DIRECTOR, LABORATORIES ADMINISTRATION Physician Program Manager II

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 120,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Maryland is seeking a Director to provide executive leadership, scientific oversight, and strategic direction for the Maryland Public Health Laboratories Administration. The Director will oversee all operational, scientific, and administrative functions, ensuring CLIA compliance and accurate data for disease prevention and emergency response.

With a centralized lab in Baltimore and two regional labs, the role manages a $60 million annual budget and a staff of over 200, directing

Qualifications

• Either a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy licensed in Maryland plus certification in anatomic or clinical pathology (or both) by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology.
• Or a Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathy, or 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 defined in 493.1445.

Responsibilities

• 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 certification in accordance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and all applicable federal and state laws.
• Ensure laboratory tests meet federally mandated requirements, oversee and approve laboratory improvement programs.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate laboratory policies, goals, and objectives in compliance with state, federal, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee staff, budget, and resources of the state public health laboratory to assure quality, compliance, stakeholder satisfaction, and cost effectiveness.
• Coordinate the activities of the state laboratory response network to provide rapid laboratory services in support of bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, and other public health emergencies, integrating public health preparedness and bioterrorism response services.
• Provide expert consultative services in public health laboratory practice and scientific areas of expertise to professionals, customers, other health department agencies, state and federal agencies, and professional societies.

Job description

GRADE

PHY 0007

LOCATION OF POSITION

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

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

This critical position provides executive leadership, scientific oversight, and strategic direction for the nationally‑renowned 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) to provide accurate scientific data essential for disease prevention and control, environmental protection, and emergency response to state, federal, and local partners. The Laboratories Administration has an annual budget of $60 million and a staff of over 200, including a central laboratory in Baltimore and two regional laboratories performing environmental testing.

This position ensures that the laboratory provides relevant, accurate scientific data essential for disease prevention and control, environmental protection, legal issues, public health policy development, and response to statewide public health threats caused by biological, chemical, and radiological agents. 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 certification in accordance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and all applicable federal and state laws.
• Ensure laboratory tests meet federally mandated requirements, oversee and approve laboratory improvement programs.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate laboratory policies, goals, and objectives in compliance with state, federal, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee staff, budget, and resources of the state public health laboratory to assure quality, compliance, stakeholder satisfaction, and cost effectiveness.
• Coordinate the activities of the state laboratory response network to provide rapid laboratory services in support of bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, and other public health emergencies, integrating public health preparedness and bioterrorism response services.
• Provide expert consultative services in public health laboratory practice and scientific areas of expertise to professionals, customers, other health department agencies, state and federal agencies, and professional societies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Either a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy licensed in Maryland plus certification in anatomic or clinical pathology (or both) by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology.
• Or a Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathy, or 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 defined in 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. A copy of the registration must be attached to the application. Applicants holding an out‑of‑state license are encouraged to apply; they must obtain a Maryland license prior to hire if selected.

BENEFITS

• Meaningful work and a meaningful impact on public health.
• Excellent health benefits package, including medical, vision, prescription, and dental coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and child care.
• Generous leave benefits: 6 personal days, 12 regular holidays, annual leave, sick leave.
• Retirement participation.
• Paid parental leave.
• Flexible work schedules where applicable.
• Free mass transit (Baltimore Metro Area).

EEO STATEMENT AND ACCOMMODATION

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retention, and promotion of employees who reflect the State’s diversity. Veterans, people with disabilities, and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division for further assistance.