Laboratory Director & Technical Consultant Part Time or Contract at Utah Navajo Health System – Montezuma Creek, Utah

We know there is someone out there that will make an excellent addition to our team. Someone who gets along well with others, is thorough and efficient, can follow company procedures, is able to multi-task and has amazing customer service.

• Location: Utah Navajo Health System, Inc (All Sites)
• Part-Time or Contract

Position Summary

The Laboratory Director is responsible for the overall direction, administration, and technical and scientific oversight of laboratory services at Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. (UNHS). This position ensures that all laboratory operations meet applicable standards set by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), The Joint Commission (TJC), and other federal, state, and tribal regulatory agencies.

The Laboratory Director provides leadership in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, accurate, and timely laboratory services that support patient care while maintaining compliance, safety, and continuous quality improvement. The Director works closely with executive leadership, medical staff, and clinical teams to support UNHS’s mission of providing culturally competent healthcare services.

Key Responsibilities

1. Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation

• Ensure full compliance with CLIA, The Joint Commission (TJC), CMS, OSHA, and applicable federal, state, and tribal regulations.
• Maintain laboratory accreditation and readiness for inspections and surveys.
• Serve as the designated Laboratory Director as defined under CLIA regulations.
• Establish and enforce laboratory policies, procedures, and standards in accordance with regulatory requirements.

2. Clinical & Technical Oversight

• Provide overall technical and scientific oversight of all laboratory testing performed at UNHS.
• Ensure the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of all laboratory test results.
• Approve and validate test methodologies, equipment, and procedures.
• Ensure appropriate validation, verification, and quality control processes are in place.

3. Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement

• Develop, implement, and monitor the laboratory Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) programs.
• Participate in organization-wide Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives.
• Review proficiency testing results and ensure corrective actions when necessary.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement continuous improvement strategies.

4. Personnel Oversight & Competency

• Ensure all laboratory personnel meet CLIA qualification requirements for their roles.
• Establish and oversee competency assessment programs for laboratory staff.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development opportunities for laboratory personnel.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels and appropriate training for all laboratory functions.

5. Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards, including OSHA and infection control requirements.
• Oversee implementation of safety protocols, hazard communication, and exposure control plans.
• Investigate incidents, errors, and adverse events and implement corrective actions.

6. Laboratory Operations & Administration

• Oversee daily laboratory operations, including workflow, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Manage laboratory budget, equipment acquisition, and supply utilization.
• Ensure proper maintenance, calibration, and performance of laboratory equipment.

7. Collaboration & Medical Staff Support

• Collaborate with physicians, providers, and clinical staff regarding laboratory services and test utilization.
• Provide consultation on laboratory test selection, interpretation, and clinical relevance.
• Participate in medical staff committees and organizational leadership meetings.

8. Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure accurate and complete documentation of laboratory activities, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain required records for regulatory compliance and inspections.
• Report laboratory performance, quality metrics, and compliance status to leadership.

The Laboratory Director shall serve as the Laboratory Director of Record and be accountable for the overall operation and administration of the moderate-complexity laboratory at Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. (UNHS), and must be named on the CLIA certificate. This position reports administratively to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

The Laboratory Director must meet all applicable CLIA regulatory requirements (42 CFR Part 493) and any state licensure requirements, including:

• Possession of a state laboratory director license, if required by applicable law.
• Qualification under one of the CLIA-approved pathways for nonwaived (moderate/high complexity) laboratory director roles, including:

• Physician (MD or DO) licensed to practice medicine, including:
  • Board certification in anatomic or clinical pathology, OR
  • At least one year of experience directing or supervising nonwaived laboratory testing, plus appropriate continuing education

OR

• Doctoral degree (PhD, DSc, etc.) in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science:
  • Board certification by an HHS-approved board (e.g., ABCC, ABMM), AND
  • At least one year of experience directing or supervising nonwaived laboratory testing

OR

• Master’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science:
  • At least two years of experience in nonwaived laboratory testing, AND
  • At least one year of supervisory experience, AND
  • Completion of required continuing education

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science:
  • At least two years of experience in nonwaived laboratory testing, AND
  • At least two years of supervisory experience, AND
  • Completion of at least 20 hours of continuing education related to laboratory practice

• Demonstrated knowledge of CLIA, Joint Commission, and CMS regulations.
• Experience in laboratory quality management, accreditation, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership and supervisory experience in a clinical laboratory setting.

• Experience in rural healthcare, tribal health systems, or Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
• Familiarity with Navajo Nation healthcare systems and cultural considerations.
• Experience overseeing moderate and waived testing environments.

As a Tribal Organization the Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. (UNHS) treats patients with high risk and underlying chronic medical conditions. Therefore, UNHS requires its employees to show proof of immunization prior to their employment with UNHS or during their employment. Below is a list of immunizations/vaccinations required to be employed or to continue employment with UNHS.
The immunizations/vaccinations include but not limited to following:

• MMR (Measles Rubeola, Mumps, Rubella): Documentation of two MMR vaccines (OR) Documentation of MMR titers.
• Complete Hepatitis B vaccine series (3 doses), documented proof of titers indicating immunity, or a declination that may be signed upon arrival.
• Proof of up-to-date PPD skin testing, if previously negative (OR) Proof of positive PPD skin test with the most recent chest x-ray and treatment history.
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap).
• Varicella titers, history of varicella or varicella immunization series.
• Influenza vaccine for the current year.
• COVID-19 vaccine
• Any other vaccinations as requested.