Laboratory Manager

Job Duties: 

Operational Oversight: 
- Manage daily laboratory operations across all testing areas (e.g., Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Blood Bank). 
- Supports coordination of staffing schedules, workload distribution, and shift coverage. 
- Monitors and report turnaround times, test volumes, and workflow efficiency to the lab director and associated administrators. 
- Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, OSHA, and other regulatory standards. 
 
Technical Leadership: 
- Provide technical support and troubleshooting for high-complexity testing. 
- Supports technical specialists in the review and validation of test results for accuracy and clinical relevance. 
- Orchestrates implementation and validation of new instruments and methodologies, collaborating with vendors and project managers as required. 
- Ensures new and updated standard operating procedures (SOPs) are implemented and readily accessible for Care Team Member use. 

Quality & Compliance: 
- Oversee quality control and quality assurance activities for designated laboratories. 
- Organizes and engages in internal audits, proficiency testing, and inspection readiness. 
- Ensure proper documentation of maintenance, calibration, and QC logs. 

• Responsible for monthly reporting of quality metrics to the division laboratory director and division quality coordinator. 

Personnel Management: 
- Supervise and mentor laboratory staff, including onboarding and training. 
- Conduct performance evaluations and competency assessments. 
- Foster a collaborative and professional work environment. 

- Develops aligned professional development activities to current workforce and department needs and initiatives. 

- Responsible for the hiring and human resource management of all laboratory personnel associated with the designated laboratory. 

Communication & Collaboration: 
- Serve as a liaison between laboratory staff, management, and clinical teams. 
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and contribute to patient care planning. 
- Communicate effectively with providers regarding test results and laboratory capabilities. 

Qualifications: 

Education: 
-Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from a NAACLS  accredited program or Bachelor of Science in a Biological or Physical Science meeting CLIA Federal requirements for Technical Consultant. 

• Preferred Education: MBA, MHA, or applicable graduate degree supporting department operations. 

Certification: 
- ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) or American Medical Technologist (AMT) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT). If MLT certified, MLS certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire.  
 

Experience: 
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as a generalist in a clinical laboratory setting. 

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in oversight of laboratory quality and regulatory compliance 
  - Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

- Comprehensive knowledge of clinical laboratory procedures and instrumentation, including regulatory oversight of all operations.  
- Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 
- Proficiency with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and electronic health records (EHR). 
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic healthcare environment. 

- Ability to lead CAP survey readiness initiatives  

Physical Requirements   

1. Mobility & Movement  

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods (up to 8–12 hours per shift).  

• Frequent bending, reaching, and stooping to access equipment, supplies, and specimens.  

• Ability to climb small step stools or ladders to retrieve items from shelves.  

2. Manual Dexterity  

• Fine motor skills to handle small instruments, pipettes, and delicate laboratory equipment.  

• Ability to perform precise hand movements for specimen preparation and microscopic work.  

3. Visual Requirements  

• Close vision to read labels, test results, and computer screens.  

• Ability to distinguish colors and clarity for interpreting test reactions and stains.  

• Use of a microscope for extended periods, requiring visual acuity and concentration.  

4. Lifting & Carrying  

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25–30 pounds occasionally (e.g., reagent boxes, equipment).  

• Transporting specimens, supplies, and waste materials within the laboratory.  

5. Communication  

• Ability to hear and speak clearly to communicate with colleagues, physicians, and other healthcare staff.  

• Use of telephones, intercoms, and verbal communication in noisy environments.  

6. Environmental Exposure  

• Regular exposure to:   

• Biohazardous materials (e.g., blood, body fluids, infectious agents).  

• Chemical reagents and cleaning agents.  

• Noise from laboratory instruments and ventilation systems.  

• Temperature variations in refrigerated or climate-controlled areas.  

7. Cognitive & Emotional Demands  

• Ability to concentrate and focus in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.  

• Capacity to handle stress, multitask, and make decisions under pressure.  

• Maintain emotional resilience when working with critical or time-sensitive patient data.  

Professional Standards: 

The Laboratory Manager is expected to uphold the ASCLS Professional Standards, including: 
 
Duty to the Patient: 
- Ensure safe, accurate, and timely laboratory services. 
 
Duty to Colleagues and the Profession: 
- Promote integrity, mentorship, and continuous improvement. 
 
Duty to Society: 
- Advocate for equitable access to quality laboratory services. 
 
Pledge to the Profession: 
- Commit to lifelong learning and ethical leadership