Laboratory Director
Urology Austin, an affiliate of Urology America, was formed in 2008 following the merger of several independent urology practices. At Urology Austin, our mission is committed to improving the lives of patients and their families through compassionate, quality, and ethical care.
In choosing a career with Urology Austin, you are choosing to improve the lives of patients and their families through a collaborative team-driven approach in an innovative, quality-driven, community-based setting. Better Medicine. Better Care.
The Urology Austin Laboratory began in 2009 under the direction of Anatomic Pathologist, Dr. Mathew Putzi. As part of Urology Austin’s comprehensive patient services, the laboratory has grown year over year and in fact is moving to our new, larger Atrium location in central Austin in Fall 2024. Nationally accredited by CAP and CLIA, the Urology Austin laboratory prepares, analyzes, and processes tissue samples to help diagnose genitourinary disease. The Laboratory presently offers Anatomic Pathology (including Digital and Surgical Pathology), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Molecular testing for Prostate Tissue, Urine Cytology, Special Chemistry, Hematology, and Urine PCR testing.
The Urology Austin Laboratory processes approximately 66,500 cases and tests annually.
Job Summary:
The Laboratory Director is responsible for the development, implementation, and the operations of our dynamic laboratory environment in accordance with the policies of Urology America and the direction of the Administration and Medical Staff. The Director is responsible for managing lab staff, maintaining a safe and efficient workspace, and ensuring that all procedures and documentation comply with regulatory standard
Responsibilities and Duties:
Personnel Management:- Directly supervise all employees in the Laboratory. Carriy out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, and mentoring employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
- Ensure technical proficiency of staff and self through the participation of internal competencies (technical and computer) and external proficiency testing programs.
- Develop and implement quality control procedures to maintain high standards of laboratory outputs. This includes keeping technical procedure manuals updated. Ensure documentation of all quality control activities including calibration and maintenance performed.
- Implement and maintain laboratory safety protocols and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations including CAP and CLIA Guidelines.
- Maintain instruments and equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
- Manage the storage and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with safety and environmental regulations.
- Prepare and maintain detailed records, reports, and documentation of laboratory activities and results.
- Establish and enforce laboratory policies and standard operating procedures.
- Implement the standard of CAP, CLIA and other pertinent accrediting agencies and ensure the laboratory is prepared for and passes internal and external audits and inspections.
- Monitor federal, state, and local compliance laws and regulations and disseminate compliance information.
- Promote participation among technical and support staff in performance improvement activities. Empower Laboratory staff to assist with problem resolution.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and implementing process enhancements.
- Responsible for the accuracy of all tests performed within the laboratory. Ensure quality of testing through review of quality control data and test result. Responsible for the accuracy of reference ranges within the laboratory.
- Assist in the implementation of and participate in an effective laboratory performance improvement.
- Responsible for materials management including effective utilization of supplies and monitoring of inventory to maintain suitable stock.
- Develop and implement contingency plans to avert possible interruptions in services due to technical or mechanical issues.
- Communication downtime exceptions (instrumentation) to appropriate staff within a timely manner.
- Facilitate collaboration and communication among laboratory staff to promote a productive working environment.
- Responsible for communicating (inform and get input from) procedural issues with the Laboratory Medical Director.
- Communicate with physicians and clinicians on patient care issues.
- Oversee internal and external communications to local/state or federal oversight agencies and regulatory bodies.
- Ensure proper use of financial resources of the laboratory, including budget administration, performing cost assessments, monitoring financial transactions, and financial reporting
- Make strategic decisions on matters related to workload, revenue cycle integrity, and quality patient care.
- Keep abreast of technological advancements and industry trends to ensure the laboratory remains current and efficient.
Qualifications and Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Education/Experience:
- Baccalaureate degree in Medical Technology, Biology, Chemistry or related science. Master’s degree or PhD preferred
- MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) certification required / Certified Histology Technician and/or Histotechnologist by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC).
- Minimum of five (5) years of laboratory experience as a Medical Technologist in a clinical laboratory setting. Minimum of three (3) years’ experience as a Manager/Supervisor in a clinical laboratory.
- Expertise in laboratory best practices and safety protocols.
- Experience with quality management including quality control and assurance procedures as well as continuous quality improvement and performance improvement activities.
- Knowledge of regulatory standards such as CLIA, CAP, OSHA, and FDA.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a team of scientists and technicians. Displays ability to influence key decision-makers; achieve win-win outcomes; use authority appropriately to accomplish goals and address divergent opinions.
- Skilled project manager including developing project plans, coordinating projects activities and communication and delivering projects on time and on budget.
- Demonstrated experience in managing laboratory budgets and procurement.
- Excellent communication and verbal skills with ability to prioritize and interact effectively with all levels of management, staff, and physicians.
- Strong organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Commitment to professional development and continuing education.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and extreme cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Urology Austin offers a competitive benefits package to eligible employees. Below are some of the benefits you may receive as an employee at Urology Austin.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Short & Long Term Disability
- 401(k) with Employer Contributions and Profit Sharing
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Group Term Life Insurance
- Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Health Savings Account
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Competitive Wages
- Paid Holidays, No Weekends