NBS Technologist Supervisor.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Flexible working arrangements

11 paid holidays per year

Job summary

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment seeks a Laboratory Technology IV to supervise the Newborn Screening Program laboratory staff, oversee daily testing, and ensure high-quality results for critical newborn conditions. You will guide assay validation, staff training, and QA/QC processes in a CLIA/HIPAA compliant setting.

Responsibilities include overseeing workflow, maintaining instruments, and advising on testing methodologies while ensuring compliance with state policies

Qualifications

• Earned a bachelor’s/master’s/doctoral degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or equivalent training.
• Laboratory training program approved or accredited by ABHES or CAAHEP; or equivalent extensive lab experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise laboratory testing staff in the Newborn Screening Program and manage workflow and schedules.
• Perform analytical testing to identify newborns at risk for listed conditions.
• Maintain instruments and perform routine QA/QC and troubleshooting.
• Ensure compliance with CLIA and HIPAA requirements and SOP adherence.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical/biological/clinical lab science

Clinical laboratory training program (ABHES/CAAHEP)

Tools

Incubators

Mass spectrometers

Thermocyclers

Job description

Department Information

This posting is only open to current residents of the State of Colorado.

This posting is only open to current residents of the State of Colorado.

About Cdphe

At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, we are charged with protecting Colorado’s health and environment – a responsibility that affects every person and every community in the state. CDPHE is distinctive because we bring public health and environmental protection together under one agency, recognizing that healthy people depend on healthy places. Our teams prevent diseases and injury, respond to emergencies ranging from E.coli outbreaks to global pandemics, reduce air pollution, protect water quality, regulate health facilities, manage environmental hazards, perform advanced laboratory testing, provide birth and death records, and implement health promoting programs. We turn science and data into action, set statewide standards, and work alongside local public health agencies and community partners to meet Colorado’s most pressing health and environmental challenges. Working at CDPHE means applying your expertise to complex, consequential work that can improve lives across the state.

Our mission captures this broad portfolio of work: to advance Colorado’s health and protect the places we live, learn, work, and play. Our vision is a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations can thrive. Achieving the mission and vision takes bold action, talented people, broad partnerships, and a commitment to serving every Coloradan.

Important Information

• Hybrid work options may be available at the supervisor’s discretion and based on business needs. The position will be based at :
• 8100 E Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80230

CDPHE Offers

CDPHE offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to build a meaningful career in public service. Benefits include:

• Medical and dental plans.
• Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan.
• Optional 401(K) and 457 retirement plans.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Potential flexible working arrangements
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous paid time off.
• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Career opportunities throughout Colorado state government.

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program .

Description Of Job

The Work Unit

The Colorado Newborn Screening Program (CONBSP) within the Colorado State Public Health Lab (CSPHL) exists to comply with state law that all newborns in Colorado are screened for the following conditions: Phenylketonuria, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Hemoglobinopathies, Galactosemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Biotinidase Deficiency, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Amino Acidemias, Organic Acidemias, Fatty Acid Oxidation disorders, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Pompe, MPSI, X-ALD and other conditions determined by the Colorado Board of Health; to thus prevent or reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases. Also, to ensure that families of affected newborns receive proper follow-up and education for these disorders.

What You Will Do

This position primarily supports analytical assay testing, implementation, and communication of results, including oversight and supervision of the Newborn Screening Program laboratory testing staff. This position participates in troubleshooting problems or errors, oversees validation/verification testing activity, advises on the adoption of new testing methodologies, and serves as a subject matter expert (SME) in the areas of newborn screening processes. This position exists to manage the daily activities of the newborn screening work unit and supervise staff performing newborn screening protocols. This position is responsible for ensuring that analysis is performed in a CLIA and HIPAA compliant fashion as necessary and that standard operating procedures and policies are followed by staff members in the unit.

Key Responsibilities

Supervision

This position is responsible for direct supervision of laboratory testing staff in the Newborn Screening Program. Responsibilities include workflow and staff schedule monitoring, training record review, as well as oversight of quality performance within the work unit. This position provides coaching to staff for problem resolution and new skill development, as well as write and review performance plans. This position is responsible for staff hiring, and provides Subject Matter Expertise (SME) in the areas of newborn screening workflow development and analysis. Ensures quality and quantity of performance and that program objectives are met. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of Department and Statewide policies and procedures. This position manages and resolves workplace disagreements and conflicts while sustaining a high level of employee engagement. This position is responsible for building and maintaining proper unit morale and an environment conducive to a healthy, safe, and productive workplace.

