Director, HLA Laboratory

At Vitalant, the impact you make doing work that is purposeful, meaningful, and worthwhile is vital. As a member of our non-profit organization, you can be impact-inspired to provide vital clinical services to communities nationwide, vital products to those in need of a donor's generosity, or vital scientific research that advances blood safety worldwide.

Work Shift (if applicable):

Job Description:

Vitalant is seeking an HLA Laboratory Director to help advance our life-saving mission by ensuring the highest standards in histocompatibility testing that supports transplantation and cellular therapy. Based in our operations in Phoenix, AZ, this role partners with other Laboratory Directors and senior Cellular & Molecular Affairs (CMA) leadership to plan, direct, and coordinate the operations and administration of assigned Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) laboratories in accordance with ASHI accreditation standards. The Director provides oversight across all accredited laboratory areas and technologies while promoting quality, innovation, and operational excellence—helping position Vitalant as a leading Center of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Therapy Excellence.

Compensation: $220,000 - $270,000

Incentive Plan Eligibility

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• 401K + 5% company match 
• Tuition assistance up to $5k per year 
• Free basic life and AD&D insurance 
• Free short-and-long-term disability insurance 
• Paid time off 
• Employee Resource Groups 
• Recognition and perks  

As the Phoenix HLA Laboratory Director, you'll get to:

• Direct overall operations and administration of assigned HLA laboratories, ensuring regulatory compliance, quality performance, and competent staffing.
• Lead clinical, technical, and scientific oversight of histocompatibility, immunogenetics, and molecular testing supporting solid organ and bone marrow transplantation.
• Support and maintain quality assurance programs; participate in audits, inspections, and quality management activities.
• Provide 24/7 clinical consultation and oversight for laboratory operations, including virtual crossmatch support for transplant programs.
• Review and approve laboratory test reports, ensuring accuracy and timely communication of results to physicians and healthcare partners.
• Guide development, validation, and implementation of new laboratory methodologies, testing services, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with other laboratory leaders to standardize processes and strengthen operational efficiency across HLA laboratories.
• Provide scientific and technical consultation to physicians, transplant programs, and internal stakeholders.
• Build partnerships with external organizations and represent the organization in professional and industry groups.
• Develop and deliver educational programs for internal teams and external partners.
• Support budget planning and pursue grant opportunities to advance laboratory research and development.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA and data security standards while utilizing laboratory information systems and databases.

Requirements:

Knowledge/ Education

• Doctoral degree in biological science or licensed physician required.
• ASHI qualified director required.
• Knowledge of the grant application process preferred.
• Knowledge of management principles including human resource management, budget administration, financial analysis and business administration preferred.

Licenses/ Certifications

Appropriate state and board certification (e.g., American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, American Board of Bioanalysis, etc.) required.

Experience 

• Four years post-graduate experience in immunology or cell biology, two of which were devoted to formal training in human histocompatibility testing in an ASHI accredited laboratory required.
• Previous experience writing reports for scientific publications in peer reviewed journals preferred.
• Previous experience supervising junior Directors preferred.

Skills/Abilities

• Must possess the skills and abilities to successfully perform all assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate proficient computer skills.
• Ability to navigate electronic devices/equipment.
• Ability to handle conflict and mitigate problems.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with internal and external customers.
• Ability to read, write and speak fluent English.
• Must be able to enter data into the computer.

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Contact Information: careers@vitalant.org

If you are impact-inspired to help others, and making a difference is vital for you, you'll experience a career built on purpose, a company created to care, and a team committed to lead - together.