customers, interest groups, and clinical and public health entities at local, state, federal, and international levels).
Other: The demands of this position can be substantial, requiring extra time and effort to be successful. The working environment can be stressful during public health emergencies, emergency exercises and drills, lab inspections, and when critical deadlines need to be met along with other competing and time-sensitive laboratory issues.
Special Requirements: This position may require a Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment and vaccinations against particular pathogens.
Supplemental Information
Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have th
Location : King County - Shoreline, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: DOH8188
Department: Dept. of Health
Division: Disease Control and Health Statistics (DCHS)
Opening Date: 07/18/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Director of State Public Health Laboratories (WMS 4)
This is an onsite, full-time, permanent position within the
This position will remain open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications Thursday, August 1st.
This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on public health in Washington State and the region. You will be at the forefront of critical decisions, from implementing new lab testing programs and systems to advising agency leadership on cutting-edge science and technologies. Your role involves active participation in national public health organizations, keeping you connected with the latest developments in public health and laboratory sciences. This position not only offers a chance to lead a highly skilled team but also to influence public health policy and practice at local, state, and national levels.
As the Director of the Washington State Public Health Laboratories (PHL), you will play a pivotal role in the Washington Department of Health's (DOH) mission to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state. Your primary responsibility will be to oversee the entire operation and administration of the PHL, ensuring that it advances the best science, meets the highest standards of efficiency and compliance, and fosters a positive and inclusive workplace culture. You will provide strategic direction for the PHL's multidisciplinary functions, coordinating with various programs within the PHL, other Department of Health programs, local health jurisdictions, tribal health organizations, private laboratories, and federal agencies. Your expertise will be crucial in developing and implementing policies that govern personnel, technology, safety, and quality assurance, thereby ensuring that the PHL operates smoothly, safely, and effectively.
The ideal candidate for the Director of State Public Health Laboratories position is you if:
- You have a strong background in laboratory medicine and management, including clinical and environmental components.
- You embrace and advance DOH's values of equity, innovation, and engagement.
- You lead effectively with emotional intelligence. You excel in written and oral communication, balanced decision-making, and leading high-performing teams.
- Your skills in navigating complex regulatory environments, developing strategic plans, and fostering collaborations with local, state, and federal officials set you apart.
- You bring expertise in human resource management, financial oversight, and innovative laboratory method development, ensuring top-notch safety, quality, and customer service.
- You stay actively engaged in professional health organizations, keeping up with industry advancements and contributing to the broader public health community.
Responsibilities:
- Plan, organize, and provide overall strategic vision and direction for all functions of the multi-disciplinary state PHL, ensuring alignment with the agency's mission.
- Oversee the administrative and scientific work of various PHL offices, including Public Health Microbiology, Environmental Laboratory Sciences, Newborn Screening, Operations and Central Services, and safety and quality assurance.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, federal, and agency requirements, and accurately report information to oversight agencies for laboratory accreditation.
- Oversee PHL human resource activities, including organizational culture, staff wellness and development, performance standards, staff accountability, and staff development and training plans.
- Review and adjust short- and long-range operational work plans to improve laboratory services and customer service quality, implementing best practices and new methods as needed.
- Set and enforce safety, security, and quality assurance policies, ensuring effective, safe, and cost-effective work practices.
- Develop and implement strategies for identifying and responding to emerging infectious diseases, bioterrorism, and chemical terrorism threats, ensuring 24/7 coverage for laboratory needs.
- Lead collaborations with local, state, and federal officials, and negotiate joint operational goals to accomplish the public health mission.
- Provide expert consultation on laboratory policies and practices to DOH staff, local public health officials, pathologists, and physicians.
- Maintain a customer-focused lab operation, regularly soliciting customer input and modifying practices and procedures based on feedback.
- Oversee the development of new, state-of-the-art laboratory methods to improve turnaround time and reduce costs and direct all new studies and special projects.
- Actively participate in professional health organizations at local, state, and national levels to stay informed and contribute to important changes in the public health community.
Qualifications And Experience:
- Doctoral degree in medicine, biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, laboratory science, public health, or closely related allied field.
- At least five years of extensive practical training in laboratory medicine.
- At least five years of management experience including clinical and environmental components.
- At least three years of general experience must have been in a supervisory capacity in a major program in public health, biological sciences, chemical sciences, or clinical laboratory work.
- Knowledge of leadership and management principles and practices, especially as applied in a technical environment with a large, diverse staff of technical, professional, and administrative personnel.
