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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 00298032 |
Description Activated On: 4/8/2026 11:46:09 AM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. This laboratory supervisor position in the Bureau of Laboratories, Division of Microbiology supports the organization’s mission to safeguard the public health within the Commonwealth by performing testing for public health infectious diseases such as bioterrorism and foodborne agents that threaten the health of the citizens. |
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Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. Supervises technical and professional personnel who perform all aspects of testing on human, zoonotic, environmental, and food specimens for foodborne and outbreak pathogens, and agents of bioterrorism. Carries out work assignments with initiative and independence. Work is technical and administrative. Work involves the handling of sensitive material and confidential patient information. Incumbent's daily workload is dynamic, and the incumbent must make independent decisions concerning the work to be performed on a day-to-day basis. Supervises personnel who are responsible for specimen reception, pre-analytical examination of incoming specimens, and preparation of reagents and media used for detection, isolation, and/or identification. Supervises personnel performing molecular and conventional microbiology testing in both biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories using LRN, FDA approved, BAM and LDT protocols. Performs the full range of supervisory responsibilities, including assigning, prioritizing, and reviewing work; maintains position descriptions; conducts employee performance management; approves/disapproves leave and travel requests; participates in staffing activities; coordinates employee discipline; and trains staff, including coaching and team building. Monitors the quality assurance in pre-analytical phase in sample reception, submission forms, and quality of specimens; in the analytical phase using the quality controls, internal controls and post-analytical testing in interpretation and troubleshooting to ensure the accuracy of the test; follows SOPs. Interacts with other sections within the Divisions of Microbiology and Virology and Immunology. Coordinates communications between federal and state partners/stakeholders, the Bureau of Epidemiology, clinicians and health care professionals, and the public. Evaluates new diagnostic procedures to determine the performance characteristics and/or suitability for laboratory implementation. Reads principles, and protocols, coordinates the validation testing, and analyzes results. Review existing procedures, methods, equipment, and reagents for CLIA compliance and to identify opportunities to streamline processes or reduce time to result and catalyzes change management. Develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs), and laboratory test menus. Coordinates with developing, designing, and implementing hands-on, virtual, and/or web-based training related to bioterrorism preparedness. The incumbent works closely with the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness & Response, Civil Support Team, and regional task force groups to plan and participate in tabletop exercises. Responsible for the management of results and analysis using the following databases: Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), PA NEDSS, and other relevant databases, as required. Assists in the preparation of grant and budget applications. Documents the section activities including regular updates on performance metrics. Provide technical consultation and training on technical matters for new laboratory employees, public health agencies, students, and PA clinical microbiology laboratories. Provides updates to the Division Director for the efficient management of resources. The incumbent will adhere to safety policies as described in the Bureau of Laboratories Policy Manual, Chemical Hygiene Plan, and Bloodborne Pathogens Plan. Engage in educational activities aimed to increase technical knowledge and skills through literature searches and attendance at webinars. Shares with colleagues the information gained from external training opportunities to ensure that all staff has current up-to-date information. This position is under the provision of the Federal Select Agent Program. An approve from the U.S. Department of Justice security risk assessment will be required. Public Health Emergency Response – Carry out essential job functions or assigned emergency duties which may involve assignments within the DOH Command Center, deployment to a field location to participate in public health activities or other duties as required during periods of emergency. If received, emergency assignments may be performed under adverse conditions and continue for periods ranging from a few hours to several weeks. The incumbent performs other related duties as assigned. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. This is an administrative position that requires considerable decision-making and independent action in the management of the Bioterrorism Preparedness Section. Administrative, programmatic or policy issues which require decision making at a higher level are referred to the Public Health Laboratory Division Director. |
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Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. OTHER 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. 5. 6. |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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