Director of Laboratory

Community Health Systems•Jefferson City, TN

10d

About The Position

The Director of Laboratory oversees administrative, fiscal, and technical activities to ensure efficient operation of the clinical laboratory and compliance with corporate policies. The role is responsible for the laboratory’s quality control, quality assurance, and point-of-care testing programs, and plans, organizes, directs, controls, and evaluates laboratory work in coordination with other hospital areas. The Director manages laboratory personnel, including hiring, discipline, staff development, evaluations, and payroll. The role also acts as technical supervisor for off-site clinical laboratory functions owned by the hospital and ensures compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including CAP, AABB, Joint Commission, and CLIA. The Director provides leadership and professional development for staff, oversees scheduling and resource use, collaborates with hospital leadership on strategy and financial planning, monitors expenditures, and evaluates technologies to improve efficiency. The role develops departmental policies and procedures, supports quality assurance and regulatory compliance, collaborates with other departments and leadership teams, and may work in a staff role when required. The position requires a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or Physical Science meeting CLIA high-complexity requirements, relevant certification, and a state license where applicable. A master's degree and prior leadership experience are preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or Physical Science that meets CLIA requirements for high-complexity testing.
3–5 years of experience in a closely related field with a bachelor's degree.
MLS (Medical Laboratory Scientist, formerly MT) certification through ASCP, AAB, CLS, or equivalent.
State license where applicable.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer; the position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
3–5 years of previous leadership experience.

Responsibilities

Oversee administrative, fiscal, and technical activities for efficient operation of the clinical laboratory.
Manage laboratory quality control, quality assurance, and point-of-care testing programs.
Plan, organize, direct, control, and evaluate laboratory work in coordination with other hospital areas.
Manage personnel, including hiring, discipline, staff development, employee evaluations, competency assessments, and payroll.
Act as technical supervisor for off-site clinical laboratory functions owned by the hospital.
Ensure compliance with corporate policies and applicable regulatory requirements, including CAP, AABB, Joint Commission, and CLIA.
Define departmental performance objectives and metrics, and plan laboratory goals, objectives, and workflow.
Manage staffing schedules according to workload and department productivity goals.
Collaborate with other departments to resolve issues affecting organizational goals or patient care delivery.
Use quality improvement and patient satisfaction data to inform departmental goals and participate in the facility's performance improvement program.
Evaluate laboratory capital equipment needs and recommend procurement.
Correct laboratory billing issues and errors in a timely manner.
Promote and provide continuing education opportunities for laboratory staff.
Represent the department at relevant meetings and committees.
Recruit and retain competent staff and manage disciplinary actions.
Manage departmental inventory, including ordering, storage, and utilization.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for staff; set goals and provide performance feedback.
Collaborate with hospital leadership on departmental strategy, budgeting, resource allocation, and long-term planning.
Monitor expenditures and support cost-effective service delivery.
Evaluate and implement technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and protocols to optimize quality and efficiency.
Participate in audits, inspections, and accreditation processes as applicable.
Stay current with laboratory medicine, industry advancements, technologies, and regulatory changes.
Perform staff-role duties when required and meet the competencies established for that job.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and comply with policies and standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.