Health Services Manager – Microbiology Laboratory Job in the USA

Job Overview: The University of Washington Medicine (UW Medicine) is inviting applications for aHealth Services Manager – Microbiology Laboratoryat its Renton Central Laboratory in Renton, Washington, USA. This full-time leadership opportunity is ideal for experienced Medical Laboratory Scientists, Clinical Microbiology Specialists, and laboratory professionals with strong supervisory, quality assurance, and laboratory operations management experience. The successful candidate will oversee the daily operations of the Microbiology Laboratory, including automated and manual testing, molecular diagnostics, rapid testing, laboratory quality management, regulatory compliance, staffing, and process improvement. The position also involves managing laboratory budgets, developing staff competencies, coordinating student training programs, and implementing technological improvements to enhance laboratory efficiency and diagnostic quality. This is an excellent opportunity for qualified medical laboratory professionals seeking a laboratory management career with a leading academic healthcare and research institution in the United States.

Key Responsibilities: 1. Microbiology Laboratory Operations and Management Lead and manage the technical and administrative operations of the Microbiology Laboratory. Oversee preanalytical and analytical automation, manual testing, specialized microbiology procedures, rapid diagnostics, and molecular testing. Develop laboratory goals, operational strategies, policies, and procedures in collaboration with departmental leadership. Monitor laboratory productivity, workflow efficiency, testing quality, and performance metrics. Evaluate laboratory equipment and supplies and support vendor negotiations and service contracts. Participate in laboratory research, education, and process improvement initiatives.2. Staff Supervision and Development Recruit, interview, hire, orient, and train laboratory personnel. Supervise staff performance, competency assessments, scheduling, and workload distribution. Coordinate continuing education and professional development programs. Maintain staff training records and competency documentation. Promote effective teamwork, staff engagement, and compliance with laboratory safety procedures.3. Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance Ensure compliance with applicable federal and Washington State regulations and laboratory accreditation requirements. Oversee quality control, proficiency testing, alternative assessment testing, and preventive maintenance programs. Maintain readiness for inspections and accreditation assessments. Monitor laboratory quality indicators, performance benchmarks, and continuous improvement activities. Support compliance with College of American Pathologists (CAP) requirements and other applicable regulatory standards.4. Laboratory Information Systems and Technology Collaborate with laboratory information system (LIS) and analytics teams to improve laboratory workflows. Monitor laboratory automation systems and coordinate with vendors to resolve technical issues. Use laboratory dashboards, electronic records, and workflow software to track testing performance and consistency. Support improvements in laboratory data management, reporting, and system validation.5. Budget and Resource Management Manage staffing resources, full-time equivalent (FTE) allocation, and laboratory expenditures. Contribute to budget preparation and financial planning. Recommend budgetary goals and monitor operational costs. Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, and maintain high-quality diagnostic services. Eligibility Criteria and Required Qualifications Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or a related field. Professional Certification:

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), an equivalent certifying organization, or an appropriate specialty certification relevant to the laboratory division.
• Professional Experience:
• At least six years of progressively responsible clinical technologist experience, including three years in a leadership or supervisory role, or equivalent experience.
• Laboratory Expertise:
• Experience with wet-bench procedures, laboratory instrumentation, quality management, quality assurance, and CAP proficiency testing and accreditation guidelines.
• Leadership Skills:
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams, establish priorities, and achieve organizational goals and deadlines.
• Change Management:
• Experience managing organizational or laboratory operational changes.
• Technical Knowledge:
• Extensive knowledge of clinical laboratory test and system validation, data management, and laboratory process improvement.

Preferred Qualifications: The following qualifications are desirable and may strengthen an applicant's profile: Master's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or an equivalent field relevant to the laboratory division. Comprehensive experience in clinical microbiology laboratory operations. Five or more years of microbiology laboratory management experience, preferably in a hospital, academic medical center, or reference laboratory. Experience with Lean Management, Six Sigma certification or training, and laboratory process optimization. Demonstrated ability to identify workflow inefficiencies and implement improvements that reduce waste and enhance safety. Experience developing and monitoring laboratory productivity and quality metrics. Experience with WASP or Kiestra laboratory automation systems in a high-volume laboratory. Advanced expertise in laboratory test validation and data management. Salary and Employee Benefits The University of Washington offers a competitive salary and employee benefits package. Annual Salary Range: $110,928–$166,392 The selected candidate may also be eligible for a hiring incentive, subject to applicable conditions.

Additional benefits include: Paid vacation and sick leave accrued monthly. Twelve paid holidays. Health insurance, dental coverage, disability benefits, and retirement plan options. Tuition exemption for up to six credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or participating institutions. A fully subsidized U-PASS public transportation pass. Access to wellness, fitness, healthy eating, financial education, and stress-reduction programs. Benefits are subject to the university's applicable eligibility requirements and policies. About UW Medicine UW Medicine is a leading academic healthcare system in Washington State, United States. It combines patient care, medical education, research, and advanced diagnostic services to improve public health and advance medical knowledge. The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology provides specialized clinical and anatomic pathology services while supporting research, education, and innovative patient care. Its laboratory services integrate advanced testing technologies, informatics, and quality-focused diagnostic practices. Important Information for International Applicants This position is located in Renton, Washington, USA, and is not a remote-work opportunity. The published vacancy information does not confirm visa sponsorship or immigration assistance. International applicants should contact the employer or review the official job posting to determine their eligibility to work in the United States and whether any sponsorship arrangements are available. Applications: Deadline Not Specified. You will be taken to the institution's website.