Location: Charlottesville, VA
Reports to: Director of Laboratory Services
Type: Full-time
Shift: Day shift, Monday - Friday
Salary Range: $80,000 – $129,000 annually

Job Summary:

The Lab Manager for Molecular/Microbiology oversees the daily operations of a high-complexity molecular and microbiology laboratory. This lab provides both traditional microbiology culture and identification, as well as cutting-edge molecular microbial diagnostics. The Lab Manager ensures compliance with regulatory standards, maintains strong financial performance, and fosters a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement. This role requires managing a team of over 40 FTEs and 7 direct reports, along with frequent collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including hospital C-suite leaders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Management:

  • Oversee both microbiology and molecular diagnostics, ensuring efficient operations in bacterial culture, mycology, mycobacteriology, and molecular testing.
  • Manage high-throughput robotic platforms for bacterial and viral testing, including COVID, HIV, Hepatitis, and Herpes viruses, among others.
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards (e.g., CLIA, CAP) and maintain readiness for inspections.
  • Oversee next-generation sequencing (NGS) for genomic characterization of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, positioning the lab as a leader in advanced diagnostics.

• Leadership and Team Management:

  • Lead a team of over 40 FTEs, including 7 direct reports. Provide guidance, mentorship, and development opportunities.
  • Foster a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration, promoting open communication and teamwork across all laboratory functions.
  • Monitor and evaluate staff performance, ensuring accountability and adherence to high standards of quality and safety.

• Strategic Decision Making and Financial Management:

  • Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the organization's goals.
  • Oversee budget development, resource allocation, and financial performance to ensure the lab operates within budgetary guidelines.
  • Evaluate and approve capital equipment purchases, particularly for automation and high-throughput platforms.
  • Travel up to 200 miles per month to visit various facilities, engage with stakeholders, and oversee operations at multiple sites.

• Collaboration and Communication:

  • Serve as the primary contact with hospital C-suite executives, ensuring clear communication regarding lab performance and strategic initiatives.
  • Work closely with faculty partners on testing platforms and menu optimization to meet clinical and patient care needs.
  • Collaborate with the Revenue Cycle Management team and oversee credentialing efforts to ensure seamless operations.

• Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:

  • Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, maintaining high standards in safety and quality across all laboratory functions.
  • Lead audits and inspections, proactively addressing any areas for improvement to meet or exceed accreditation standards.
  • Implement quality control programs and review laboratory data to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement:

  • Support innovation by implementing new technologies and methodologies to improve the efficiency and accuracy of diagnostic testing.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives, driving the lab toward industry best practices and ensuring that all staff embrace a mindset of growth and learning.
  • Encourage and facilitate problem-solving and creative thinking to address laboratory challenges and optimize workflows.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree required; completion of a NAACLS-approved MLS/CLS/HTL or equivalent program preferred.
  • Advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) are a plus.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 4 years of experience in a molecular/microbiology laboratory, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role in a complex health environment.
  • Experience with molecular platforms (e.g., PCR, NGS) and traditional microbiology culture and identification methods.
  • Experience in mycology, mycobacteriology, and next-generation sequencing preferred.

• Skills:

  • Strong leadership and team management skills, with a demonstrated ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
  • In-depth knowledge of molecular and microbiological diagnostics, including emerging technologies and best practices.
  • Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels, including hospital leadership.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting, expense management, and capital equipment evaluation.

• Licenses/Certifications:

  • MLS/CLS, CT, HTL, ASCP, or equivalent required.
  • May require a valid driver’s license based on job requirements.

Working Conditions:

• Laboratory environment with exposure to biological hazards and the use of high-complexity testing equipment.
• Up to 200 miles per month of travel may be required to oversee multiple lab locations and engage with external stakeholders
  

About Us:

At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has more than 18 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.

It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, Lighthouse Lab Services will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Lighthouse Lab Services |?844-914 0785|lighthouselabservices.com

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