Clinical Laboratory Supervisor - Molecular Diagnostic

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Supervisor leads daily operations in MD Anderson’s Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, overseeing specialized clinical testing that supports accurate diagnoses and cancer care. The supervisor provides technical leadership, serves as a subject matter expert for an assigned laboratory section, troubleshoots testing and computer-related issues, maintains and updates standard operating procedures, and leads evaluation and validation of new methods, tests, and instrumentation. The role also supports laboratory information system (LIS) and electronic medical record (EMR) implementations and performs clinical laboratory assays as needed. The position oversees staff training, onboarding, competency assessment, productivity, scheduling, coaching, performance evaluation, and other personnel activities. It fosters a collaborative team environment and leads process improvements across laboratory operations. The supervisor ensures that pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing phases follow laboratory procedures, and that supplies and equipment meet operational needs. Quality and compliance responsibilities include oversight of quality control, quality assurance, and quality improvement activities; support for regulatory, accreditation, and safety requirements; coordination of proficiency testing according to CAP regulations; and participation in quality surveillance activities, including CAP mock inspections. The supervisor also oversees planning, cost analysis, training, and implementation for new tests, processes, and instrumentation. The role requires a related science bachelor’s degree or completion of an accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology program, substantial clinical laboratory compliance and operations experience, lead or supervisory experience, and one of the listed professional certifications. A master’s or doctorate in a related science field is preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related science field or Molecular Genetic Technology, or successful completion of a NAACLS-accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology program.
Required clinical laboratory compliance and operations experience with three years of lead or supervisory experience: 8 years with a bachelor’s degree or accredited program; 6 years with a master’s degree; or 4 years with a doctorate.
Successful completion of the required pre-employment skills test, if required and administered by Human Resources.
Upon hire, one of the following certifications is required: ASCP Technologist/Scientist/Specialist; CHS (Certified Histocompatibility Specialist) or CHT (Certified Histocompatibility Technologist) from ACHI; MDT (Molecular Diagnostics Tech) from AMT; or MT (Medical Technologist) from AMT.
Must satisfy and maintain any applicable requirements for the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as a condition of hire and continued employment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related science field.
Doctorate in a related science field.

Responsibilities

Supervise daily activities in a clinical laboratory and serve as a subject matter expert for an assigned laboratory section.
Troubleshoot challenging laboratory processes, procedures, and computer functions, and ensure employees are competent in required computer functions.
Coordinate, maintain, review, and update policies and standard operating procedures for clinical testing.
Lead evaluation and validation of new methodologies, tests, and instrumentation.
Assist with LIS and EMR implementation and testing, and recommend modifications as needed.
Perform clinical laboratory assays, tests, and procedures as needed to support patient care.
Train employees, guide new employee development, conduct or oversee competency assessments, and coach staff to improve performance.
Manage personnel activities, including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, scheduling, coaching, and mentoring, in accordance with institutional policies.
Lead process improvements that enhance productivity and laboratory operations.
Ensure all pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing phases follow laboratory policies and procedures.
Promote a team environment characterized by communication, respect, helpfulness, cohesiveness, and a commitment to excellence.
Ensure supplies and equipment are ordered and maintained to meet laboratory testing needs.
Ensure staff compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and safety requirements, and enforce policies and procedures.
Oversee quality control, quality assurance, and quality improvement activities.
Participate in strategic development of employees and laboratory process improvements.
Oversee new procedure and test planning, including laboratory bulletins, cost analyses, business plans, competency tests, and employee training.
Participate in quality surveillance programs, including CAP mock inspections every six months.
Oversee the proficiency testing program in accordance with CAP regulations.
Perform other duties as assigned.