Cook County Government
LABORATORY AND QUALITY DIRECTOR (MEDICAL EXAMINERS OFFICE) ACTIVELY RECRUITED
Cook County Government, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
LABORATORY AND QUALITY DIRECTOR (MEDICAL EXAMINERS OFFICE)
Job Summary:
Oversee all aspects of laboratory operations, including testing, quality control, equipment maintenance, and data management. Provide overall management and scientific direction for the bureau’s laboratory, ensuring accurate and timely toxicological, histological, and other forensic analyses to support death investigations. Direct the implementation and maintenance of comprehensive quality systems, forensic compliance, and document management, including quality and procedure manuals, training programs, and auditing, for both toxicology and histology laboratories. Develop, implement, and oversee quality assurance and control programs for the entire bureau/department, ensuring compliance with accreditation criteria from the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), International Organization of Standards (ISO), the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT). Manage laboratory staff and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings while maintaining adherence to all relevant regulatory and accreditation standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead laboratory operations and maintain compliance with all applicable regulations and accreditation requirements.
Develop and implement quality systems, training programs, and audit procedures.
Ensure accurate and timely forensic analyses and maintain high standards of data integrity.
Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings and supervise laboratory staff.
Maintain and oversee equipment, procure new resources, and ensure adequate supplies.
Collaborate with other departments and external partners on quality and compliance issues.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in chemical, biological, physical, or clinical laboratory science (or equivalent).
Graduate from an accredited university and at least one year of experience overseeing non-waived laboratory testing.
Certification by a board approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Laboratory Directors of High Complexity Testing, or Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with certification from the American Board of Pathology or the Osteopathic Board of Pathology, plus current medical license.
Completion of 20 continuing education (CE) credit hours in laboratory practice.
University degrees awarded outside the U.S. must be credentialed by WES, ECE, or a NACES member organization.
Physical Requirements:
Sedentary work with occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds; the job may also involve walking or standing for brief periods.
Background Checks:
Successful completion of post-offer tests may be required, including background check, drug screen, and medical examination.
Salary Range:
$117,450 – $143,550 per year.
Benefits Package:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Basic Term Life Insurance
Pension Plan
Deferred Compensation Program
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
Voluntary Benefits
Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
EEO Statement: Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected category established by law.
Contact:
BHR.WorkforceStrategy@cookcountyil.gov For inquiries about this position.
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Oversee all aspects of laboratory operations, including testing, quality control, equipment maintenance, and data management. Provide overall management and scientific direction for the bureau’s laboratory, ensuring accurate and timely toxicological, histological, and other forensic analyses to support death investigations. Direct the implementation and maintenance of comprehensive quality systems, forensic compliance, and document management, including quality and procedure manuals, training programs, and auditing, for both toxicology and histology laboratories. Develop, implement, and oversee quality assurance and control programs for the entire bureau/department, ensuring compliance with accreditation criteria from the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), International Organization of Standards (ISO), the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT). Manage laboratory staff and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings while maintaining adherence to all relevant regulatory and accreditation standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead laboratory operations and maintain compliance with all applicable regulations and accreditation requirements.
Develop and implement quality systems, training programs, and audit procedures.
Ensure accurate and timely forensic analyses and maintain high standards of data integrity.
Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings and supervise laboratory staff.
Maintain and oversee equipment, procure new resources, and ensure adequate supplies.
Collaborate with other departments and external partners on quality and compliance issues.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in chemical, biological, physical, or clinical laboratory science (or equivalent).
Graduate from an accredited university and at least one year of experience overseeing non-waived laboratory testing.
Certification by a board approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Laboratory Directors of High Complexity Testing, or Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with certification from the American Board of Pathology or the Osteopathic Board of Pathology, plus current medical license.
Completion of 20 continuing education (CE) credit hours in laboratory practice.
University degrees awarded outside the U.S. must be credentialed by WES, ECE, or a NACES member organization.
Physical Requirements:
Sedentary work with occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds; the job may also involve walking or standing for brief periods.
Background Checks:
Successful completion of post-offer tests may be required, including background check, drug screen, and medical examination.
Salary Range:
$117,450 – $143,550 per year.
Benefits Package:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Basic Term Life Insurance
Pension Plan
Deferred Compensation Program
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
Voluntary Benefits
Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
EEO Statement: Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected category established by law.
Contact:
BHR.WorkforceStrategy@cookcountyil.gov For inquiries about this position.
#J-18808-Ljbffr