Quality Improvement Specialist

About the role

As the Quality Improvement Specialist, you'll be the operational engine behind Arkana's Continuous Improvement program. You'll independently lead structured improvement projects end-to-end — from problem definition and root cause analysis through solution design, implementation, training, and go-live — in partnership with department leaders across the lab.

Responsibilities

• Independently identify improvement opportunities and determine which become formal projects, applying a prioritization framework you own — partnering with department leaders and the QA Director on execution.
• Document current-state workflows using structured process mapping tools such as SIPOC and process flow diagrams.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and stakeholder communication materials to support cross-functional initiatives.
• Cook up implementation activities including SOP revisions, staff training, and change management during project rollout.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently — tracking milestones, communicating status to leadership, and escalating blockers as needed.
• Select and adapt the right improvement methodology for each problem (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent), exercising independent judgment about how to investigate, analyze, and solve process problems.
• Determine when SOPs, policies, and controlled documents need revision, exception, or update based on process analysis, and direct those changes.
• Absorb audit readiness against CAP, CLIA, and applicable regulatory standards, identifying compliance gaps and determining the corrective approach.
• Design and own the non-conforming event (NCE) dashboard, determining which quality metrics matter and why.
• Analyze NCE patterns to surface improvement opportunities and recommend actions to QA leadership.
• Contribute to QA Committee materials, quality metrics reporting, and compliance trend analysis.
• Serve as the organization's go-to resource for quality, compliance, and process improvement.
• Establish and maintain error benchmarking based on industry standards or internal performance goals.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a science, healthcare, quality, or related field.
• Experience: 2+ years of experience in a quality, compliance, or process improvement role — laboratory or healthcare setting preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to document workflows and communicate process changes across functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong written communication skills, with experience drafting SOPs or procedural documentation.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams and meet deadlines independently.

Qualifications

• Nice to Have: Familiarity with CAP, CLIA, or GCP regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with LIMS, document control systems, or quality databases.
• Experience coordinating with IT on technology evaluation or system implementation projects.
• Experience with quality metric dashboards or error benchmarking.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary, Generous paid time off and Paid Holidays, Minimal cost health insurance for you and affordable options for your family, 401(k) with immediate eligibility and match, Company-paid life insurance, Company-paid long term disability coverage, Affordable vision and dental plans, Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account availability, Wellness plan and complimentary yoga classes, Monthly in-office massages and employer-sponsored lunches.