DIRECTOR, LABORATORIES ADMINISTRATION (Physician Program Manager II)

MD; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plans

Paid parental leave

Flexible work schedules

Free mass transit (Baltimore)

State employee benefits

Job summary

MDH Public Health Services, Laboratories Administration in Baltimore, MD leads the Maryland State Public Health Laboratory system. The director provides strategic direction, regulatory compliance, and scientific oversight across the central and regional labs, with a $60 million budget and a 200+ staff.

Responsibilities include certification maintenance (CLIA, COMAR), emergency response coordination, and expert consultation for partners across state and federal agencies.

Qualifications

• MD/DO license valid in Maryland and pathology board certification.
• Experience directing or supervising high‑complexity testing.
• Knowledge of CLIA and COMAR regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assure testing, technology, customer service, and technical support for public health programs.
• Provide leadership to plan, implement and evaluate procedures and testing technologies.
• Maintain CLIA/COMAR certifications and oversee improvement programs.
• Ensure laboratory tests meet federally mandated requirements and approvals.
• Develop and evaluate laboratory policies, goals, and objectives in compliance.
• Manage staff, budget, and resources for quality, compliance, and cost effectiveness.
• Coordinate state lab response network for rapid lab services in emergencies.
• Provide expert consultative services in public health laboratory practice.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Education

MD or DO licensed in Maryland

Board certification in Pathology (ABP or AOLBP)

Job description

Location

MDH Public Health Services, Laboratories Administration, 1770 Ashland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205.

Main Purpose of Job

This critical position provides executive leadership, scientific oversight, and strategic direction for the Maryland Public Health Laboratories Administration. The director oversees all operational, scientific, and administrative functions of the Maryland State Public Health Laboratory, ensuring compliance with regulations (COMAR, CLIA) and providing accurate scientific data essential for disease prevention and control, environmental protection, and emergency response to state, federal, and local partners. The administration has an annual budget of $60 million, a staff of over 200, and oversees a central laboratory in Baltimore and two regional laboratories performing environmental testing. This position is designated as Emergency Essential.

Position Duties

• Assure that appropriate testing, technology, customer service, and technical support are available to support public health programs.
• Provide leadership to plan, implement and evaluate new or modified procedures and testing technologies.
• Maintain federal and state certification requirements (CLIA, COMAR) and oversee laboratory improvement programs.
• Ensure laboratory tests meet federally mandated requirements and approved by the laboratory.
• Oversee the development, implementation and evaluation of laboratory policies, goals and objectives in compliance with regulations.
• Manage staff, budget, and resources of the state public health laboratory to meet quality standards, regulatory compliance, customer and stakeholder needs, and cost effectiveness.
• Coordinate the activities of the state laboratory response network to provide rapid and effective laboratory services for bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks and other public health threats and emergencies, integrating preparedness and response program services.
• Provide expert consultative services in public health laboratory practice and scientific expertise to professionals and customers who use the Laboratories Administration services, including representatives from other health department agencies, state and federal agencies, and professional societies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in Maryland, and certified in anatomic or clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology.
• Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathy, or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine licensed in Maryland, with at least 2 years of experience directing or supervising high‑complexity testing, and at least 20 CE credit hours in laboratory practice covering director responsibilities for Maryland Code § 493.1445.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certifications

Applicants must be licensed and registered with the Maryland Board of Physicians to practice medicine under Maryland State Law. Candidates with out‑of‑state licenses are encouraged to apply, though a Maryland license must be obtained prior to hire.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, Prescription, and Dental Health Benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Reduced Child and Health Care)
• Generous Leave Benefits (6 Personal Days, 12 Regular Holidays, Annual Leave, Sick Leave)
• Retirement plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible Work Schedules (where applicable)
• Free Mass Transit (Baltimore Metro Area)
• Additional benefits available to State of Maryland employees.