RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Job Description:

Joining the American Red Cross is like nothing else – it’s as much something you feel as something you do. You become a vital part of the world’s largest humanitarian network. Joining a team of welcoming individuals who are exceptional yet unassuming. Diverse, yet uncompromising in unity. You grow your career within a movement that matters, where success is measured in people helped, communities made whole, and individuals equipped to never stop changing lives and situations for the better.

When you choose to be a force for good, you’ll have mentors who empower your growth along a purposeful career path. You align your life’s work with an ongoing mission that’s bigger than all of us. As you care for others, you’re cared for with competitive compensation and benefits. You join a community that respects who you are away from work as much as what you do while at work.

Where Your Career is a Force for Good!

Job Summary:

This role reports directly to the Senior Laboratory Director and is pivotal in advancing the operations of the HLA laboratory. The position combines clinical, administrative, and research responsibilities, ensuring the delivery of high-quality laboratory services in alignment with ASHI standards at the American Red Cross. The main focus of this lab is BMT, NGS, and Chimerism.

Key Responsibilities:

Excellence in Laboratory Quality Assurance

• Develop Comprehensive Testing Systems: Implement robust systems to ensure the highest laboratory quality standards across all testing phases—pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic. This includes optimizing sample handling, ensuring precision in test execution, and enhancing accuracy in reporting results.
• Achieve Established Turnaround Times (TAT): Lead efforts to maintain and exceed target turnaround times for lab results, supporting critical patient care and clinical decision-making.

Driving Innovation in Immunogenetics and Histocompatibility Research

• Research Design & Development: Spearheaded research initiatives that advance the fields of immunogenetics and histocompatibility, in alignment with the mission of the American Red Cross Blood Services. Develop cutting-edge projects that contribute to scientific knowledge and clinical practice.
• Validation of Advanced Testing Procedures: Lead the development, rigorous validation, and implementation of innovative testing methodologies. Ensure new procedures are thoroughly validated to meet clinical service standards locally and nationally.

Clinical Expertise & Problem Resolution

• Review and Oversight of Clinical Reports: Apply expert judgment to review clinical test reports, addressing complex or atypical cases with precision. Serve as a go-to resource for resolving challenging clinical testing issues, whether from transplantation partners or in-house teams.
• Continuous Professional Development: Stay at the forefront of the field by engaging with the latest scientific research, presenting findings at professional conferences, and participating in national and international workshops.

Leadership in Staff Development and Continuing Education

• Foster a Culture of Excellence: Provide effective leadership that motivates, develops, and recognizes technical staff. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Ensure Compliance with ASHI Standards: Facilitate ongoing education and competency assessments for lab staff, ensuring adherence to the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) accreditation requirements.

Strategic Project Management & Innovation

• Lead Special Projects: Initiate and oversee projects aimed at enhancing test procedures, techniques, and reagent development. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that may expand the laboratory's clinical service offerings.
• Data Analysis & Project Adjustment: Analyze data and project outcomes to refine methodologies and ensure successful implementation, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize results.

Operational Leadership & Policy Development

• Establish and Refine Laboratory Policies: Develop and implement lab-specific policies while ensuring alignment with broader organizational practices. Make strategic recommendations to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
• Business Development & Client Engagement: Actively pursue new business opportunities, including securing contracts and expanding lab services. Cultivate partnerships with area and national hospitals to strengthen the laboratory's market presence.

Support for Laboratory Leadership Continuity

• Provide Backup to the Senior Laboratory Director: Serve as a reliable backup to the senior lab director in key functional areas. Leverage cross-training and expertise to ensure seamless lab operations and leadership coverage.

Standard Schedule: M-F Day Shift

Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. or MD/DO with ASHI Certification as a Director.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in all phases of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, including managing operations in a high-volume clinical HLA testing laboratory, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• At least 2 years of leadership experience, with proven abilities in managing teams and lab operations.
• Proficiency in databases, IT systems, and genomic software relevant to HLA and immunogenetics testing.
• Strong analytical skills with a demonstrated attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a focus on collaboration and relationship-building.
• Strong teaching and coaching skills to support staff development and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to solve complex clinical and operational challenges.
• Travel: up to 50%

WHAT WILL GIVE YOU THE COMPETITIVE EDGE (Preferred Qualifications):  

Extensive scientific knowledge and advanced technical skills in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, with expertise in the following areas:

• HLA Serology and Molecular Genetics, including Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Platelet Serology and HLA Antibody Screening/Identification.
• Flow Cytometry Crossmatch Techniques.
• Chimerism Studies for transplantation monitoring and diagnostics.
• Strong focus on detail, accuracy, and efficiency in both scientific and customer-facing responsibilities.
• BMT, NGS, and Chimerism experience.

Proven track record of delivering excellent customer service, with a commitment to maintaining a positive and professional image in all interactions.

Strong focus on detail, accuracy, and efficiency in both scientific and customer-facing responsibilities.

*Combination of candidate’s education and general experience satisfies requirements so long as the total years equate to the description’s minimum education and general experience years combined (Management experience cannot be substituted).

BENEFITS FOR YOU:

As a mission-based organization, we believe our team needs great support to do great work. Our comprehensive package includes:

• Medical, dental, and Vision plans
• Health Spending Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts
• PTO + Holidays
• 401K with up to a 6% match
• Paid Family Leave
• Employee Assistance
• Disability and Insurance: Short + Long Term
• Service Awards and recognition

LI*POST

The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, San Diego Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and any other applicable state and local laws.
 

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