Associate Director of Microbiology

JOB SUMMARY 

The Associate Director, Microbiology, North Carolina Site is responsible for the day to day and strategic functions of the remote office specifically in the areas of Microbiology and Environmental Monitoring (EM). The Associate Director is responsible for providing technical sales support, scheduling and prioritizing work to meet customer expectations, and ensuring all work is performed in compliance with the quality, health and safety objectives of the company. Provide technical support to Microbiologists and EM staff. Responsible for all aspects of staff management including training, hiring, conducting feedback sessions, employee development, retention and engagement, disciplinary actions, and terminations. The Associate Director has direct responsibility for improving production efficiency while meeting the financial and service goals of the North Carolina Office.

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include the following. Other duties may be assigned as needed. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONISIBITIES 

• Builds out and maintains the office, lab, and storage space. 

• Purchasing and maintenance of equipment needed for field operations as well as the laboratory. 

• Acts as the technical lead in supporting the sales effort in the territory. 

• Prepares estimates (time) and supplies for the Quoting Group to facilitate the production of quotes. 

• Leads the development and implementation of process improvement initiatives that promote increased productivity for client EM programs. 

• Coordinates work projects to appropriately prioritize laboratory workload to meet client requirements as related to quality, on-time performance and TAT (Turnaround Time). 

• Distributes work to staff in order to maximize productivity. 

• Maintains quality performance metrics, conducts routine metrics review and root cause analysis in collaboration with the EM staff and Microbiologists. 

• Devises and develops processes and methods for the solution of technical problems. 

• Trains, mentors and supervises staff on an as needed basis. 

• Confers with Quality Assurance (Salem) and Microbiology Director (Salem) to design and/or improve standard operating procedures and/or training programs. 

• Responsible for scheduling work in support of maintaining all deadlines. 

• Ensures that laboratory supplies, consumables, standards are available to perform the analyses within the required project turnaround time.  

• Communicates project delays, quality and or technical issues to the Microbiology Director (Salem), and/or Client Services/Sales Team, as needed. 

• Reviews lab nonconformance (investigation and deviations) with EM Staff and Microbiologists. Conducts root cause analysis and implements solutions in collaboration with the team. 

• Manages all aspects of office and lab operations as related to operating costs. 

• Responsible for the interviewing and the hiring of employees. 

• Provides regular ongoing performance feedback while serving as a coach and mentor. 

• Responsible for developing and communicating goals to EM Staff and associated microbiologists.  

• Ensures all work is performed in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices, Regulations of the Food and Drug Administration, Company, Client and Pharmacopeial Methodologies. 

• Follows all safety rules and regulations. 

• Follows all cGMP rules and regulations. 

• Documents work in a clear and organized manner. 

• Maintain a clean and orderly laboratory environment. 

• Proper handling of hazardous waste in compliance with the company and NC hazardous waste rules. 

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

Qualifications include a master’s and/or bachelor’s degree in microbiology, or a related discipline is required. Must have laboratory experience with a minimum of 8 years of related work experience with 2 years management. Knowledge of cGMPs and related compliance regulations and guidances required.  

Must have experience with the various products and services the Company offers including LIMS and ELN and Environmental Monitoring. 

This position requires a self-starting, motivated person who possesses excellent interpersonal skills; who is able to assume a leadership role in the organization; and who is able to effectively interact with all departments within the company and with client personnel. 

MINIMUM SKILLS REQUIREMENTS 

• Demonstrated skills in laboratory techniques. 

• Solid computer skills.  

• Knowledge of safe laboratory practices, including the proper procedures in handling chemicals and samples.  

• Must be a team player with integrity and concern for the quality of company products, services and staff members.