Micro Laboratory Supervisor

UnitedHealth Group•Everett, WA

16h•$72,800 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Supervisor provides comprehensive operational and technical leadership for the clinical laboratory, ensuring efficient workflows, accurate and timely testing, and strong day‑to‑day support for laboratory personnel. This role oversees staffing, training, competency assessment, coaching, and performance management to cultivate a highly skilled and engaged team. The Supervisor serves as a primary technical expert, troubleshooting complex testing issues, resolving instrument problems, and supporting method development, validation, and ongoing process improvements. The position maintains compliance with CLIA, CAP, and other accrediting body requirements while upholding a robust quality management framework that includes quality control, proficiency testing, and continuous improvement activities. Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills are essential to foster operational excellence, sustain regulatory readiness, and promote a positive, collaborative laboratory culture.

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 clinical laboratory operations, techniques, procedures, and instrumentation.
Strong understanding of CLIA regulations and experience serving in a technical supervisory capacity.
Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles and procedures, including proficiency testing and instrument maintenance.
Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
Demonstrated leadership and management skills with the ability to supervise, train, and mentor laboratory staff.
Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot laboratory issues and recommend effective solutions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborative work with laboratory staff, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to maintain a high level of quality control and quality assurance.
Strong organizational and time‑management skills to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines
The Supervisor must demonstrate the ability to manage a demanding and fast‑paced laboratory environment where competing priorities, urgent testing needs, and shifting workloads require strong judgment and adaptability.
This role requires exceptional time‑management and prioritization skills, as operational demands can extend work hours when unexpected issues arise or when supporting critical patient care needs.
The Supervisor must be able to perform and oversee complex laboratory procedures, sustain concentration for extended periods, and apply advanced analytical skills while troubleshooting technical problems or ensuring result accuracy.
The ability to guide staff through operational challenges, maintain composure under pressure, and ensure consistent adherence to quality and safety standards is essential for success in this role
Ability to stand for extended periods while performing laboratory tests and procedures; manipulate laboratory equipment and instruments, including small tools and test tubes; and lift up to 25 pounds when moving laboratory supplies or equipment.
Requires manual dexterity for precise work with specimens and instruments and adequate visual acuity to distinguish colors and read small print on labels or test results.
Work occurs in a laboratory environment with exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, and biological substances and requires use of PPE such as gloves, lab coats, and goggles.
This position requires the ability to sustain focus, accuracy, and professional composure in a high‑stakes environment where interruptions, urgent inquiries, and unexpected instrument or workflow issues occur frequently.
The Supervisor must effectively evaluate complex testing problems, navigate conflicts, manage multiple deadlines, and make sound, timely decisions under pressure.
Because supervisory responsibilities encompass staffing, coaching, performance management, and real‑time operational support, strong emotional resilience and clear, effective communication are essential.
The ability to remain objective, steady, and solution‑oriented during stressful or rapidly changing situations is critical.
The Supervisor must also be able to support and motivate the team through challenges, foster a collaborative and constructive work environment, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results even during periods of heavy workload or operational strain.
Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

1+ years of laboratory leadership

Responsibilities

Oversees the daily operations of the clinical laboratory to ensure appropriate staffing, workflow, turnaround times, and service quality
Supervises and provides leadership to medical technologists and lead technologists, including hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, coaching, and performance evaluation
Ensures laboratory operations meet quality standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining full compliance with CLIA, CAP, OSHA, and other accrediting agencies
Develops, implements, and maintains policies and procedures for laboratory operations, including quality control, quality assurance, safety, and document control
Monitors and evaluates laboratory test systems to ensure the accuracy, precision, and clinical reliability of test results; investigates issues and implements corrective and preventive actions
Coordinates and ensures participation in proficiency testing programs; evaluates results, conducts root‑cause analyses, and documents corrective actions
Conducts initial and ongoing competency assessments for laboratory personnel and ensures training records and credentials are current and complete
Investigates safety event reports promptly, implements appropriate corrective actions, and promotes a strong culture of safety
Collaborates with clinicians, nursing, infection prevention, and administrative teams to support timely and accurate test results and provide consultation on testing and result interpretation
Manages inventory and oversees ordering of laboratory supplies, equipment, and reagents; partners with vendors on service and contracts as needed
Maintains required records and prepares reports related to quality control, instrument maintenance, proficiency testing, competency, and other operational metrics
Performs bench testing as needed and provides advanced technical expertise and troubleshooting for instruments, methods, and workflows
Stays current with laboratory practices, procedures, technologies, and regulatory requirements; leads or supports method validations, verifications, and continuous improvement projects
All staff members are to promote a positive and productive work environment by acting maturely and responsibly, satisfactorily performing job responsibilities, and conducting themselves professionally, courteously, and respectfully toward fellow employees, physicians, and patients
Must relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions: (a) get along with co-workers or peers without exhibiting behavioral extreme; (b) perform work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others; and (c) respond openly and appropriately to feedback regarding performance from a supervisor
Performs all duties in a manner that promotes and supports the Core Values of the organization.
Integrates Lean principles, practices, and tools to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction
Must follow written and oral instructions and complete routine tasks independently
Complete all compliance training, including but not limited to HIPAA/Privacy/Confidentiality/Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Integrity Statement and signed Agreements
Ensures confidentiality of patient information by following HIPAA guidelines and policies
Attends training to meet job position requirements and as needed or mandated by organizational policies, Div. of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), OSHA, L&I, and other state/federal regulations
Have regular and predictable attendance
Performs other duties as assigned