Careers in Quality

Join the HJF Team! 

HJF is seeking a Technical Lab Supervisor to support the Diagnostics Countermeasures Branch (DCB) located at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Md. HJF provides scientific, technical, and programmatic support services to DCB.

Responsible for supervising all molecular diagnostic testing and laboratory operations. Works to establish standards and develop and/or modify analytical methods, while providing efficient/accurate analyses of all testing. Multidisciplinary environment not limited to contractors and US Military.

Responsibilities: 

1. Continually monitors temperatures of rooms, refrigerators, and freezers with the use of DataTron EXT system for proper storage of reagents and samples.
2. Reviews in coordination with the Quality Assurance Section, all quality indicators for Molecular and Serology Sections to ensure assays are performing as required and technologists are reporting results according to manufacturer and/or Laboratory specific requirements.
3. Reviews in coordination with the Quality Assurance Sections, test turn around times (TATs) for Molecular and Serology Sections, ensures TATs are in accordance with established HDRL guidelines and benchmarks. Takes appropriate actions to improve performance where applicable.
4. Prepares, writes, reviews, and revises the Standard Operating Procedures for the Molecular Sections and provides technical guidance to laboratory personnel.
5. In conjunction with the Quality Assurance Section, ensures compliance of all laboratory testing and Quality Control/Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement activities for all regulated activities.
6. Works with the Laboratory Director, Associate Laboratory Director, Team Lead and Quality Assurance Manager to develop, and implement new testing platforms/assays/procedures as required for new missions in support of US Military Force Health Protection and Readiness.
7. Develops validation plans to evaluate new instruments and test methods, conducts evaluations of methods, summarizes data for presentation to DCB leadership, and incorporates into Section testing menus.
8. Trains, in collaboration with the Team Lead, new Technologists (MT) and Technicians (MLT) and other support staffin theories and techniques to ensure appropriate training for assigned tasks and duties.
9. Supervises staff in Molecular Section to include, assessing personnel competency, monitoring and evaluating employee performance, and makes recommendations for awards and disciplinary actions as appropriate.
10. Promotes performance improvement through active participation in the Occurrence Management System.
11. Assists with interviews and hiring action of new employees.
12. Coordinates the procurement of supplies, equipment, and instrumentation within budgetary limits and in conjunction with DCB leadership.
13. Continually monitors temperatures of rooms, refrigerators, and freezers with the use of DataTron EXT system.
14. Attends, presents and participates in Section/General Laboratory meetings, DCB Department meetings, and Division Seminars.
15. Provides training to US Military HIV Research Program Laboratory personnel and visiting Scientists as required. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of laboratory procedures, safety procedures and standard laboratory equipment. Skill in use of advanced laboratory techniques and equipment. Ability to supervise and train technicians and direct work assignments. Ability to make presentation to groups, write manuscripts and abstracts, correctly transcribe laboratory results create and enforce standard operating procedures. Must interface with investigators, vendors, research staff, and study participant. Skill in use of word processing, spreadsheet, graphic, email, and database software.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree required.

Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements: A minimum of 9-10 years of experience is required.

Physical Capabilities: Requires lifting materials up to 50lbs. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, or exposure to chemicals.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct authority to make decisions on the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, starting salaries and merit increases; conduct employee performance evaluations and directs work activities.

Work Environment: Evening, holiday or weekend work is required. Occasional coverage for Serology department or special projects. 

Work Arrangement: 100% on-site.

Background/Security: Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Tier I investigation/Public Trust and a Common Access Card (CAC).

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, addresses, education, and credentials, a criminal background check, drug screening, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check.   

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.