Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Laboratory Supervisor
💰 $75,000 - $110,000
ScienceManagementHealthcareBiotechnologyQuality Assurance
🎯 Role Definition
We are actively searching for a dynamic and meticulous Laboratory Supervisor to join our state-of-the-art facility. In this pivotal role, you will be the cornerstone of our daily laboratory operations, providing essential leadership, technical oversight, and mentorship to a team of dedicated laboratory professionals. You will be instrumental in upholding our commitment to excellence by ensuring all activities comply with stringent regulatory standards, driving operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a strong background in laboratory science and a proven passion for developing and leading high-performing teams.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Lead Medical Technologist / Senior Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Senior Research Associate / Scientist
- Quality Control Analyst III/IV
Advancement To:
- Laboratory Manager / Operations Manager
- Director of Clinical Laboratory Operations
- Quality Assurance Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Technical Specialist / Subject Matter Expert
- Quality Systems Manager
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Directly supervise the day-to-day workflow and activities of laboratory personnel, including scheduling, task assignment, and monitoring of performance to ensure optimal productivity and turnaround times.
- Act as the primary technical and scientific resource for the laboratory team, providing expert guidance on complex testing, troubleshooting, and result interpretation.
- Oversee and manage the laboratory's comprehensive Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) programs to guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of patient or product testing.
- Ensure the laboratory maintains a constant state of inspection-readiness and adheres to all applicable regulatory and accreditation standards, such as CLIA, CAP, ISO 17025, and FDA regulations.
- Manage the complete lifecycle of laboratory personnel, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, comprehensive training, and ongoing competency assessment.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and facilitate professional development opportunities to foster team growth and engagement.
- Lead the investigation, documentation, and resolution of laboratory non-conformances, deviations, and technical issues, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Develop, review, and maintain all standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring they are current, compliant, and clearly understood by all staff.
- Manage the procurement, inventory, and lot-to-lot validation of laboratory reagents, consumables, and supplies to prevent operational downtime.
- Oversee the routine maintenance, calibration, and performance qualification schedules for all laboratory instrumentation, coordinating with vendors for service and repairs as needed.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the laboratory, such as test turnaround times, error rates, and productivity, preparing and presenting reports to management.
- Champion a robust safety culture by enforcing all environmental health and safety (EHS) policies, conducting safety training, and ensuring proper handling of hazardous materials.
- Facilitate the validation and implementation of new laboratory assays, methodologies, and technologies from development through to routine use.
- Manage the laboratory's proficiency testing (PT) program, including sample analysis, result submission, and investigation of any discordant results.
- Address and resolve personnel conflicts and team challenges in a professional and constructive manner to maintain a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Participate in laboratory budgeting, expense tracking, and cost-control initiatives to ensure efficient use of resources.
- Serve as a key liaison between the laboratory and other departments, including R&D, clinical affairs, customer support, and management.
- Prepare the laboratory and actively participate in internal and external audits and inspections conducted by regulatory agencies.
- Train and mentor junior staff and lead technologists, delegating responsibilities to develop their leadership skills.
- Maintain meticulous and accurate records for quality control, instrument maintenance, personnel training, and other critical laboratory functions.
Secondary Functions
- Participate in cross-functional team meetings to represent laboratory operations and provide technical input on enterprise-wide projects.
- Assist in the evaluation and implementation of new laboratory technologies, automation platforms, and information systems (LIMS).
- Author and review technical documents, including validation reports, scientific summaries, and sections for regulatory submissions.
- Support research and development initiatives by providing laboratory resources, operational capacity, and technical expertise.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Regulatory Expertise: Deep understanding of laboratory regulations and accreditation standards (e.g., CLIA, CAP, ISO, GLP, FDA).
- Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS): Proficiency in using and preferably administrating LIMS for sample tracking, data management, and reporting.
- Advanced Instrumentation: Hands-on experience with troubleshooting, calibrating, and maintaining complex laboratory equipment (e.g., automated analyzers, mass spectrometers, sequencers).
- Quality Management Systems (QMS): Proven ability to manage QC/QA programs, conduct root cause analysis, and implement CAPAs.
- Method Validation & Transfer: Experience in validating new assays and transferring methods according to established protocols and industry guidelines.
- Inventory & Budget Management: Skill in managing laboratory supply chains, controlling costs, and contributing to departmental budget planning.
- Technical Writing: Ability to write, review, and approve technical documents, including SOPs, validation plans, and investigation reports.
Soft Skills
- Inspirational Leadership & Mentorship: A natural ability to guide, develop, and motivate a team of technical professionals towards shared goals.
- Exceptional Problem-Solving: Adept at identifying the root cause of technical and operational issues and implementing effective, lasting solutions.
- Clear & Concise Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, management, and external stakeholders.
- High Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to all tasks, ensuring accuracy and precision in a highly regulated environment.
- Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure setting and effectively manage competing priorities and unexpected challenges.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in a relevant scientific discipline.
Preferred Education:
- Master of Science (M.S.) or specialized professional certification (e.g., ASCP, AMT, NCA).
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Medical Technology / Clinical Laboratory Science
- Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology
- Chemistry, Biochemistry
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- A minimum of 5-8 years of progressive experience within a clinical, research, or production laboratory, including at least 2-3 years in a formal leadership, supervisory, or lead technologist capacity.
Preferred:
- Direct experience successfully leading a laboratory team through a CAP, CLIA, or other major regulatory inspection is highly desirable. Experience in a high-complexity testing environment is a significant asset.