Microbiology Lab Supervisor
About the role
The Laboratory Services Supervisor provides frontline leadership and oversees the daily execution of laboratory operations. This hands-on role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely testing across assigned disciplines such as Microbiology, Chemistry, Sample Intake, and Media Preparation. You will lead a team of laboratory technicians while driving workflow efficiency, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring a safe, productive work environment. This role is critical to delivering consistent results aligned with productivity, quality, customer service, and safety expectations.
Responsibilities
Quality, Safety & Technical Excellence
- Ensure adherence to SOPs, ISO 17025 standards, GLP, and regulatory requirements
- Maintain data integrity, accurate testing, and proper documentation
- Coach team members on quality control and laboratory best practices
- Prepare the laboratory and staff for internal and external audits
- Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant lab environment
- Promote and enforce a strong culture of safety
Operations & Workflow Management
- Lead daily operational huddles to align on priorities, staffing, and workflow
- Manage sample tracking, data entry, and reporting through LIMS
- Allocate staffing based on testing volume and priorities
- Identify and drive process improvements to increase efficiency and throughput
- Maintain performance in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
People Leadership & Development
- Supervise and develop a team of laboratory technicians
- Foster a high-performance, accountable, and engaging team culture
- Conduct performance reviews and regular 1:1 coaching conversations
- Support employee growth through training and career development
- Manage staffing plans, scheduling, and workforce planning
- Drive retention through engagement and development initiatives
Customer Focus
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting of results
- Escalate out-of-specification results appropriately
- Support resolution of client inquiries and concerns
- Maintain professionalism in all customer interactions
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or the biological sciences required
- Minimum 3 years of experience leading an hourly workforce in an operations environment
- Experience in commercial laboratory testing or manufacturing preferred (e.g., food, cosmetics, tobacco)
- Strong understanding of quality and safety standards
- Ability to interpret technical and regulatory documents
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Experience working in fast-paced, dynamic environments
Skills
- Working knowledge of statistical concepts and data interpretation
- Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as percentages, ratios, and proportions
Work environment & physical requirements
- Exposure to laboratory conditions including chemicals, biological materials, and varying noise levels
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods
- May occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
- Schedule may include nights and weekends based on business needs
Schedule
Tuesday-Saturday 3:00pm-11:30pm
Pay
$80,000 USD - $90,000 USD