Lead Microbiologist

Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation•Fort Wayne, IN

15h

About The Position

The Medical Technologist Lead coordinates, oversees, and ensures quality laboratory operations within an assigned laboratory section. The role oversees testing accuracy, quality control, regulatory compliance, equipment maintenance, staff training, and competency assessments. It also serves as a technical resource to ensure compliance with hospital policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements while performing laboratory testing as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or in Chemical, Physical, Biological, or Clinical Laboratory Science.
2–4 years of experience as a Medical Technologist in a clinical laboratory setting.
MLS – Medical Lab Scientist (formerly MT) certification through ASCP, AAB, AMT, or an equivalent certification agency.
State license where applicable.
Proficiency in laboratory methodologies, instrument troubleshooting, and workflow optimization.
Strong understanding of quality control, proficiency testing, and regulatory compliance requirements, including CAP, CLIA, and Joint Commission.
Ability to train and mentor staff, conduct competency evaluations, and ensure adherence to best practices.
Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to identify and resolve laboratory issues promptly.
Strong organizational and communication skills to ensure clear and accurate reporting of laboratory data.
Knowledge of laboratory information systems (LIS) and electronic medical record (EMR) software.

Nice To Haves

0–2 years of previous experience in leadership, training, or quality management within a laboratory environment.
Additional certification in a specialized laboratory area, such as microbiology, hematology, or blood bank.

Responsibilities

Perform, verify, and report moderate- and high-complexity laboratory tests, ensuring timely, accurate, and reliable results in compliance with CLIA, CAP, and other regulatory standards.
Oversee daily laboratory operations, including workflow management, supply inventory, and staffing coordination.
Monitor quality control measures, troubleshoot discrepancies, and ensure proficiency testing is completed and reported within required timeframes.
Conduct staff competency assessments and provide ongoing training, mentorship, and performance evaluations in accordance with laboratory and hospital policies.
Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained according to manufacturer guidelines, troubleshoot malfunctions, and escalate issues to the Administrative Lab Director when necessary.
Oversee compliance with safety regulations, including proper use of personal protective equipment, infection-control protocols, and the laboratory safety plan.
Communicate instrument malfunctions, quality-control issues, unusual patient results, and regulatory updates among laboratory administration, supervisors, and staff.
Support accreditation readiness by assisting with data collection, audits, and documentation for CAP, CLIA, Joint Commission, and OSHA inspections.
Maintain and update the Laboratory Information System (LIS), ensuring proper test entry and results reporting and compliance with hospital and laboratory informatics policies.
Assist with phlebotomy and specimen collection as needed, ensuring proper patient identification, sample integrity, and compliance with collection protocols.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Comply with all policies and standards.