Clinical Scientist Microbiology & Molecular Diagnostics PhD

Job Description: The Enterprise Clinical Scientist, Microbiology & Molecular Diagnostics is a PhD‑trained laboratory scientist who provides system‑level scientific leadership and technical expertise across Intermountain Health’s clinical microbiology and molecular diagnostics enterprise. This role supports high‑complexity testing, test menu stewardship, assay validation, quality and regulatory compliance, and enterprise standardization across multiple laboratory sites. The position functions as a trusted partner to medical directors, laboratory operations leadership, infectious disease specialists, and quality teams, ensuring microbiology and molecular diagnostics services are clinically appropriate, operationally sound, and aligned with Intermountain Health's goals for value‑based care, patient safety, and standardization. Key Responsibilities: Enterprise Clinical & Scientific Leadership Serve as a system‑level subject matter expert in clinical microbiology and molecular diagnostics Provide consultative support to medical directors, pathologists, and clinicians for complex test interpretation and diagnostic strategy Participate in enterprise forums (e.g., laboratory work groups, test utilization or stewardship committees) Support consistent clinical practice and interpretation across regional and centralized laboratories Test Menu & Stewardship Partner with medical and operations leadership on enterprise test menu governance Evaluate new microbiology and molecular assays for clinical utility, operational feasibility, and value Support standardization of methodologies, reference intervals, and reporting practices across sites Assist with test retirement, consolidation, or replacement decisions Method Development, Validation & Implementation Lead or support validation of FDA‑cleared assays and laboratory‑developed tests (LDTs) in CLIA high‑complexity environments Design and review analytical and clinical validation studies Develop and maintain technical documentation, SOPs, and validation summaries Collaborate with LIS, informatics, and operations teams during test implementation Quality, Safety & Regulatory Compliance Support Intermountain Health's laboratory quality management system Participate in: Proficiency testing review and corrective actions, Quality improvement and root cause analyses, CAP, CLIA, and state inspections Ensure microbiology and molecular services meet regulatory, accreditation, and biosafety standards Contribute to enterprise patient safety and risk mitigation initiatives Collaboration & System Integration Work closely with: Medical Directors of Microbiology and Pathology, Laboratory Operations Directors and Managers, Infectious Disease and Antimicrobial Stewardship teams, LIS and digital laboratory teams Support cross‑site alignment and knowledge sharing Provide escalation support for technical or clinical issues affecting multiple sites Education & Knowledge Dissemination Provide education to laboratory staff, trainees, and clinicians on microbiology and molecular diagnostics topics Participate in laboratory rounds, case reviews, and enterprise education sessions Contribute to applied clinical research, abstracts, or internal best‑practice dissemination (as applicable) Minimum Qualifications: PhD in associated field of focus followed by postdoctoral training program related to field. Degree must be obtained through an accredited institution. Education is verified. Eight years of advanced research experience with two years in a clinical setting. Comprehensive knowledge of department's applicable state and federal regulatory standards. Preferred Qualifications: Eligible for full faculty appointment at the University of Utah. Lead author of articles published in nationally-recognized peer-review journals. Mentoring and teaching experience. Postdoctoral or professional experience in a clinical microbiology or molecular diagnostics laboratory Familiarity with CAP, CL ... (truncated, view full listing at source)