Lab Director of Molecular Pathology and Cytogenetics

DMC University Laboratories (DMCUL) is a regional, integrated laboratory system that provides comprehensive laboratory services to the eight hospitals within the Detroit Medical Center network. Established in 1993, DMCUL has continually expanded its capabilities and infrastructure to support a vast range of diagnostic needs. The system is made up of numerous specialized units including Core Laboratories, Specialty Laboratories, two rapid response hospital laboratories, a centralized stat lab, a centralized blood bank lab, and a fully operational outreach infrastructure. This outreach network encompasses patient service centers, remote ambulatory laboratories, marketing personnel, a reliable courier system, and a dedicated billing department. Serving the entire Southeast Michigan market, DMC University Laboratories prides itself on a robust test menu of over 1,000 assays, including high-end specialty tests, with less than 1% of testing sent to outside reference laboratories. Additionally, DMCUL extends its reference laboratory services beyond its immediate network, catering to numerous other healthcare systems in Southeastern Michigan as well as several facilities out-of-state.

The Division of Laboratory Genetics within DMCUL includes Molecular Pathology, Cytogenetics, and HLA laboratories that specialize in a diverse array of testing for inherited diseases and oncological conditions. Their clientele spans DMC physicians, regional outreach clients, and the Karmanos Cancer Institute, an on-campus National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center. Both Detroit Medical Center and Karmanos Cancer Institute maintain academic partnerships with Wayne State University School of Medicine, supporting advanced training programs including residencies and fellowships in Pathology and Hematology/Oncology, along with a Genetic Counseling program.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a qualified candidate to join as a faculty member of the Wayne State University Department of Pathology, with an academic rank tailored to their experience and credentials. The primary responsibility involves collaboration with the Division of Laboratory Genetics Medical Director to oversee the planning, organization, and operation of the Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Laboratories. This includes managing the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases to ensure high standards of accuracy, productivity, quality, and compliance. The successful candidate will play a key role in technical policy development, quality assurance, proficiency surveys, and implementation of new technologies to enhance laboratory efficiency and diagnostic capabilities.

Further, this position entails directing training programs for laboratory staff, medical students, and residents, fostering an environment of continuous professional development and technical excellence. The candidate will actively contribute to budgetary oversight, including cost management and capital equipment planning. Strong liaison functions with physicians, genetic counselors, nursing staff, and other healthcare professionals are essential to maintain seamless communication and ensure quality testing services aligned with clinical needs.

Preferred candidates will have a PhD in Life Sciences related to genetics, molecular biology, or cancer biology and hold board certification or active candidacy in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics, Clinical Cytogenetics and Genomics, or Clinical Molecular Genetics and Genomics by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Experience with molecular genetic and cytogenetic methodologies such as next-generation sequencing, RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing, microarray analysis, FISH, and karyotyping is crucial. In addition, the candidate should possess knowledge of regulatory frameworks like CLIA and CAP, demonstrate strong analytical, leadership, communication, and project management skills, and have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. This full-time day-shift role is based in Detroit, Michigan, at DMC University Laboratories, Inc., promising a fulfilling career in a leading academic and clinical laboratory setting.