Lead Laboratory Technician (CLS/MLS) - Specimen Management (UVA Core Laboratory)

About the role

Laboratory operations depend on accuracy, efficiency, and strong leadership at every step of the testing process. As the Lab Lead Technician, Specimen Management, you will play a critical role in ensuring specimens are received, processed, routed, and managed correctly while serving as a key operational leader for the evening and night shift team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead front-end laboratory operations during a transformative period for UVA Health's Core Laboratory. You'll help guide workflow improvements, support team development, and influence how critical laboratory processes evolve as automation systems are rebuilt and expanded. For experienced specimen processing professionals seeking leadership responsibility, operational impact, and long-term career growth, this role offers a unique next step.

As a lead member of the Specimen Management team, you will oversee evening and night shift specimen receiving and processing operations while remaining actively engaged in the daily work of the department. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will provide guidance, quality oversight, problem-solving support, and workflow coordination in a dynamic laboratory environment. You will serve as a primary resource for staff, helping ensure specimens are processed accurately and efficiently while maintaining alignment with managers, supervisors, and fellow laboratory leaders.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing evening and night shift specimen management operations within the Core Lab
• Receiving, accessioning, processing, centrifuging, aliquoting, and routing specimens to appropriate testing destinations
• Providing day-to-day leadership, coaching, and support for laboratory support staff
• Training new team members and reinforcing best practices for quality and safety
• Monitoring work quality and helping prevent, identify, and correct processing errors
• Serving as a key decision-maker for evening shift workflow management
• Supporting operational continuity during major laboratory transformation initiatives
• Assisting with the development and implementation of manual workflows during automation system transitions
• Collaborating across shifts to communicate process changes and operational priorities
• Helping prepare laboratory operations for future multi-site service models

Requirements

• Education: Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT); OR Associate Degree or 60 semester hours with 6 hours in Chemistry and 6 hours in Biology and Accredited MLT Training; OR Bachelor’s in Biology/Chemistry or related science required
• Licensure: ASCP certification required within 24 months or military experience equivalent to the ASCP.
• Physical Demands: standing, sitting for prolonged periods, frequently traveling, bending/stooping, reaching and repetitive motion; proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; attention to detail and ability to write legibly; ability to lift/push/pull 20‑50 lbs; may be exposed to fumes, chemicals, radiation, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.
• Strong specimen‑processing expertise, sound judgment, attention to detail, and ability to lead confidently in a fast‑paced environment.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Gener