Clinical Lab Operations Leader

UC San Diego Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego Health in La Jolla seeks a CLIN LAB MGR 1 to provide daily operational management for the Clinical Laboratory, overseeing staffing, productivity, and quality. You will translate organizational priorities into effective daily operations and improvements in collaboration with leadership, supervisors, staff, and clinical partners.

The role requires seven+ years of relevant experience, a Bachelor’s in business or healthcare administration, and a California CLS license is preferred.

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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Monitor key performance indicators, including turnaround times, quality, productivity, staffing, and service metrics.
• 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.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in business or healthcare administration or related area

Master’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or related fields

Job description

UC San Diego Health in La Jolla seeks a CLIN LAB MGR 1 to provide daily operational management for the Clinical Laboratory, overseeing staffing, productivity, and quality. You will translate organizational priorities into effective daily operations and improvements in collaboration with leadership, supervisors, staff, and clinical partners.

The role requires seven+ years of relevant experience, a Bachelor’s in business or healthcare administration, and a California CLS license is preferred.