Lab Director of Molecular Pathology and Cytogenetics

DMC University Laboratories (DMCUL) is a prominent regional integrated laboratory system servicing the eight hospitals under the Detroit Medical Center umbrella. Established in 1993, DMCUL encompasses a comprehensive suite of Core Laboratories, Specialty Laboratories, rapid response hospital laboratories, Centralized Stat Lab, Centralized Blood Bank Lab, and a robust outreach infrastructure that includes patient service centers, remote ambulatory laboratories, marketing staff, courier system, and billing department. With a service area covering Southeastern Michigan, DMC University Laboratories boasts an extensive test menu exceeding 1,000 tests, including highly specialized testing options, and maintains an impressive track record of performing less than 1% of tests through external reference laboratories. Their reach extends beyond the DMC system to numerous healthcare systems across the region and some out-of-state facilities.

The Division of Laboratory Genetics within DMCUL encompasses Molecular Pathology, Cytogenetics, and HLA laboratories, offering a wide range of testing services related to inherited diseases and cancer. Key clients include DMC physicians, regional outreach clients, and the Karmanos Cancer Institute - an on-campus, National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center. As academic institutions affiliated with Wayne State University School of Medicine, both DMC and Karmanos provide extensive training programs, including residencies, fellowship programs in Pathology and Hematology/Oncology, as well as a Genetic Counseling program.

The Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Laboratories are seeking a dedicated and experienced professional who will be appointed as faculty in the Wayne State University Department of Pathology. This full-time role is instrumental in overseeing the technical and administrative operations of these laboratories. Reporting to the Medical Director, the candidate will have responsibilities spanning planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating technical operations including pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases. The role also requires collaboration with the Administrative Director to manage productivity, fiscal responsibilities, and ensuring quality outcomes for the tests under the department's supervision.

This leadership position demands active participation in formulating and implementing technical policies, systems, and procedures for the Medical Genetics Laboratory. The appointee will support policies for other DMC laboratory functions and provide technical assistance across multiple sites. Strategic involvement in setting short-term and long-range laboratory objectives in coordination with leadership will be required, alongside budget and costing considerations.

Operational oversight involves establishing and monitoring laboratory methods, processes, personnel scheduling, preventative maintenance programs, and staffing needs to ensure continuous and uncompromised testing performance. The candidate is responsible for the validity and accuracy of clinical tests, adherence to quality control measures, participation in proficiency testing surveys, and ongoing evaluation to optimize laboratory procedures and efficiency.

Additional duties include directing technical training for employees and trainees, maintaining comprehensive technical records, and liaising with a variety of healthcare professionals including physicians, genetic counselors, and nursing staff. The role demands active engagement with educational institutions and professional entities to stay current with regulatory and technological developments. Moreover, this leadership role involves performance appraisal of laboratory personnel, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, and contributing to budget management and committee assignments.

Candidates must hold a PhD in relevant life sciences such as genetics, molecular biology, or cancer biology, possess board certification or active candidacy in relevant disciplines from the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics, and have demonstrable experience in clinical laboratory management and molecular or cytogenetic diagnostic testing. The position requires excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills, with the ability to operate independently and within a multidisciplinary team environment. This role offers a vital opportunity to engage in cutting-edge laboratory medicine, research, education, and clinical service in a prestigious academic medical setting located in Detroit, Michigan.