- Knowledge of scientific principles of laboratory operations, including understanding of current and potential future technology and methodology used in both environmental and clinical laboratory testing.
- Experience developing and monitoring budgets in a public sector environment. Ability to manage resources to achieve program goals.
- At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience at a governmental public health laboratory preferred.
- The following knowledge is preferred:
- Knowledge of public health systems at the local, state, and national level and their relationship to the health care system and community health promotion and disease prevention.
- Knowledge and understanding of functions/responsibilities of Public Health Laboratories, and how they connect to CDC and other federal entities.
- Knowledge of state budgetary and personnel systems.
- Knowledge of advanced molecular systems for rapid public health and diagnostic services.
Location
Join our onsite team to collaborate directly with colleagues and be part of our dynamic workplace environment. This position requires working in-person at our Public Health Laboratory located in Shoreline, WA.
Benefits
We prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "why DOH" by visiting
About us
The PHL: Empowering Health and Protecting Communities!
The Washington State Public Health Laboratories (PHL) provides essential support to local health jurisdictions, tribes, and healthcare providers in disease surveillance, outbreak response, and prevention activities. As part of the nation's Laboratory Response Network, PHL maintains the capacity to respond quickly to biological and chemical threats and other high-priority public health emergencies through training, rapid testing, timely notification, and secure messaging of laboratory results. PHL identifies rare diseases such as rabies, hantavirus, and West Nile virus, along with analyzing clinical samples for pathogens of public health importance and conducting environmental testing including drinking water and shellfish contamination. With a focus on public health, PHL plays a critical role in safeguarding communities and addressing potential health threats.
About the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our for the future of Washington health.
APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:
To apply, click "Apply" and complete the application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and at least three professional references (including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you've supervised or led, if applicable). Do not include private information such as social security numbers or year of birth.
Make sure to document your years of experience in this field or area of work along with any tools, applications, software, etc. listed in the qualifications section of this job posting in your application materials.
Do attach the following:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- References
- DD-214 (if applicable)
- REMOVE personal photos - DO NOT submit any documents containing personal photos.
- Transcripts
- Certifications or Diplomas
- Projects or Portfolios
- Letters of Recommendation
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.
DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran's status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need accommodation in the application or selection process, or need information in an alternative format, contact Shawnelle Goalder at For general DOH recruitment questions, email the Talent Acquisition Team at Deaf or hard of hearing contact Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1; individuals outside of Washington State contact Washington Relay Service at [redacted].
Technical Support
Conditions of Employment:
I am prepared, with or without accommodations, to do the following:
Work Setting, Including Hazards: This position's duty station is in Shoreline, Washington. Work is performed indoors in a fast-paced office and laboratory environment, including a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory. You must be willing to work in a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free environment. Occasionally, you will need to work in stressful emergency response conditions. This role requires extended periods of sitting and standing, working at a computer, and attending various meetings within the building and throughout the state. You will also travel occasionally to out-of-state conferences and meetings, and work extended hours based on circumstances, priorities, and public health emergencies.
Schedule: This position is overtime exempt and typically follows a 40-hour work week. However, you must be willing to work more than 40 hours per week, potentially including weekends and evenings. You are expected to adjust your schedule and work additional hours as needed to meet business demands and deadlines, effectively being on-call 24/7 for emergency responses, especially for outbreak investigations and terrorism-related events.
Travel Requirements: This position requires travel, including between the Department's work locations and other state agency locations. You will also attend national meetings and conferences, both in-state and out-of-state, to give presentations and visit federal partners like the CDC and FDA to discuss lab-related issues and policies.
Tools and Equipment: You will use standard office furniture and equipment (desks, files, cabinets, computers, projectors, phones, cell phones, fax machines, copy machines, etc.), as well as laboratory equipment, including Biosafety Level 3 laboratory equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as needed.
Customer Relations: Strong customer service relationship capabilities are essential. You will frequently meet with agency executives, personnel (HR, managers, supervisors, employees, etc.), other state and federal agency managers and staff (including legislative and governor's office staff), and external stakeholders (including customers, interest groups, and clinical and public health entities at local, state, federal, and international levels).
Other: The demands of this position can be substantial, requiring extra time and effort to be successful. The working environment can be stressful during public health emergencies, emergency exercises and drills, lab inspections, and when critical deadlines need to be met along with other competing and time-sensitive laboratory issues.
Special Requirements: This position may require a Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment and vaccinations against particular pathogens.
Supplemental Information
Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have th