Assistant Laboratory Manager

Position Goals The Assistant Laboratory Manager MLT supports the Laboratory Manager in the daily operations and oversight of Laboratory services. This position provides administrative and operational leadership to laboratory staff, assists with staffing and workflow, monitors quality and regulatory compliance, and supports employee competency and performance. The Assistant Laboratory Manager serves as a resource to laboratory staff and the Laboratory Manager, assists with regulatory readiness and quality improvement, and assumes leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Laboratory Manager. Position Responsibilities Operations & Leadership Assist the Laboratory Manager with the daily operations and overall coordination of Laboratory services. Provide administrative leadership, direction, and support to laboratory staff and laboratory leads. Monitor workflow, testing volumes, turnaround times, staffing, productivity, and departmental coverage. Assist with staff scheduling, assignments, coverage, PTO, and adjustments based on operational needs. Serve as a resource and escalation point for laboratory staff, nursing, providers, and other departments. Assume leadership of Laboratory operations in the absence of the Laboratory Manager. Identify operational issues and assist in developing solutions to improve workflow, efficiency, and patient care. Laboratory Quality & Compliance Monitor compliance with laboratory policies, procedures, testing protocols, and quality standards. Assist with maintaining compliance with CLIA, COLA, and other applicable federal and state requirements. Assist with preparation for regulatory inspections, accreditation surveys, and internal audits. Monitor quality control, proficiency testing such as API, quality assurance, and corrective action processes. Review quality indicators, testing errors, specimen issues, critical results, and other laboratory concerns. Assist with investigation and follow-up of laboratory incidents, errors, complaints, and nonconformities. Maintain required laboratory records, logs, documentation, and regulatory requirements. Staffing & Employee Development Assist with recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, orientation, and competency assessment of laboratory personnel. Maintain employee competency, certification, license, and training records. Assist with annual competencies and required continuing education. Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to laboratory staff. Identify training needs and coordinate in-services and staff education. Assist the Laboratory Manager with employee evaluations, performance concerns, and corrective action. Laboratory Testing & Technical Oversight Provide oversight to ensure laboratory testing is performed accurately, safely, and according to established procedures. Ensure staff follow approved testing methodologies, quality control procedures, and manufacturer requirements. Monitor appropriate handling, labeling, processing, storage, and transport of specimens. Ensure critical and reportable results are appropriately communicated and documented. Assist with implementation and evaluation of new tests, procedures, instrumentation, and technology. Maintain current knowledge of laboratory practices, instrumentation, testing methodologies, and regulatory requirements. Provide technical support and guidance to staff when needed. Equipment & Supplies Monitor laboratory equipment performance, maintenance, calibration, and quality-control requirements. Coordinate equipment service and troubleshooting with vendors and appropriate departments. Assist with evaluation and implementation of new laboratory equipment and technology. Monitor inventory and maintain appropriate supply levels. Assist with ordering and vendor coordination. Identify opportunities for appropriate resource utilization and cost containment. Policies & Process Improvement Assist with annual review and revision of laboratory policies and procedures. Assist with development and implementation of new procedures and workflows. Monitor compliance with the Laboratory Policy and Procedure Manual. Identify opportunities to improve turnaround times, workflow, quality, and efficiency. Participate in quality improvement initiatives and corrective action plans. Assist with implementation of changes resulting from regulatory findings, quality reviews, or operational needs. Communication & Collaboration Communicate effectively with laboratory staff, providers, nursing, Radiology, administration, and other departments. Serve as a liaison between laboratory staff and the Laboratory Manager. Participate in laboratory and interdisciplinary meetings. Communicate policy, workflow, regulatory, and operational changes to staff. Promote teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and patient-centered care. Handle stressful situations professionally while maintaining laboratory quality and patient safety. General Responsibilities Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational policies. Maintain regular attendance and comply with organizational requirements. Maintain professional knowledge and competency appropriate to the position. Perform other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Manager or other leadership. Physical Demands Standing and walking Lifting and Carrying Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs., with assistance Working with chemicals Potential exposure to communicable diseases Education & Experience High School Diploma Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or equivalent qualifying education preferred. Current MLT/MLS certification preferred. Minimum 3 years of laboratory experience preferred. Previous lead or supervisory experience preferred. Experience in a moderate- complexity laboratory preferred. Must meet applicable CLIA personnel qualifications for assigned laboratory responsibilities. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.