Molecular Epidemiology, Sequencing and Bioinformatics Manager

nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 83,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, seeks a Molecular Epidemiology, Sequencing and Bioinformatics Manager. This senior role leads a multidisciplinary team at the NC State Laboratory of Public Health, directing complex molecular testing and the surveillance program.

You will oversee method development, QA, procurement, staffing, and informatics workflows to support diagnostic testing and epidemiological investigations at scale.

Qualifications

• Expert proficiency performing highly complex molecular testing workflows such as next‑generation sequencing and real‑time PCR.
• Experience managing sequencing and bioinformatics pipelines in a surveillance context.
• Strong track record directing multidisciplinary laboratory teams in sequencing operations and method development.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex molecular testing including NGS, real‑time PCR, and molecular detection methods.
• Direct characterization of agents from clinical and environmental specimens using high‑complexity methods.
• Oversee bioinformatics workflows, data analysis, and sequencing software maintenance.
• Supervise a multidisciplinary team conducting molecular surveillance and method development.
• Coordinate procurement, QA, staffing, SOPs and LIMS operations.
• Implement workflows supporting diagnostic testing, epidemiological investigations, and surveillance.
• Serve as a technical resource to internal teams and partners, including training.
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations and accreditation standards across all operations.
• Collaborate with epidemiologists and partner agencies on statewide public health priorities.
• Support strategic initiatives with leadership to advance long‑term group vision.

Skills

Molecular testing

Next‑gen sequencing

Bioinformatics

Laboratory leadership

Quality assurance

SOP development

Staffing planning

Regulatory compliance

CLIA high complexity

Tools

Sequencing workflow software

LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)

Job description

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Public Health

Job Classification Title

Medical Laboratory Supervisor III (NS)

Position Number

60041391

Grade

MH20

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Molecular Epidemiology, Sequencing and Bioinformatics Manager manages a multidisciplinary team within the Molecular Epidemiology, Sequencing and Bioinformatics group at the NC State Laboratory of Public Health, overseeing highly complex molecular testing used to detect, identify, and monitor pathogens of public health significance. The position directs routine sequencing and molecular surveillance activities, bioinformatics workflows, and advanced molecular detection methods that support diagnostic testing and epidemiological investigations.

Work includes coordinating method development, evaluation, and implementation of new technologies while maintaining quality assurance, procurement, staffing, and laboratory information management functions. This role serves as a resource to internal and external partners and contributes to statewide and regional surveillance efforts as part of the senior leadership team.

Key Duties

• Perform complex molecular testing, including next‑generation sequencing, real‑time PCR, and advanced molecular detection methods to identify pathogens.
• Direct characterization of agents from clinical, reference, and environmental specimens using high‑complexity laboratory procedures.
• Oversee bioinformatics workflows, including data analysis, infrastructure maintenance, and sequencing workflow software.
• Supervise a multidisciplinary team conducting molecular surveillance, routine sequencing, and method development.
• Coordinate procurement, quality assurance, staffing, SOP development, and laboratory information management system operations.
• Implement and refine laboratory workflows supporting diagnostic testing, epidemiological investigations, and surveillance.
• Serve as a technical resource to internal teams, external partners, and regional collaborators, including activities related to advanced molecular detection training.
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations and accreditation standards across all molecular and sequencing operations.
• Collaborate with communicable disease epidemiologists and partner agencies to support statewide public health priorities.
• Support implementation of strategic initiatives by working with leadership to advance the group's long‑term vision.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $82,857.00 - $136,714.00

Recruitment Range: $82,857.00 - $106,723.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

• Expert proficiency performing highly complex molecular testing workflows such as next‑generation sequencing, real‑time PCR, and advanced molecular detection methods used for pathogen identification.
• Demonstrated experience managing sequencing and bioinformatics pipelines, including routine analysis tasks, workflow coordination, and maintenance of computational tools supporting molecular surveillance.
• Strong track record directing multidisciplinary laboratory teams engaged in sequencing operations, molecular surveillance, and development of new testing methods.
• Proven success coordinating laboratory quality assurance processes, procurement activities, staffing plans, and development and maintenance of standard operating procedures within a high‑complexity molecular testing environment.
• Advanced skill using sequencing workflow management and analysis software to support diagnostic testing, pathogen characterization, and large‑scale molecular surveillance initiatives.

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

Employees In This Position Must Be Capable Of Meeting The Federal CLIA '88 Personnel Requirements Of Testing Personnel In A Laboratory Performing High Complexity Testing. Applicants Must Attach Copies Of Their Transcript(s) And / Or Certification(s) To Be Considered For The Position

About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH)

The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day