Lead Infection Preventionist - Infection Control - FT Days

UC Irvine; California; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading academic health system as a Lead Infection Preventionist, responsible for developing infection prevention strategies for the new UCI Health Irvine hospital. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure compliance and safety in patient care. This role requires strong leadership skills and expertise in infection control, making a significant impact on healthcare delivery in the region.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Retirement Plans

Discounts

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in infection prevention within healthcare or public health.
• Expert knowledge of infection control policies and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of infection prevention strategies.
• Ensure compliance with infection control regulations and accreditation standards.
• Provide guidance and training to staff on infection control practices.

Skills

Diplomacy

Communication

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Data Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Health-related Field

Job description

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Who We Are

UCI Health is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine, and the only academic health system based in Orange County. UCI Health includes its main campus, UCI Medical Center, a 459-bed acute care hospital in Orange, Calif., four hospitals, and affiliated physicians of the UCI Health Community Network in Orange and Los Angeles counties, along with ambulatory care centers across the region. Listed among America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years, UCI Medical Center provides tertiary and quaternary care and is home to Orange County’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program, and American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, among other facilities. UCI Health serves nearly 4 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County, and southeast Los Angeles County.

To learn more about UCI Health, visit www.ucihealth.org.

Your Role on the Team

Position Summary

UCI Health seeks a highly experienced Lead Infection Preventionist to serve as the on-site expert in preparation for the licensing, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness of the new UCI Health Irvine hospital, opening in December 2025. This role leads infection prevention strategies and acts as a liaison among nursing, ancillary services, and the broader infection prevention team to ensure a safe, compliant environment for patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of infection prevention strategies for the Irvine hospital’s opening and ongoing operations.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal infection control regulations and accreditation standards (e.g., CDPH, CMS, The Joint Commission).
• Conduct facility-wide risk assessments and implement evidence-based protocols.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate infection prevention into clinical and operational workflows.
• Provide guidance and training to staff on infection control practices.
• Monitor and evaluate infection prevention activities, providing regular reports to leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Strong diplomacy skills and ability to develop relationships with external agencies. Excellent communication skills for verbal, written, and presentation formats.
• Experience leading teams and projects from inception to completion.
• Organizational and project management expertise.
• Interpersonal skills to advise and influence management and staff at all levels.
• 5+ years of related experience in infection prevention within healthcare or public health.
• Expert knowledge of infection control policies, regulations, surveillance, investigation, microbiology, and related clinical issues.
• Proficiency in data management, analysis, research, reporting, and protocol development.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and provide expert guidance on complex infection control issues.
• Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• Knowledge of university and medical center policies and procedures.
• Infection Control Certification.

Total Compensation

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical insurance, retirement plans, and discounts. Learn more about our compensation and benefits.

Conditions Of Employment

Applicants must pass background checks, comply with vaccination policies, and meet other employment conditions detailed on our website. Additional conditions may include E-Verify, health evaluations, and compliance with state laws.

Closing Statement

UCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities. For more info, contact UCI's Employee Experience Center.

Work Authorization

Applicants must provide proof of work authorization.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Health Care Provider

Industries

• Higher Education