Director of Laboratory

Job ID: INDLEAD. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer; this position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

About the Role

The Director of Laboratory oversees a wide variety of administrative, fiscal, and technical activities to ensure the efficient operation of the clinical laboratory and compliance with corporate policies. This role is responsible for the quality control program, quality assurance, and the point of care testing programs within the clinical laboratory. The Director plans, organizes, directs, controls, and evaluates the work of the clinical laboratory, coordinates it with other areas of the hospital, and manages all personnel including hiring, discipline, staff development, evaluation, and payroll. The Director acts as technical supervisor for off-site clinical laboratory functions owned by the hospital and ensures the laboratory meets all regulatory requirements (CAP, AABB, JCAHO, CLIA, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Completes employee evaluations in a timely manner and assesses staff competencies on an ongoing basis.
• Demonstrates proficiency in hospital-wide and/or department-specific computer software and technology.
• Demonstrates fiscal accountability for department resources and achieves outcomes within allocated resources.
• Communicates and supports the hospital's mission, vision, and values as well as departmental goals to all staff.
• Defines performance objectives and metrics for the department.
• Demonstrates population-appropriate skill sets for all relevant patient populations.
• Collaborates with other departments to problem-solve ongoing issues that impact department/organizational goals and/or patient care delivery.
• Incorporates quality improvement data and/or patient satisfaction data into departmental goals.
• Ensures accurate and timely reporting of department payroll.
• Effectively plans the goals, objectives, and workflow of the clinical laboratory to achieve optimal performance.
• Ensures the laboratory is compliant with all regulatory agency (CAP, AABB, Joint Commission, CLIA, etc.) requirements.
• Successfully meets department productivity goals by scheduling staff according to workload.
• Keeps abreast of changes in laboratory medicine and ensures the laboratory remains current with these changes.
• Evaluates the capital equipment needs of the laboratory and makes responsible recommendations for procurement.
• Ensures the laboratory meets corporate compliance policies.
• Resolves laboratory billing issues and errors in a timely manner.
• Promotes, encourages, and provides continuing education opportunities for laboratory staff.
• Represents the department at appropriate meetings and/or committees and actively participates in the facility's performance improvement program.
• Works diligently to recruit and retain competent staff in the department and effectively manages staff disciplinary actions.
• Manages departmental inventory, ordering, storage, and utilization as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervision and Staff Management: Provides leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for departmental staff. Schedules employees to ensure effective use of resources. Consults with leadership on any potential staffing issues. Conducts performance evaluations, sets goals, and provides feedback to staff on their performance and development.
• Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight: Collaborates with hospital leadership to set the strategic direction for the department, including budgeting, resource allocation, and long-term planning. Monitors expenditures, ensuring cost-effective delivery of services. Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency. Develops and implements departmental policies, procedures, and protocols to optimize quality and overall efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance: Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies. May oversee the accreditation process with relevant agencies to ensure services meet or exceed industry standards. Participates in audits, inspections, and accreditation processes as applicable. Follows established quality control practices to ensure accuracy, consistency, and safety.
• Collaboration and Communication: Works closely with leadership teams to coordinate and improve service delivery. Stays up-to-date with industry advancements, new technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Staff Responsibilities: May work in a staff role when required. Ensures that duties and responsibilities are fulfilled while meeting all competencies established for that job.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or Physical Science (must meet requirements for High Complexity under CLIA) required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in a closely related field with a Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3-5 years of previous leadership experience preferred.

Qualifications

• MLS - Medical Lab Scientist (formerly MT Certification) ASCP, AAB, CLS, or equivalent required.
• State license where applicable required.

Benefits

• Premium medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Compensation structure designed to celebrate and reward the value you bring to the team.