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.
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