Job Details

Laboratory Director - Microbiome Center

The Department of Pathology & Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine, in partnership with Texas Children's Hospital, is seeking a Laboratory Director to lead and manage a dynamic research laboratory. This key leadership role oversees all aspects of laboratory operations, including administration, technical oversight, and day-to-day management. The Laboratory Director will plan, coordinate, and optimize both general and scientific activities, provide guidance and technical support to faculty and Principal Investigators, and serve as the primary administrator for the assigned laboratory. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled professional to combine scientific expertise with strong leadership to advance cutting-edge research at a leading academic medical center.

Job Duties

• Laboratory Operations (30%) Provide strategic oversight of clinical strain typing programs, directing specimen processing, assay execution, data interpretation, and reporting, while ensuring strict adherence to all regulatory and accreditation standards. Lead laboratory operations, designing and implementing operational frameworks that align with institutional objectives, regulatory requirements, and best practices. Establish and monitor key performance and quality metrics, driving workflow efficiency, process improvements, and overall excellence in laboratory service delivery.
• Research, Bioinformatics & Innovation (20%) Lead translational research and development programs focused on next-generation sequencing technologies and novel diagnostic applications. Implement complex bioinformatics analyses, synthesizing multi-dimensional data to inform research and clinical decision-making. Develop collaborative initiatives with Principal Investigators and cross-functional teams to advance scientific inquiry and translational research objectives. Lead improvements in lab systems and introduce new technologies to keep the lab up-to-date in molecular diagnostics.
• Quality, Compliance & SOP Development (15%) Develop, implement, and oversee Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to meet Joint Commission standards. Oversee proficiency testing results and guide corrective actions to maintain high standards of quality and technical excellence across the laboratory. Interpret and enforce institutional policies, regulatory frameworks, and safety mandates, establishing a culture of compliance and operational integrity. Oversee technical operations and provide clinical guidance, including validating test methods and reviewing complex results.
• Financial & Procurement Oversight (15%) Manage laboratory finances, including budgeting, grant management, and spending, to ensure resources are used efficiently. Lead procurement strategies, manage supplier negotiations, and oversee the purchase of equipment and supplies to ensure smooth laboratory operations. Establish and supervise equipment maintenance, calibration, and inventory management systems to ensure reliability, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Personnel Management, Training & Collaboration (15%) Recruit, mentor, and evaluate supervisory and technical staff, ensuring personnel competency, professional development, and alignment with laboratory objectives. Develop comprehensive training for laboratory personnel, undergraduates, fellows, and visiting scientists, promoting skill advancement and regulatory compliance. Lead regular laboratory meetings to foster team cohesion, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration. Lead communication with internal teams and external collaborators, supporting faculty projects, grant submissions, and manuscript development. Oversee laboratory IT infrastructure, including internal networks, data management systems, and web platforms to ensure secure and efficient operations.
• Additional Responsibilities (5%) Perform special projects and ad hoc assignments from institutional leadership, supporting the strategic research and clinical objectives. Perform other job related duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or a related field. Five years of relevant experience, with prior supervisory experience. Preferred Qualifications Clinical laboratory experience highly desired Next-generation sequencing, molecular diagnostics, and/or bioinformatics experience Work Authorization Requirement: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment. Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer. Requisition ID: 24718