Analytical Testing

• Performs analytical testing to identify newborns at risk for Phenylketonuria, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Hemoglobinopathies, Galactosemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Biotinidase Deficiency, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Amino Acidemias, Organic Acidemias, Fatty Acid Oxidation disorders, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Pompe, MPSI, X-ALD and other conditions determined by the Colorado Board of Health. The goal of this testing is to prevent or reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases.
• Train and instruct entry level staff on testing procedures, concepts, and basic problem solving/troubleshooting.
• Monitors kit lots of reagents used, QA/QC materials for the bench, and performs kit lot parallels.
• Adheres to all laboratory SOPs and safety requirements. They are proficient and demonstrate documentable competency in the performance of analytical functions for every clinical method in CONBSP, and participate in the lab’s proficiency testing and reporting.

Maintaining Instruments and Equipment/General Lab Support

• This position operates, calibrates, and maintains equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis of specimens. They verify equipment functionality and document maintenance performed. They work with supervisors to report any issues and contact vendors when equipment needs preventative maintenance or repair.
• Contributes to maintaining inventory of testing reagents and materials for both their specific bench assignment, as well as the overall NBS program.
• Follow safety protocols and SOPs for setting up, cleaning, decontaminating, and maintaining laboratory equipment and work surfaces.
• Train entry level staff on instrument maintenance.

Pre-Analytical Testing

Receives all incoming newborn screening (NBS) samples and adheres to established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for performing quality checks and handling, with limited supervision. Specimens are sorted by type (first, second, or supplemental screen) and checked for demographic completion and sample suitability for testing.

Completes routine data entry and traceability tasks, including date stamping and labeling of received samples.

Refers possible unsatisfactory specimens to a program scientist or supervisor for further review, if needed.

Residency Requirement

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description

C8D4XX Laboratory Technology IV

Education

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree* in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; or
• Earned an associate degree* in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution; or
• Have education and training equivalent to :
• At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that , at a minimum includes either -
• Twenty-four (24) semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
• Twenty-four (24) semester hours of science courses that include -
• Six (6) semester hours of chemistry;
• Six (6) semester hours of biology; and
• Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination; and
• Have laboratory training that includes:
• Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES or the CAAHEP; or
• At least 3 months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing; or

Successful completion of an official U.S. military medical laboratory procedures training course of at least 50 weeks duration and having held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician); or

An individual that was qualified and serving as a high complexity testing personnel in a CLIA-certified laboratory as of December 28, 2024, and have done so continuously since December 28, 2024; or

Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State of Colorado.

AND

Experience

Relevant experience in a public health laboratory or similar work related to this position totaling s even (7) years with education and experience combined.

NOTE: An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.

**You must substantiate that you meet the minimum qualifications when filling out the Work Experience section of the application. Failure to do so will result in the application not moving forward in the hiring process. “See resume” will not be accepted. Resumes are considered supplemental information and are not considered in the initial evaluation. In addition, part-time work will be prorated when determining whether minimum qualifications are met.**

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory experience
• Knowledge of and use of laboratory equipment and instrumentation such as incubators, mass spectrometers and thermocyclers
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with a wide range of customers
• Knowledge of and use of desktop computer hardware and software
• Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to interpret and analyze data
• Experience using Excel spreadsheets to track and record data
• Experience with Word processing to create reports and communication documents
• Keen attention to detail
• Ability to self-motivate
• Ability to work well independently as well as in/with a team

Conditions Of Employment

• Residency Requirement Options:
• This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
• Residents and non-residents of Colorado may apply and be hired into this position as the work will be performed primarily at a location that is within 30 miles of the state border.
• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• Critical Status: This is a critical position and can be expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start, early release, or closure situations.
• Critical Status: Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• Critical Status: Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must adhere to CLIA regulations, including educational requirements.
• Must be able to distinguish between colors for a colormetric assay review.

Appeal Rights

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing . If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: [phone]. Phone: [phone]. Email address: [e-mail]. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov .

Supplemental Information

A Complete Application Packet Must Include

• Completed State of Colorado application.
• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process

• All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
• Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

• A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

CDPHE does not provide visa sponsorship at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

E-Verify

CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

ADAAA Accommodations

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at [e-mail] or call 303-692-2060, option 5.