Medical Laboratory Operations Manager - Molecular

Hiring Department: Labs/Pathology Services

Work Schedule: M-F 9am-5:30pm

Shift: Days

# of Positions: 1

Workplace Type: On-Site

Position Summary The Medical Laboratory Operations Manager for Molecular Pathology is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, quality management, and strategic direction of the molecular pathology laboratory. This role ensures timely, accurate, and compliant testing services, while maintaining adherence to regulatory standards such as CLIA, CAP, and other applicable guidelines.

The Medical Laboratory Operations Manager leads laboratory staff, including Medical Technologists and Supervisors, and collaborates closely with Pathologists, clinicians, and cross-functional teams to support high-quality patient care. They are accountable for optimizing laboratory workflow, implementing advanced molecular testing technologies, and driving continuous process improvement initiatives.

This position also plays a critical role in budgeting, resource allocation, staff development, and ensuring the lab's readiness for inspections and audits. The ideal candidate combines strong leadership, technical expertise in molecular diagnostics, and operational excellence to deliver efficient, compliant, and innovative laboratory services.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Collects, records, analyzes, and justifies financial data; monitors test volumes to provide necessary information for planning, budgeting, ordering supplies, equipment and hiring.
• Compares prices and evaluates performance characteristics of different equipment, reagents, supplies, and services (e.g. facilities management projects) as needed.
• Reviews and approves all purchase orders; monitors inventory controls.
• Provides administrative support for personnel management including but not limited to:
  • Consulting with the Laboratory Director and Administrative Director of Pathology Labs on hiring priorities, decisions and necessary justification.
  • Reviewing and approving Clockwork time reports.
  • Approving and monitoring employee use of benefit time in accordance with laboratory policies.
  • Determining work priorities to assure optimal utilization of personnel for efficient laboratory function.
  • Assuring timely formal evaluation of employee performance and competency assessment.
• Maintains a system of quality assurance which includes: timely review of procedure manuals, instrument maintenance, quality control, employee competency testing and adherence to safety policy.
• Sets goals and objectives with laboratory director to evaluate emerging technologies to improve delivery of patient care and laboratory efficiency.
• Serves as liaison between laboratory personnel and medical staff; maintains timely and productive communication to resolve problems.
• Coordinates teaching and training functions as related to the needs of the staff and technical personnel.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Meets basic standards and qualifications for laboratory testing for general supervisory personnel under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Subpart M, Section 493.1461.
• Five years of experience as a clinical laboratory technologist in a clinical laboratory of a hospital or out-patient clinic, two years of which must have been at a level comparable to that gained at the Level II of this series. OR
• Master's degree in medical technology, biology, microbiology, chemistry, physiology or closely related fields, or a MBA plus a Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology and four years of experience as a clinical laboratory technologist in a clinical laboratory of a hospital or out-patient clinic, two years of which must have been at a level comparable to the Medical Technologist II.
• Bachelor's degree in Science that meets CLIA requirements to perform high complexity testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong technical experience and understanding of Molecular Pathology.
• Knowledge of molecular pathology theories and practices.
• Experience with laboratory supervision and administration.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience implementing new tests and system implementations.
• Deep understanding of regulatory and accreditation standards (CLIA, CAP, FDA, HIPAA).
• Experience preparing for and successfully passing inspections and audits.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety standards and quality management systems.
• Strong analytical skills to monitor KPIs, identify trends, and implement corrective actions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with pathologists, clinicians, and cross-function teams.
• Strong communication skills to translate complex molecular data into actionable insights.

To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees.