Laboratory and Scientific Director

ABOUT CDPHE:

Colorado for All Philosophy: Colorado for All means working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. It means we support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender race ethnicity religion national origin age sexual orientation gender identity citizenship status education level disability socio-economic status or any other visible or invisible identity.

At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Join us in serving our communities to advance Colorados health and protecting the places we live work learn and play to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

Join us in serving our communities advancing Colorados health and protecting the places we live work learn and play in this beautiful state we call home.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This position is Non-Classified and therefore this announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. If selected for the position the candidate will be required to establish residency in Colorado.
• Employment is at-will with no actual expressed or implied contract.
• This position will have hybrid workplace options available at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs but will still be required to report to the office located at 8100 Lowry Blvd. Denver CO 80230.
  

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.

• Flexible working arrangements

• Retirement ( PERA options)Medical and dental health plans

• Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus optional 401K and 457 plans

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off

• Tuition assistance

• Wellness programs

• Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects

• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. For more information go to: of Job

The Work Unit:

State public health laboratories are foundational to protecting the health of the population. Only one of these highly specialized labs exist per state creating a national network that works closely with the EPA CDC FDA and other federal agencies. The Colorado Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) protects the health of the population by identifying known and novel infectious diseases and outbreaks; detecting environmental contaminants in food products natural medicine and drinking and recreational waters; responding to bioterrorism and chemical threats; certifying every instrument in the state used for evidential breath alcohol testing; testing every infant born in Colorado and Wyoming to identify treatable genetic-related conditions at birth; performing audit functions and certification of outside laboratories; and conducting surveillance and public health research. The CPHL conducts around 3 million tests annually and works in partnership with local public health agencies to investigate and monitor public health events.

The CPHL is a division within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) known internally as the Laboratory Services Division.

What You Will Do:

The Laboratory and Scientific Director is in the senior executive services class and appointed by CDPHEs executive director. The position serves as the leader of the laboratory providing regulatory scientific and operational direction and oversight of nearly150 staff and an annual budget of $45 million. The director is supported by four deputies and numerous managers.The director sets the vision and performance goals in alignment with CDPHEs Senior Executive Team. The director fosters an environment that integrates strategic scientific and systems thinking plus prioritizes strict attention to quality and compliance ensuring the validity and dependability of laboratory results and a continuous improvement mindset.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

This posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. However if you are selected and accept the position you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must meet minimum requirements for a CLIA high complexity laboratory director: MD DO or DPM degree with pathology board certification OR 2 years experience directing high-complexity tests and 20 CE credit hours in relevant laboratory practice

• OR PhD /doctoral degree in chemical biological or laboratory science and board-certified by an HHS-approved board and 2 years experience directing and 2 years supervising high complexity testing and 20 CE credit hours in relevant laboratory practice

• Must have two or more years of experience in an executive role at a laboratory managing staff and a budget.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to the minimum requirements the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:

1. Experience working as an executive in a similarly sized laboratory.

2. Experience implementing quality assurance systems and assuring compliance with regulatory requirements

3. Excellent performance management skills.

4. Dynamic leadership skills and demonstrated record of producing results.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

• A financial check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

• Travel (frequency location etc.): Potential meetings in other areas of the state or national conferences out of state. May include overnight stays 1-2 times per year.

• Colorado Drivers License

• On-call Status: On call for public health emergencies or service disruptions

• Critical Services Designation: 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.

A complete application packet must include:

• Completed State of Colorado application.

• A Resume

• A Cover Letter

• 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 application.

• If you are a veteran a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your 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.

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 or call option 5.