Biosurveillance Unit Manager - 61006954

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

15 days annual leave

13 paid holidays

Parental leave

S.C. Deferred Compensation Program

Job summary

State of South Carolina's Department of Public Health is seeking a laboratory supervisor for the Bio-surveillance Unit in the Chemistry Section. You will oversee OD2A program activities, supervise staff, develop and evaluate lab procedures, and ensure safety and quality in CLIA-compliant operations.

The role involves managing instrument platforms, QA/QC, and grant requirements, with opportunities to present data and support public health initiatives.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor degree in chemistry or natural sciences with experience operating analytical instrumentation.
• Masters in chemistry with instrumentation experience preferred; doctorate may substitute for experience.
• Supervisory experience of lab staff and project management experience is expected.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the Bio-surveillance Unit within the Chemistry Section.
• Supervise and train laboratory personnel; perform complex analyses and method transfers.
• Ensure compliance with CLIA, DEA, and grant requirements; support audits and site visits.

Skills

Laboratory supervision

Toxicology expertise

Data reporting & compliance

Training & development

SOPs & QA/QC management

Regulatory knowledge (CLIA/DEA)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Natural Sciences

Master's degree in Chemistry (preferred)

Doctorate in Chemistry (substitution allowed)

Tools

LC-MS/MS

GC/MSD

ICP-MS

HRMS

Job description

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Supervises the daily operation of the Bio-surveillance Unit in the Chemistry Section at the South Carolina Public Health Laboratory. This includes the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This position develops and evaluates laboratory procedures, supervises and trains laboratory personnel, performs complex analytical procedures, and oversees the use of all analytical instrumentation and method transfers. This position will need to oversee expenditures related to the OD2A grant. Ensures all safety and quality assurance procedures are followed in accordance with CLIA requirements.

• Plans, organizes, delegates, and supervises the work performed in the Biosurveillance Unit within the Chemistry Section. Maintains all requirements for the OD2A program. Expands the Blosurvelllance Unit Into other areas of testing and surveillance Including per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) and harmful algal blooms (HABs)}.
• Maintains competency on validated methods, reviews and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintains all quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) and purchasing records, ensures adequate supplies of all reagents and materials necessary for analysis. Performs instrument maintenance and troubleshooting. Oversees all method transfers and development. Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in toxicology testing.
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements including CLIA, DEA, and other agencies, as applicable. Ensures compliance with all grant requirements as stipulated by CDC. APHL, or other grantors. as applicable. Participates In and supports successful laboratory audits and site visits.
• Evaluates the need for and provides opportunities for appropriate technical and professional development for personnel. Documents training and competencies in accordance with laboratory quality assurance policies. Evaluates personnel using the DPH EPMS, adhering to specified deadlines. Write reports on data obtained and present findings at scientific meetings and conferences. Assist is data submission to the hospitals that are participating in the overdose biosurvelllance project by sending deidentified urine samples to the public health laboratory for analysis. Maintain the overdose biosurveillance dashboard by sending monthly data to the Bureau of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention.
• Provides customer service to clients and partners. Works directly with CDC personnel and other PHL partners. Provides consultation to agency personnel, SC emergency response partners, including, but not limited to, hospitals, poison control centers, law enforcement, and first responders. Maintains consistent communication with the Section Director and with other laboratory management, as needed.

State Minimum Requirements

A bachelor's degree in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers; or a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences with academic credits in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers. A doctorate in chemistry may be substituted for the required work experience.

Agency Additional Requirements

Additional training or experience in chemistry, toxicology, laboratory management, or public health are preferred.

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

A master's degree in chemistry with at least two (2) year of experience working with analytical instrumentation and equipment including one or more of the following: LC-MS/MS, GC/MSD, ICP-MS, and/or HRMS with emphasis on analytical chemistry.

Experience supervising or leading laboratory staff, including assigning tasks, reviewing data, and supporting team development

A strong background in Mass Spectrometry (MS), method development, separation science, instrument software, and computers is highly desired. Preference given to those with toxicology and clinical analytical chemistry experience. Experience with HRMS highly desired.

EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

Benefits

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK

The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.