Bachelor's or Master's degree in Toxicology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field
5+ years of experience in a high-complexity laboratory, or 2+ years with a Master's degree
Proven supervisory experience in an accredited testing laboratory
Deep knowledge of laboratory processes, instrumentation, and workflows
Experience with CLIA, COLA, CAP, and/or NYS standards
Strong troubleshooting skills, particularly with LC-MS/MS instruments
Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) software
Responsibilities
Manage daily operations of laboratory departments including Instrumentation (LCMS), Confirmation, and Validations
Provide leadership and support to department Supervisors and team members
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity
Collaborate with leadership to set and monitor technical metrics and goals
Ensure compliance with CLIA standards, Good Laboratory Practices, and SOPs
Conduct performance reviews and competency assessments for direct reports
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across departments
Benefits
Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
Supportive work environment that encourages teamwork and collaboration
Access to advanced laboratory technology and resources
Participation in innovative projects and initiatives
Comprehensive health and wellness programs
Full Job Description
JOB OVERVIEW
The Laboratory Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of their respective laboratory departments in a high-complexity, high-throughput production environment, which includes Instrumentation (LCMS), Confirmation, and Validations. This role will manage day-to-day operations, identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiencies, reinforce standards of practice, provide leadership support to department Supervisors, monitor production and technical metrics/goals, and partner with other leaders on new projects or initiatives. In addition, this person will establish effective communication plans, hold and participate in various meetings, and be accountable for compliance with regulations, policies, and SOPs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Manage the day-to-day operations of all assigned laboratory departments
Provide consistent leadership, guidance, problem-solving, follow-through, and support to direct reports, which may include department Supervisors and/or individual contributors
Ensure all departments meet established metrics, prioritize patient care, and provide laboratory services that exceed industry standards and customer expectations
Identify opportunities and take steps to increase efficiency and productivity with instruments, processes, and workflows, minimizing downtime while maintaining optimum conditions
Collaborate with department leaders, Quality Manager, Director of Laboratory Operations, and Lab Director to formulate and implement technical metrics/goals
Ensure adherence to CLIA standards and regulations
Ensure adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and BSL-2 safety standards (where applicable)
Ensure adherence to budgets, schedules, and timelines; planning and communicating proactively when adjustments need to be made
Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Policies; develop/expand current SOPs as needed
Establish, improve, and implement procedures and processes by identifying and addressing issues and risks in assigned laboratory departments, including Instrumentation (LCMS), Confirmation, and Validations
Ensure accurate testing of patient specimens following established SOPs
Serve as the primary resource for escalated problem-solving across all assigned laboratory departments, including Instrumentation (LCMS), Confirmation, and Validations
Utilize a teaching/coaching approach when troubleshooting issues alongside lab employees for continuous learning and development opportunities
Identify, troubleshoot, and analyze issues or trends related to instrument operation, instrument repair, calibrations, quality controls, workflow, patient data, etc.
Guide departmental planning for future growth or new initiatives
Prioritize timelines for projects and new initiatives, utilizing project management skills/tools
Manage reporting, monitoring, resources, and laboratory personnel
Participate in the hiring and onboarding process across all assigned laboratory departments, including Instrumentation (LCMS), Confirmation, and Validations
Conduct competency assessments and/or performance reviews for direct reports
Develop and/or implement an effective employee training program for new hires
Utilize proven employee management solutions to improve productivity and efficiency
Delegate projects, tasks, and initiatives effectively and fairly
Establish effective communication plans with each department
Facilitate effective communication across internal departments and to external departments
Hold monthly meetings for ongoing coaching and feedback for direct reports
Work closely with Supervisors and/or team members to provide effective solutions to support business needs and quality objectives
Collaborate with other leaders to evaluate current instrumentation, equipment, and consumables regularly
Collaborate with other leaders to ensure proper communication is established between departments and projects are on track and will not hinder daily operations
Schedule and lead meetings within each department to share goals, performance metrics, upcoming initiatives/projects, solicit feedback, etc.
Participate in lab-wide meetings to present information to other departments
Ensure appropriate records are maintained for performance indicators, certifications, repairs, service calls, and maintenance for lab instruments and equipment
Maintain laboratory information system (LIS) by identifying information or workflow needs/issues, recommending improvements, establishing priorities, testing functionality, updating training, etc.
Participate in new assay implementation, new instrument evaluation, and/or method development for LC-MS/MS instruments with lab-developed tests
Maintain laboratory supplies inventory, anticipate needed supplies, place and expedite orders for supplies
Exemplify and encourage positive communication and interactions within the lab to inspire collaboration and teamwork
Lead by example and demonstrate the Ethos Core Values consistently
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, identifying ongoing leadership development, etc.
Other duties as assigned
Requirements
PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Experience in supervising/managing individuals and teams in an accredited testing laboratory
Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and train others
Ability to evaluate training, competency, and job performance of Supervisors and individual contributors
Experience with establishing and monitoring employee metric tracking to ensure high performance
Deep knowledge of high-complexity laboratory processes, instrumentation, and workflows
Proficient in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting a wide variety of laboratory instruments
Experience creating, revising, and operating from SOPs
Able and willing to follow established protocols employing acceptable forensic standards of analysis and the use of judgment in searching for solutions or new applications within one's own experience
Ability to listen, learn, and promote accountability and responsibility related to all processes
Experience using laboratory information system (LIS) software
Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and adherence to HIPAA regulations
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor of Science in Toxicology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or similar analytical science field with minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR Master of Science with minimum of 2 years of relevant experience
Requires experience supervising or managing high-complexity toxicology laboratory departments
Requires experience in a high-throughput production laboratory
Requires experience with CLIA, COLA, CAP, and/or NYS standards
Must have relevant skills, knowledge, and experience to support the departments reporting to the Laboratory Manager, including Instrumentation (LCMS), Confirmation, and Validations
Preference for candidates with a proven record of developing or optimizing lab processes
Preference for candidates with demonstrated exceptional troubleshooting abilities
Preference for candidates with urine toxicology experience
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Must have specific experience for key tasks of all assigned laboratory departments, such as:
High-throughput production and workflow in a clinical laboratory setting
LC-MS/MS instrument operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
LC-MS/MS data analysis for drug testing, biomarkers
Review, release, and certifying of patient lab results
LC-MS/MS method development, validation, verification, and troubleshooting
Resolving issues related to LC-MS/MS data or patient lab results by communicating directly with clients
Must consistently demonstrate leadership qualities and be able to manage groups of employees
Ability to function in a team environment and promote collaboration
Ability to exercise independent judgment
Critical thinking and problem solving, with a high level of attention to detail
Must have experience tracking statistics and identifying trends
Excellent time management, scheduling, documentation, and organizational skills
Must be flexible, innovative, and self-motivated
Must be able to motivate, coach, and mentor employees for highest level of performance
Must be able to delegate and accomplish goals through others
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel
Must be experienced with laboratory software
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able and willing to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required
Work is performed in a laboratory environment and exposes the incumbent to normal laboratory hazards and chemicals, including biohazard materials
Work in varying degrees of temperature (heated or air conditioned)
Position requires sitting, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing
DIRECT REPORTS
Department Supervisors and/or Individual Contributors for assigned laboratory departments of Instrumentation (LCMS), Confirmation, and Validations
