Manager - Milk Lab

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans. UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only): Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only) Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000 Career Training and Educational Opportunities Merchant Discounts Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy The Manager, Milk Lab oversees the daily operations of the milk lab, ensuring the quality and safety of milk products. Directly supervises a team of lab technicians, conducts quality control tests, maintains equipment, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Responsible for developing and implementing procedures to optimize lab efficiency and productivity.

Requirements

Bachelor's plus two (2) years supervisory experience or two (2) years of healthcare experience.

Responsibilities

Oversees that all human milk and fortified formulas are prepared, pasteurized, labeled, stored, thawed, and distributed in strict adherence to HMBANA guidelines, FDA requirements, and UAMS departmental policies. This includes supervising processes like pasteurization, batching, nutrient analysis, and pasteurization validation.
Ensures the Milk Lab maintains a clean, aseptic, and well-organized environment. Supervise cleaning protocols for lab spaces, equipment, storage areas, and ensure use of appropriate personal protective equipment (gowns, gloves, masks, scrubs).
Maintains adequate stock levels of supplies (e.g., barcoded labels, packaging, lab consumables), monitor refrigerator/freezer temperatures, schedule maintenance, and address equipment or supply issues proactively.
Ensures accurate record-keeping—temperature logs, cleaning logs, milk batching records, micro-bacterial testing results, nutrient analyses—fulfilling both HMBANA and internal audit requirements.
Provides leadership to Milk Lab technicians: assign tasks, ensure adherence to protocols, conduct training on aseptic handling, labeling procedures, equipment use, and documentation standards. Facilitate onboarding and competency assessments.
Serves as the point of contact between Milk Lab staff and NICU leadership, lactation consultants, dietitians, and even families. Address operational issues, communicate updates (e.g., MOM logs), and refer patients/families to lactation or dietary staff when needed.
Facilitates data collection for research (e.g., macronutrient/drug analyses), track KPIs, identify process improvements, and ensure lab compliance with quality improvement initiatives.
Ensures all Milk Lab activities comply with state and federal regulations, institutional policies, and safety protocols. Quickly respond to unsafe conditions by investigating and implementing corrective actions.
May perform other duties as assigned.