Dr Frank Plummer

Dr Frank Plummer has stepped down as scientific director of the Winnipeg-based National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) after nearly 14 years. Plummer's tenure concluded at the end of March although his departure wasn't widely known until a controversy surrounding the hiring of his replacement was picked up by the press. The posting for a new scientific director allowed for only three weeks to respond, listed a salary range many consider uncompetitive and listed credentials that made many suspect that the position would be filled by a bureaucrat rather than a scientist. The MNL head reports to deputy chief public health officer of the Public Health Agency of Canada, another key position currently filled on an interim basis by Dr Gregory Taylor. The government responded by extending the search period until May 28th and the creation of advisory committee to assist in the search…