DescriptionLaboratory Section Chief IIRegular Full-time, Pay Grade 39 
This position exists to manage, supervise and operate UT’s Surveillance Testing Facility for SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The STF laboratory is designed specifically to test pooled saliva samples from across the UT population for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) within the student population. The laboratory accepts samples and performs Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) using sample pooling, RNA isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification to detect SARS-CoV-2. The laboratory reports deidentified test results to units such as the Student Health Center.
Responsibilities will include:

The Surveillance Lab Manager is responsible for all technical workflows of the facility. He or she trains, supervises, schedules, and provides guidance to a team of lab technicians who perform most if not all of the technical procedures of the facility. The Manager complements the work schedule of the technicians as needed to ensure an accurate analysis while meeting the set standards for turnaround time. Processes include sample accessioning, pooling, nucleic acid extraction, and detection of the virus by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR.

The Manager schedules the work to ensure a conclusive, consistent and timely analysis of all incoming specimens.

The Manager ensures a reproducible workflow, controls the quality of analysis, calibrates instruments as needed, conducts preventive maintenance, seeks technical service as needed, maintains electronic and paper records, and reports analysis results. By inspecting all analysis results, he or she also optimizes procedures, and detects and troubleshoots problems during the analysis. He or she also works to optimize the workflow for efficiency and accuracy, which may involve new molecular testing modalities and robotic instrumentation. The Manager guides the technicians to maintain inventory for reagents, equipment and laboratory infrastructure.

He or she writes standard operating procedures; places orders for equipment and supplies in a fiscally prudent manner; reviews and implements applicable guidelines for the safe handling of human specimens and other experimental workflows according to regulations established with UT’s Environmental Health and Safety office and the Institutional Biosafety Committee.

She or he interfaces regularly with the sample collection team and with staff who prioritize sample collection across the UT population; works with the Student Health Center and the contact tracing team to report test results; works with OIT and other units to maintain privacy of client records; works with staff in the wastewater surveillance laboratory to coordinate analysis protocols and share infrastructure.

He or she may be tasked with performing testing procedures, if technical staff are limiting.

Supervises laboratory staff. Evaluates staff performance and technical procedures.

Results to units such as the Student Health Center.


QualificationsREQUIREMENTS:
Education:Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, or Medical Technology required.

Required level of experience:Experience in developing and performing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) based testsExperience isolating and quantifying RNAExperience backed by peer-reviewed publications or by former employment as a medical lab technologist
Preferred level of experience:2 years of experience performing PCR based testing
Experience in supervising and training junior scientists in molecular biology procedures

Master's degree, Doctoral degree in Molecular Biology or equivalent and/or Medical Technologist Certification preferred.
Competencies/Qualifications:Knowledge of molecular biological principlesKnowledge of theory and practice of nucleic acid quantification using PCR-based methodsSkill to organize workflow and coordinate with other team membersSkills to maintain consistent proceduresExcellent oral and written communication skillsAbility to maintain accurate recordsAbility to supervise laboratory techniciansAbility to assimilate the norms of a public health surveillance campaign

Job: Other Professional
Primary Location: US-Tennessee-Knoxville
Organization: Ctr For Envir Biotechnology
Schedule: Full-time
Job Posting: Jul 30, 2020, 7:22:16 PM