The George Washington Milken Institute School of Public Health is seeking a Director of Operations to join our team in the GWU Public Health Laboratory (GW PHL). In this position, the successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team to direct a high-volume public health clinical laboratory to ensure the health and safety of the GW community and beyond.

This position will direct two main GW PHL operations: 1) COVID-19 sample collection and 2) COVID-19 PCR and serological testing, which will include screening and diagnostic testing for the GW on- and off-campus community and may also include testing of broader MD/VA/DC community and/or participation in externally-funded research studies.

The GWU PHL is a highly dynamic, fast paced work environment, that requires overcoming ongoing challenges on a daily basis to manage critical supplies shortages and rapidly growing demand for the COVID-19 testing.

Detailed Description:
The successful candidate will have extensive experience working as a director or manager in a high-volume clinical laboratory environment, including in laboratory and testing operations, and will have strong knowledge of molecular testing, robotics, and quality assurance procedures,

Responsibilities of the Position include:

• Direct the daily operations of COVID-19 sample collection and testing activities at the GW Public Health Laboratory through working closely with two direct reports, GW PHL Lab Manager and GW PHL Program Manager.
• Working with the GW PHL Lab Manager, the Director of Operations will:
  -Perform daily testing results review and approve resulting.
  -Provide technical supervisor support during standard lab operating hours.
  -Facilitate innovation, promote teambuilding, and manage unexpected scenarios to provide the highest quality and most cost-effective testing service possible.
  -Manage staffing to ensure adequate coverage with the right level of training.
  -Ensure the laboratory meet the needs of the testing services, including turnaround time (TAT).
• Working with GW PHL Program Manager, the Director of Operations will
  -Develop and optimize registration and sample collection workflows, including software technology for the testing project(s)/program(s)
  -Ensure adequate sample collection and PPE supplies at testing sites and timely sample drop-off at PHL by working closely with PHL coordinators and Program managers at testing sites.
• Ensures effective communication with Laboratory Directors and School of Public Health offices, as well as direct reports and all PHL staff.
• Oversee LIMS configuration and maintenance, development and implementation of laboratory procedures, installation of equipment and methods according to scheduled timelines.
• Ensures laboratory is compliant with corporate, state and federal regulatory requirements (CLIA, State, etc) related to personnel safety and quality of laboratory testing as well as professional conduct in assigned areas
• Ensure appropriate PHL communication, such as through PHL daily standup meetings, weekly QC meetings, and ad hoc meetings.
• Oversee resolution of operational issues and internal/provider inquiries in a timely manner by consulting with the Medical Director, consultants, HR, finance, clinical coordinators, and healthcare system specialists.
• Oversee investigations of technical issues, analytical failures, and deviations from established procedures at PHL to ensure effective corrective action in a timely fashion.
• Ensure enrollment and timely completion of approved proficiency testing (PT) program.
• Verify personnel competency, address performance related issues as necessary, and establishes continuous education for PHL staff.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning tasks logically related to the position.

This is a 1-year limited term position.