$25,000 sign on bonus! Relocation assistance available!

Job Summary:  The Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of the clinical laboratory ensuring high-quality, efficient, and compliant diagnostic testing services. This role serves as the Technical Supervisor, as defined by CLIA Personnel Requirements for high complexity testing laboratories, providing expertise in test performance, quality control, and regulatory compliance. The Lab Manager leads a team of laboratory professionals, manages resources, maintains accreditation standards, and collaborates with hospital leadership to support patient care and operational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership and Personnel Management: Oversee, schedule, and supervise laboratory staff to ensure seamless delivery of high-complexity testing services in compliance with CLIA regulations. Conduct interviews, select qualified candidates, and develop staffing plans to maintain optimal coverage and quality care. Perform regular performance evaluations, provide coaching, address employee concerns, and recommend personnel actions in collaboration with Human Resources. Ensure timely completion of performance appraisals, orientation checklists, corrective actions, and time records.
• Technical Supervision (CLIA Compliance): Serve as the Technical Supervisor for the high-complexity testing laboratory, as defined by CLIA, ensuring proficiency in test performance, quality control, and adherence to regulatory standards. Maintain ASCP certification and perform Medical Technologist duties as needed to support laboratory operations.  As the Technical Supervisor, the following specific duties are required per CLIA:

• Accessible to the laboratory to provide on -site, telephone, or electronic consultation.
• Selects the test methodology appropriate for the clinical use of test results.
• Verifies test procedures performed and establishes the laboratory’s test performance characteristics, including precision and accuracy for each test and test system. Review of quality control data may be delegated in writing to individuals qualified as a General Supervisor.
• Ensures enrollment and participation in an HHS approved proficiency testing program for all testing as required. Review of proficiency testing performance may be delegated in writing to individuals qualified as a General Supervisor.
• Establishes a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed and establishes parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance.  The TS ensures that acceptable performance levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process from pre?analytic to post analytic phases.
• Resolves technical problems and ensures that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
• Ensures that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly.
• Identifies training needs and assures that every individual who performs testing receives regular in-service training and education appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed.
• Evaluates the competency of all testing personnel and assures that the staff maintain their competency to perform test procedures and report test results properly, accurately, and proficiently. Assessment may be delegated in writing to individuals qualified as a General Supervisor.   The procedures for evaluation of the competency of the staff must include, but are not limited to:

• Direct observation of routine patient test performance, including patient preparation, if applicable, specimen handling, processing and testing;
• Monitoring the recording and reporting of test results;
• Reviewing intermediate test results or worksheets, quality control records, proficiency testing results, and preventative maintenance records;
• Direct observation of performance of instrument maintenance and function checks;
• Assessment of test performance through testing previously analyzed specimens, internal blind testing samples, or external proficiency testing samples; and
• Assessment of problem?solving skills.
• Evaluates and documents the performance of individuals responsible for high complexity testing at least semiannually during the first year the individual tests patient specimens. Thereafter, evaluations must be performed at least annually unless test methodology or instrumentation changes, in which case, prior to reporting patient test results the individual’s performance must be reevaluated to include the use of the new test methodology or instrumentation.

• Training and Development: Design and implement comprehensive staff training programs to enhance technical skills, ensure compliance with laboratory standards, and promote professional growth. Conduct regular staff meetings to foster effective communication, align team objectives, and coordinate activities with other hospital departments.
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance: Develop and manage the laboratory’s quality improvement program, ensuring accurate testing and patient safety. Prepare for and facilitate biennial inspections, maintain state licensure, and uphold CLIA certification. Develop, review, and update department policies and procedures, ensuring staff adherence to established protocols.
• Resource and Inventory Management: Oversee procurement of supplies, equipment, and materials, maintaining adequate inventory levels to meet operational needs. Evaluate equipment requirements, ensure operational efficiency, and manage the supply chain through the Premier System.
• Fiscal and Billing Oversight: Develop and manage the department’s fiscal budget, ensuring cost-efficient operations. Collaborate with the Revenue Cycle department to maintain laboratory billing services in alignment with CMS guidelines, ensuring accurate and compliant revenue cycle management.
• Customer Service Excellence: Model and promote exceptional customer service standards, fostering a patient-centered environment. Maintain cooperative relationships with hospital staff, patients, and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality service in a professional and courteous manner.
• Operational Efficiency and Safety: Ensure laboratory work areas are clean, organized, and secure. Adhere to and enforce all safety rules, procedures, and protocols to maintain a safe working environment.
• Reporting and Documentation: Maintain accurate records, generate comprehensive reports, and provide data-driven insights to support department and hospital objectives. Ensure documentation meets regulatory and accreditation requirements.

Required Skills and Abilities:  

• Technical Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of standard chemical, microbiological, serological, and clinical laboratory procedures, including modern laboratory principles, techniques, and their application in high-complexity testing. Proficiency in equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure accurate and reliable diagnostic results.
• Regulatory and CLIA Compliance: In-depth understanding of CLIA Requirements for high-complexity testing laboratories, with the ability to serve as the Technical Supervisor. Expertise in maintaining accreditation, state licensure, and compliance with CMS guidelines.
• Leadership and Supervision: Strong supervisory and policy development skills to effectively lead, schedule, and motivate a diverse laboratory team. Ability to conduct performance evaluations, implement training programs, and foster a collaborative, high-performing work environment.
• Autonomous Decision-Making: Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and make informed decisions under pressure to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations and patient care.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and courteously with staff, patients, hospital leadership, and external stakeholders via telephone, email, and in-person.
• Resourcefulness and Problem-Solving: Proficiency in identifying challenges, seeking technical resources, and collaborating with internal and external experts to resolve issues efficiently and maintain operational excellence.
• Fiscal and Organizational Acumen: Strong organizational skills to manage inventory, equipment, and budgets effectively.
• Customer Service Orientation: Commitment to delivering patient-centered care and maintaining high standards of customer service in all interactions.
• Safety and Quality Focus: Thorough knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and quality assurance practices to ensure a secure work environment and accurate testing outcomes.

Education and Experience:  Qualifications to serve as the Technical Supervisor for a high-complexity testing laboratory, as defined by CLIA Personnel Requirements, including relevant education and experience in laboratory operations and quality assurance:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field such as Chemical, Physical, or Biological Science from an accredited institution is required.
• Certification: Current certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) is required.
• Experience: Minimum of four years of training and experience in high-complexity testing within a clinical laboratory setting, with demonstrated expertise in performing and overseeing complex diagnostic procedures is required.
• Documentation: Submission of a copy of academic diploma, official transcript, or Primary Source Verification (PSV) report to confirm educational credentials and certifications is required.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field such as Chemical, Physical, or Biological Science from an accredited institution is required.
• Certification: Current certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) is required.
• Experience: Minimum of four years of training and experience in high-complexity testing within a clinical laboratory setting, with demonstrated expertise in performing and overseeing complex diagnostic procedures is required.