Clinical Lab Manager - Lab Administration - 140949

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego Medical Centers seeks an experienced leader to oversee day-to-day operations of the Clinical Laboratory across assigned areas. The role manages staffing, productivity, quality, and service delivery, partnering with leadership to translate priorities into actionable improvements.

The position emphasizes regulatory compliance with CLIA, CAP, and CDPH, performance management, and collaboration with physicians and nursing to optimize patient care.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven+ years of relevant experience in clinical or laboratory leadership.
• Bachelor's degree in business or healthcare administration or related field.
• Knowledge of CLIA, CAP, CDPH and safety requirements.
• Experience applying management theory to improve operations.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily laboratory operations including staffing, productivity, quality, and service delivery.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with laboratory goals.
• Lead staffing during shortages and high-volume periods while ensuring quality and safety.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Regulatory compliance

Quality improvement

Staff development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in business or healthcare administration

Master's degree in healthcare administration or MBA

Tools

LIS systems

Laboratory automation software

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 08/28/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

Provides daily operational management support for the Clinical Laboratory in assigned areas. Manages productivity, technical performance of specimen processing and laboratory testing and efficient operations of equipment.

The Manager works collaboratively with laboratory leadership, medical directors, supervisors, staff and clinical partners to translate organizational priorities to effective daily operations and improvements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Direct daily laboratory operations, including staffing, productivity, quality, and service delivery.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to support organizational priorities and laboratory goals.
• Provide leadership during staffing shortages, system interruptions, high-volume periods, and other operational challenges.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory processes, workflows, and overall operational effectiveness.

Regulatory Compliance & Inspection Readiness

• Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, CDPH, safety requirements, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain continuous inspection readiness and ensure laboratory operations meet applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Oversee appropriate investigation, documentation, and corrective action related to quality, compliance, and operational issues.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, develop, and support supervisors and laboratory staff.
• Participate in recruitment, performance management, employee development, and succession planning.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and service-focused team environment.
• Support staff engagement, professional growth, and effective performance management.

Quality & Performance Management

• Monitor key performance indicators, including turnaround times, quality, productivity, staffing, and service metrics.
• Use operational and quality data to guide decision-making, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.
• Monitor laboratory performance and implement corrective actions when performance or quality goals are not met.
• Promote a culture of quality, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Process Improvement & Innovation
• Lead initiatives to improve laboratory processes, workflows, efficiency, and service delivery.
• Lead the implementation and integration of new instrumentation, automation, testing methodologies, information systems, and operational processes.
• Evaluate the impact of new technologies and processes on quality, productivity, staffing, and patient care.

Financial & Resource Management

• Participate in budget management, staffing plans, equipment selection, and resource allocation.
• Optimize staffing and laboratory resources to support operational needs, productivity, quality, and financial goals.
• Evaluate operational needs and support decisions regarding equipment, technology, and other laboratory resources.

Clinical & Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with physicians, nursing, laboratory medical and technical leadership, and other departments to resolve issues and improve patient care.
• Partner with interdisciplinary leaders to support effective communication, coordination, and integration of laboratory services.
• Serve as a laboratory leadership resource during complex operational and patient-care situations.

While not required, a cover letter is highly recommended when applying to this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in business or healthcare administration or related area; and/or equivalent combination of experience/training.
• A minimum of seven (7) or more years of relevant experience.
• Experience and proven success in technical proficiency in laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of management theory, economic impact and management functions.
• Proven ability to apply technical knowledge and skills to improve operations and management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License.
• Master's degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or related fields.
• Experience in a large hospital, academic medical center, or integrated health system.
• Experience in laboratory testing with an emphasis on Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation & Blood Bank.
• Experience with laboratory automation, LIS, instrumentation implementation, validation, and process improvement.
• Experience with regulatory agencies, such as FDA, AAB, & CAP.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement experience.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and a pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $136,600 - $267,600 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $65.42 - $128.16

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).