Director, Laboratory Operations

Joining UChicago Medicine AdventHealth is about being part of something bigger. It’s about belonging to a community that believes in the wholeness of each person, and serves to uplift others in body, mind and spirit. A place where you can thrive professionally and grow spiritually by extending the healing ministry of Christ, while being valued for your unique experiences and contributions to a purpose-minded team.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance, Disability Insurance (from Day One)
• Paid Time Off from Day One
• 403-B Retirement Plan
• 4 Weeks 100% Paid Parental Leave
• Career Development
• Whole Person Well-being Resources
• Mental Health Resources and Support
• Pet Benefits

Schedule

Full time, day shift

Responsibilities

• Ensures compliance with relevant regulations and standards
• Monitors, collects, analyzes, secures, and reports pertinent data findings related to clinical performance
• Identifies potential opportunities to improve patient outcomes, safety, and quality
• Applies the rules and regulations of applicable local, state, and federal agencies and accrediting bodies to the peer review process
• Maintains respectful relationships and participates in outstanding customer service
• Oversees selection, training, education, and evaluation of performance for all laboratory personnel
• Ensures that all laboratory areas are in compliance with all mandated safety protocols
• Follows laboratory policies and procedures; maintains quality control practices
• Follows and enforces appropriate safety policies, including the use of PPE, handwashing, and hazardous chemical handling
• Leads and participates in laboratory performance improvement activities, promoting team building, employee engagement, patient satisfaction, and safety
• Oversees clinical and business operations to ensure high-quality patient care and service delivery
• Collaborates with physicians, peers, staff, and administration to promote interdisciplinary communication and cooperation
• Manages resources efficiently to optimize patient care and operational performance
• Designs lab requisitions, coordinates laboratory reporting systems improvements, and serves as a liaison for clinical laboratories
• Attends and participates in administrative meetings as appropriate
• Maintains departmental policies, procedures, objectives, and ensures compliance with accreditation and regulatory agencies
• Directs continuing education programs and establishes criteria for critical test result notifications
• Maintains an approved policy and procedure manual accessible to all personnel
• Provides effective direction and policy interpretation, oversees proficiency testing, and implements corrective action plans as required
• Ensures compliance with organizational policies regarding ethical business practices and communicates the mission, ethics, and goals of the hospital
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge and skills needed to oversee laboratory testing in a tertiary hospital setting
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements with CLIA, OSHA, CAP, and Joint Commission
• Exceptional leadership qualities, organizational, and service management skills
• High level of self-motivation and ability to work independently
• Excellent coaching and mentorship skills to ensure depth of knowledge in staff members needed to maintain regulatory compliance
• Quality improvement and regulatory compliance expertise
• Analytical and problem-solving skills; experienced in process improvement
• Project implementation and superior time management skills
• Ability to manage and direct department’s administrative and financial functions including operating and capital budget preparation and accountability
• Evaluates personnel and ensures patient safety and compliance with healthcare regulations
• Moderate computer skills and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of new testing methods, products, instrumentation, and current technologies
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and projects and build and maintain appropriate peer relationships
• Proficient computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to demonstrate mission and values of the organization, excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Strong leadership in project management, people leadership, process improvement, and ability to work in a matrix-management environment to achieve organizational goals
• Knowledge of clinical practices and processes, with strong business acumen and strategic planning abilities
• Strong service recovery skills and ability to communicate effectively in English; additional languages preferred
• 5+ years related experience
• 3+ years leadership experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution [Required]
• Master’s degree [Preferred]
• Bachelor’s degree equivalency with 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or 24 semester hours of science courses that include: 6 semester hours of chemistry, 6 semester hours of biology; and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination; AND have a laboratory training program that includes:
  • Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES or the CAAHEP (this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above); or
  • At least three months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs testing; or
  • Successful completion of at least a 50-week official US military medical laboratory procedures training course and currently hold or have held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician); or
  • Qualified and served as high complexity testing personnel on or before April 24, 1995 in a CLIA-certified laboratory as of December 28, 2024, and have done so continuously since December 28, 2024
• MLS (ASCP or AMT) certification [Required]

Pay

$113,604.02 - $211,314.69

Physical Requirements