Laboratory Manager- Downtown in Elgin

Job Description Summary

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 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.

Entity: Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type: Employee

Worker Sub-Type: Regular

Cost Center: CC000866 COL - Lab (DMC)

Pay Rate Type: Salary

Pay Grade: Health-31

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Job Duties

• 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

• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Additional Job Description

• 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.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees