Molecular Epidemiology, Sequencing and Bioinformatics Manager

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Public Health Job Classification Title Medical Laboratory Supervisor III (NS) Position Number 60041391 Grade MH20 About Us The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Description of Work The Molecular Epidemiology, Sequencing and Bioinformatics Manager manages a multidisciplinary team within the Molecular Epidemiology, Sequencing and Bioinformatics group at the NC State Laboratory of Public Health, overseeing highly complex molecular testing used to detect, identify, and monitor pathogens of public health significance. The position directs routine sequencing and molecular surveillance activities, bioinformatics workflows, and advanced molecular detection methods that support diagnostic testing and epidemiological investigations. Work includes coordinating method development, evaluation, and implementation of new technologies while maintaining quality assurance, procurement, staffing, and laboratory information management functions. This role serves as a resource to internal and external partners and contributes to statewide and regional surveillance efforts as part of the senior leadership team. Key Duties Include: – Perform complex molecular testing, including next‑generation sequencing, real‑time PCR, and advanced molecular detection methods to identify pathogens. – Direct characterization of agents from clinical, reference, and environmental specimens using high‑complexity laboratory procedures. – Oversee bioinformatics workflows, including data analysis, infrastructure maintenance, and sequencing workflow software. – Supervise a multidisciplinary team conducting molecular surveillance, routine sequencing, and method development. – Coordinate procurement, quality assurance, staffing, SOP development, and laboratory information management system operations. – Implement and refine laboratory workflows supporting diagnostic testing, epidemiological investigations, and surveillance. – Serve as a technical resource to internal teams, external partners, and regional collaborators, including activities related to advanced molecular detection training. – Ensure compliance with federal regulations and accreditation standards across all molecular and sequencing operations. – Collaborate with communicable disease epidemiologists and partner agencies to support statewide public health priorities. – Support implementation of strategic initiatives by working with leadership to advance the group’s long‑term vision. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Grade Range: $82,857.00 - $136,714.00 Recruitment Range: $82,857.00 - $106,723.00 Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred: Expert proficiency performing highly complex molecular testing workflows such as next‑generation sequencing, real‑time PCR, and advanced molecular detection methods used for pathogen identification. Demonstrated experience managing sequencing and bioinformatics pipelines, including routine analysis tasks, workflow coordination, and maintenance of computational tools supporting molecular surveillance. Strong track record directing multidisciplinary laboratory teams engaged in sequencing operations, molecular surveillance, and development of new testing methods. Proven success coordinating laboratory quality assurance processes, procurement activities, staffing plans, and development and maintenance of standard operating procedures within a high‑complexity molecular testing environment. Advanced skill using sequencing workflow management and analysis software to support diagnostic testing, pathogen characterization, and large‑scale molecular surveillance initiatives. The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date Employees In This Position Must Be Capable Of Meeting The Federal CLIA ’88 Personnel Requirements Of Testing Personnel In A Laboratory Performing High Complexity Testing. Applicants Must Attach Copies Of Their Transcript(s) And / Or Certification(s) To Be Considered For The Position About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH): The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state. About the Molecular Epidemiology, Sequencing and Bioinformatics Group: The Molecular Epidemiology, Sequencing and Bioinformatics group is responsible for performing a variety of highly complex laboratory tests to identify human pathogens of public health significance. The reports generated by this group are used by state and local health officials in the detection, identification and surveillance of pathogens. The tests performed in this group are primarily molecular-based such as next generation sequencing (NGS), real-time PCR, and other advanced molecular detection methods. The group conducts highly complex procedures for the identification and characterization of a wide range of agents from a variety of clinical, reference, and environmental specimens and utilizes bioinformatic analyses when applicable. This group serves as a resource to internal and