Description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Laboratory Manager in the Clinical Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory Department.  In collaboration with the Operations Director and Medical Director, the Laboratory Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing all technical and administrative aspects of the department's pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes. In this role, you will be responsible for the people, financial performance, processes, procedures, improvement, and quality to make the department successful. Here, you will manage laboratory personnel and oversee financial performance for the laboratory. The Manager works collaboratively with colleagues both inside and outside the department, participates in process improvement projects, and leads staff development and engagement. The department is known for providing outpatient services to the University of Chicago Medicine and providing care for local patients through a more convenient location.  This is a key leadership role requiring both clinical microbiology technical expertise and strong management capabilities, with a focus on antimicrobial susceptibility testing, new assay validations, data analytics, and data-driven decision-making.  

This department is in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

Essential Job Functions 

• Manages laboratory operations, ensuring the establishment of appropriate procedures throughout every stage of specimen handling and testing
• Ensures compliance with institutional and departmental policies and procedures. Works with section supervisor(s) to ensure appropriate staffing and scheduling
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and promote excellent customer service
• Ensures effective capital and operations budgeting, cost accounting, cost management, and meeting overall stated financial goals
• Oversees department quality program and ensures appropriate quality metrics are monitored and met (turnaround times, quality events, etc.)
• Identifies inefficiencies in processes, workflows, and throughput; works with the team to implement process improvements, quality improvements, and ideas designed to minimize waste and increase safety
• Ensures laboratory sections are compliant with all regulatory and accreditation standards and are inspection-ready at all times
• Oversees responses to Event Reports and works with the team to resolve the issues, complete the investigation, and implement corrective action
• Oversees and participates in external and internal projects to support patient safety and operational excellence
• Works with the project team on action items to meet established deadlines
• Oversee all personnel functions for laboratory section(s). Supports the laboratory with daily supervision of staff as needed. Hires, issues corrective actions, promotions, and termination of personnel
• Ensures personnel files are maintained and all documentation is current
• Sponsors employee engagement activities to improve staff job satisfaction
• Ensures employees receive ongoing feedback and development opportunities.
• Aligns the team goals with the organization's PRIDE values
• Communicates regularly with the team on updates and changes
• Performs other duties as requested by senior management

Requirements

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology or other laboratory science (medical technology, biochemistry, chemistry or related scientific field), with formal business training
• Certification or eligibility as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Technologist, or Specialist through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), or equivalent
• At least five (5) years’ experience in the Clinical Microbiology laboratory, with a minimum of three (3) years at the supervisory level in Clinical Microbiology
• Minimum qualifications must satisfy CLIA88 requirements for a technical supervisor
• High degree of computer literacy, including statistical and network applications; Knowledge and ability to use laboratory/hospital information systems.
• Proven ability to use computers for data entry, data retrieval, word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, statistical, and network applications
• Ability to write laboratory procedures and policies and ensure timely review
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, teach, and train personnel
• Knowledge and ability to use automated and conventional laboratory equipment
• Fiscal management experience, including budget preparations, reporting, and financial analysis
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to act in a professional manner with individuals at all levels

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree
• Experience with EPIC Beaker Laboratory Information System