Bioterrorism Coordinator

PH LABORATORY CONSULTANT 3

Job Title:

Bioterrorism Coordinator

Job Summary:

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) Division of Laboratory Services (DLS) provides clinical and environmental laboratory testing services through two public health laboratories located in Nashville and Knoxville. This position is based at the Nashville central laboratory, a dedicated facility with over 180 full time employees. This position will report to the Assistant Director of Laboratory Operations and will serve as the primary subject matter expert on the Tennessee Laboratory Response Network for Biological threats (LRN-B) and emergency response while also overseeing the bioterrorism team.

This position is part of the Laboratory Operations division and provides laboratory staff with guidance on biological threat testing, biosecurity, select agent regulatory management, and training necessary for the bioterrorism section to safely and accurately perform laboratory duties.  The bioterrorism coordinator also serves as the Principle Investigator for the laboratory’s select agent program.

Responsibilities:

         Provide daily oversight of the LRN-B section including team scheduling, assay/instrument troubleshooting, training, inventory, preventative maintenance, and select agent consult; delegating duties as appropriate to ensure deadlines are met and testing is completed within expected turnaround times. 

         Train and provide guidance to sentinel laboratories and other external partners such as first responders and epidemiology colleagues on LRN-B/biothreat testing processes during normal operations as well as during times of public health emergencies. This position does require after hours call as well as some travel.

         Works in conjunction with division leadership to provide effective and efficient administrative direction, including budget management, grant metrics and milestones, resource allocation, and strategic planning, to ensure current and future laboratory services are properly funded and supported.

         Ensure all laboratory sections implement and maintain standards of compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., OSHA, CLIA, DSAT, etc.) and other applicable certifying and accrediting organizations (e.g., ISO, CAP).

         Work with Alternate Responsible Officials and/or Responsible Official to regularly review and maintain Select Agent records and processes to ensure compliance with DSAT regulations.

         Conduct regular meetings with bioterrorism team, ensuring team members stay current on section procedures and competency.

         Serve as a subject matter expert for staff on LRN-B and emergency preparedness.

         Collaborate with the Knoxville Regional Laboratory and laboratory leadership to standardize and optimize LRN-B processes.

         Review of section documents including standard operating procedures and risk assessments.

         Provide input and subject matter expertise during the construction of the new public health laboratory facility.