PLEASE NOTE: This is an on-site position in Newport, KY. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9:30AM-6:00PM.
The Confirmation Supervisor is responsible for leading the team of Certifying Scientists and overseeing the daily operations in the Confirmation department, including LC-MS/MS chromatographic data analysis of patient specimens for urine toxicology, oral fluid toxicology, and urine biomarker testing, as well as reviewing and releasing patient lab reports. In addition, this person will ensure accuracy and timeliness of daily production, be accountable for proper documentation and compliance with regulations, evaluate opportunities for process improvement, provide expert-level information to clients (medical staff) when requested, and participate in developing new processes for instrumentation and testing methods, as needed. This role is in a fast-paced production environment and requires a balance of accuracy and speed in decision making, high-complexity workflow, and ensuring that turnaround time (TAT) expectations are consistently met.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Oversee the daily operations of the Confirmation department
Ensure adherence to safety standards within the Confirmation department
Ensure adherence to CAP, CLIA, and NYS standards within the Confirmation department
Ensure adherence to Ethos Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Policies
Ensure patient specimens are tested accurately and lab reports are released on time, utilizing data reports
Provide direct leadership for the team of Certifying Scientists
Serve as the primary contact for questions related to LC-MS/MS chromatographic data analysis, drug metabolism in urine and oral fluid toxicology, the correlation between screen (presumptive) and confirmation (definitive) tests, general patient lab report questions, etc.
Delegate projects, tasks, and initiatives effectively and fairly
Hold weekly department meetings to share updates with the team
Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Certifying Scientists
Hold monthly KPI meetings for ongoing coaching and feedback
Track and maintain data and instrument performance indicators daily, weekly, monthly, and annually
Establish and monitor department metrics for turnaround time, accuracy, throughput, expenses, etc.
Participate in interdepartmental meetings to share department metrics, challenges, new processes, etc.
Collaborate and communicate with other department leaders
Review and/or create SOPs and controlled documents within the Confirmation department as needed
Develop new and improve existing lab processes as needed
Take steps to increase efficiency and productivity with instrument processes, minimizing downtime while maintaining optimum conditions
Identify, troubleshoot, and analyze issues or trends related to instrument operation, calibrations, quality controls, workflow, patient data, LC-MS/MS methods, etc.
Document incidents and accidents on the appropriate forms, perform remedial training, if required, to prevent further incidents/accidents
Escalate issues to the Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Director, or VP of Operations as needed
Interview, hire, onboard, and train new employees
Complete employee competency assessments initially, after first 6 months, and annually
Exemplify and encourage positive interactions within the lab to inspire collaboration and teamwork
Become fully trained and competent in Certifying Scientist responsibilities to support the team with daily functions during periods of high volume or to cover absences
Support external customers and Sales team members, via phone call or email, with questions related to the Confirmation department, including basic toxicology, drug metabolism, or lab report questions
Become proficient in utilizing the Laboratory Information System (LIS) in daily operations, troubleshooting, and generating various data reports
Participate in developing new processes for instrumentation and testing methods as needed
Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Experience supervising individuals and teams
Experience creating, revising, and operating from SOPs
Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and adherence to HIPAA regulations
Deep knowledge of LC-MS/MS instrument operation, chromatographic data analysis, and troubleshooting
Deep knowledge of urine and oral fluid toxicology, drug metabolism, biochemistry, certifying patient lab reports, and high-complexity lab workflows
Ability to model and foster in others time management, conscientiousness, dedication, and accountability
Ability to listen, learn, and promote accountability and responsibility related to all processes
Able and willing to follow established protocols employing acceptable forensic standards of analysis and the use of judgment in searching for solutions or new applications within one's own experience
Must be able and willing to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor of Science in Toxicology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or similar analytical science field with minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR Master of Science with minimum of 2 years of relevant experience
Must have experience supervising a laboratory that conducts urine drug testing by LC-MS/MS
Must have expert-level experience with answering questions related to urine drug testing by LC-MS/MS
Must have experience in a high-throughput production laboratory
Must have experience with CLIA, COLA, CAP, and/or NYS standards
Preference for candidates with experience developing or optimizing lab processes
Preference for candidates with demonstrated exceptional troubleshooting abilities
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Critical thinking and problem solving, with a high level of attention to detail
Must consistently demonstrate leadership qualities and lead by example
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
Excellent time management, scheduling, documentation, and organizational skills
Must be flexible, innovative, and self-motivated
Must be able to motivate, coach, and mentor employees for highest level of performance
Must be able to delegate and accomplish goals through others
Must be experienced with laboratory software
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is performed in a laboratory environment and exposes the incumbent to normal laboratory hazards and chemicals, including biohazard materials
Work in varying degrees of temperature (heated or air conditioned)
Position requires sitting, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing