Laboratory Supervisor, Microbiology

UnitedHealth Group•Everett, WA

3d•$72,800 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

Optum WA, (formerly The Everett Clinic) is seeking a Laboratory Supervisor, Microbiology to join our team in Everett, WA. Optum is a clinician-led care organization that is changing the way clinicians work and live. Our exceptional outpatient laboratory team supports a range of medical specialties, including Urgent Care. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Laboratory Supervisor to lead daily operations of our clinical laboratory. This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, timely, and compliant laboratory services while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise, leadership experience, and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical, or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution. Applicants with international degrees must submit official documentation verifying the U.S. equivalency of their academic credentials to satisfy the educational requirements
Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by a nationally recognized agency (e.g., ASCP, AMT, AAB)
3+ years of experience as a Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist
In-depth knowledge of laboratory operations, including laboratory techniques, procedures, and equipment
Knowledge of CLIA regulations and experience serving as a technical supervisor
Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles and procedures, including proficiency testing and instrument maintenance
Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications
Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment, handle multiple tasks and priorities, and meet deadlines
Proven ability to perform laboratory tests and procedures, including standing for extended periods of time and moving up to 50 pounds
Demonstrated leadership and management skills with the ability to supervise, train, and mentor laboratory staff
Knowledge of Lean principles, practices and proven ability to utilize Lean tools to improve operational efficiency

Nice To Haves

1+ years of laboratory leadership

Responsibilities

Oversees daily laboratory operations, ensuring appropriate staffing, workflow efficiency, turnaround times, and high service quality
Performs bench testing as needed and provides advanced technical expertise and troubleshooting for instruments, methods, and workflows
Supervises and leads medical technologists and lead technologists, including hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, coaching, and performance management
Conducts initial and ongoing competency assessments; ensures personnel credentials, training records, and documentation are current and complete
Ensures laboratory compliance with all regulatory and accreditation requirements (CLIA, CAP, OSHA, etc.)
Develops, implements, and maintains policies and procedures across laboratory operations, including quality control, quality assurance, safety, and document management
Monitors and evaluates laboratory systems to ensure accuracy, precision, and clinical reliability of test results; leads corrective and preventive actions as needed
Coordinates proficiency testing participation; reviews performance, conducts root cause analyses, and implements corrective actions
Stays current with laboratory practices, technologies, and regulatory changes; leads or supports validations, verifications, and continuous improvement initiatives
Investigates safety events, implements corrective actions, and promotes a strong culture of safety across the laboratory
Collaborates with clinicians, nursing, infection prevention, and administrative teams to support timely, accurate testing and provide consultation on test selection and interpretation
Manages inventory and procurement of supplies, reagents, and equipment; coordinates vendor relationships, service agreements, and contract
Maintains required records and prepares reports related to quality control, instrument maintenance, proficiency testing, competency, and operational metrics