Laboratory Manager in Elgin

The Laboratory Manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations of the clinical laboratory, ensuring high-quality testing, regulatory compliance, and efficient workflow. This role requires a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) with at least five years of generalist experience or a certified Medical Lab Technician (MLT) with at least 10 years of experience, and a strong foundation in clinical laboratory science. The Manager provides administrative and technical guidance, supports staff development, and collaborates with leadership to maintain excellence in laboratory services.

Responsibilities

• 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 reports 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. Support technical specialists in the review and validation of test results for accuracy and clinical relevance. Orchestrate implementation and validation of new instruments and methodologies, collaborating with vendors and project managers as required. Ensure new and updated standard operating procedures (SOPs) are implemented and readily accessible for Care Team Members use.
• Quality & Compliance: Oversee quality control and quality assurance activities for designated laboratories. Organize and engage 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. Develop 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 BS 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 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 & Environmental Requirements

• Mobility and movement: 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.
• 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.
• Visual: 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.
• Lifting & carrying: Able to lift and carry up to 25–30 pounds occasionally; transporting specimens, supplies, and waste within the laboratory.
• Communication: Ability to hear and speak clearly to communicate with colleagues, physicians, and other healthcare staff; use of telephones and intercoms in noisy environments.
• Environmental exposure: Regular exposure to biohazardous materials, chemical reagents, cleaning agents, noise, and temperature variations.
• Cognitive & emotional demands: Ability to concentrate and focus in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment; manage stress, multitask, and make decisions under pressure; maintain emotional resilience when working with time-sensitive patient data.

Professional Standards

• 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.