The Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences at the University of Missouri is seeking outstanding candidates for the position of Associate Director of the Diabetes Diagnostic Laboratory [DDL].  Primary responsibilities will include coordination of the clinical and research efforts in this laboratory and participation as an investigator on all grants and contracts for which Dr. Little is the current PI.   This person must have some experience in both clinical and research areas and have respect for both areas of work.

The clinical portion of the laboratory includes measurements of HbA1c (by both ion-exchange and boronate affinity HPLC), insulin and c-peptide analyses, and patient result reporting.  In addition, a Hb capillary electrophoresis system is approved as a backup hemoglobin method for patient care.  A basic knowledge of clinical laboratory regulatory requirements (CLIA, CAP) is important as well as an understanding of these specific diabetes test methodologies.  Experience in managing a clinical laboratory is helpful but not mandatory. 

The research portion of the laboratory considerably overlaps with the clinical portion.  The DDL serves as the administrative core of the NGSP, an international program for standardization of HbA1c assays, which are important tests used to assess glycemic control in patients with diabetes.  The DDL Laboratory Director serves as the NGSP Network Coordinator.  The NGSP maintains a laboratory network with reference method results that are based on landmark clinical trial data. The program certifies manufacturer assay methods for HbA1c and also certifies and monitors laboratories doing large studies and clinical trials where measurement of HbA1c is a key variable. Proficiency testing, primarily through the College of American Pathologists (CAP), is used to evaluate progress toward improved comparability of results among laboratories. The NGSP network assigns values to the accuracy-based CAP HbA1c survey.  Related research includes examination of stability of HbA1c and interference (e.g. from Hb variants) with different assay methods. Standardization of c-peptide assays is also in progress at the DDL. The c-peptide program includes the use of single donor and pooled serum specimens for use by manufacturers in the calibration of their assays. The DDL operates a LS/MS reference method for c-peptide in coordination with the National Metrology Institute of Japan and Albert Einstein College of Medicine which also have C-peptide reference methods.