Antibiotic Resistance Lab Network Regional Coordinator

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Microbial Diseases Laboratory (MDL) is responsible for the diagnostics, education, and applied research programs for identification, surveillance, control, and prevention of bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases originating in humans. MDL works closely with the CDPH Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Program, CDPH Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Control Branch, California local public health departments and laboratories, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (AR Lab Network) to provide testing support to detect and characterize antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, including carbapenem-resistant organisms (CPO), Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Candida auris.

Under the direction of the CDPH MDL Branch Chief, and the AR Lab Network Coordinator Supervisor, the AR Lab Network Regional Coordinator will provide overall coordination for AR Lab Network activities in their region, which will include facilitating communication and outreach for submitting clinical and public health laboratories; coordinating specimen submission from laboratories and healthcare facilities; ensuring prompt and accurate reporting of results to submitters and epidemiologists; gathering, analyzing, and reporting on data elements needed to help guide response and prevention activities; and reporting to CDPH and CDC as part of AR Lab Network project activities.

This position is funded by the CDC’s Strengthening HAI/AR Programs (SHARP) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity grant. Grant funding is through July 31, 2027 with possibility for extension.

The salary range for this position is $88,404.00 to $113,064 annually depending on experience/qualifications.

If hired for this position, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your start date, or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require an accommodation).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Compiles, maintains, analyzes, and disseminates antimicrobial resistance testing and epidemiology data and reports, including creating state and regional level report templates for distribution to AR Lab Network epidemiology and laboratory partners and stakeholders.
• Assists the HAI program in the development, distribution, and analysis of epidemiological surveys or other types of epidemiology studies where the laboratory testing expertise is needed.
• Assists in the development and implementation of jurisdictional antimicrobial resistance surveillance and response activities, and procedures for specimen collection / submission and test request authorization.
• Implements data system testing tasks to detect anomalies in data quality for AR Lab Network submissions, and develops strategies to verify and improve completeness, accuracy, and timelines of AR Lab Network data.
• Works to improve data quality, timeliness, and utility for AR Lab Network reporting and submissions.
• Serves as a liaison with key state, regional, and federal partners to establish laboratory submission standards and establish and maintain bidirectional communications between partners.
• Conducts outreach and education to laboratory submitters and other stakeholders to ensure continued engagement, build relationships and new partnerships, and promote understanding of AR Lab Network processes, through webinars, trainings, and other applicable means.
• Develops tools and resources to support laboratory submission and data entry.
• Supports development and sharing of best practices for data quality assurance and laboratory submissions.
• Coordinates specimen collection and submission for testing both in the state lab and the AR Lab Network regional lab where applicable. Tracks submission from sentinel laboratories and works with appropriate jurisdictional partners to optimize appropriate and consistent laboratory submission.
• May assist with procurement and distribution of supplies or equipment for AR Lab Network activities.
• Participates in team meetings and workgroups to provide input and support to AR Lab Network.
• Other AR Lab Network-related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Interdisciplinary project management and coordination experience in a public health, healthcare, or related setting.
• Qualified candidates must have applicable professional experience for a minimum of 1 year Master’s degree-level applicants, or a minimum of 3 years for Bachelor’s degree-level applicants..

Education/Experience

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university in a biological or medical science, or related public health degree (e.g., Masters’ of Public Health).
• Data analysis experience using statistical software
• Experience in laboratory, antimicrobial resistance / HAI / infection control from a public health agency is preferred

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

·         Exceptional interpersonal skills and abilities.

·         Ability to work independently and as part of the team comprised of individuals across different agencies, disciplines, and locations.

·         Ability to document and keep track of extensive detail from case investigations and provide written accounts and progress summaries.

·         Ability to work with diverse professionals and to train and educate healthcare providers.

·         Demonstrated ability to apply epidemiologic methods to evaluate HAI surveillance data.

·         Competent with computer and application skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

·         Experience with SAS preferred.

·         Ability to create presentations using PowerPoint required, and experience-presenting information to public health practitioners, healthcare workers, and consumers is preferred.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.