Administrative Director of Laboratory Services

Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive compensation and benefits program

Prepaid tuition assistance program

Job summary

Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System is seeking an Administrative Director of Laboratory Services in West Chester, PA. This role involves strategic leadership and oversight of laboratory operations, ensuring high-quality and efficient services.

The successful candidate will lead laboratory personnel, manage budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance while collaborating closely with clinical leadership to support patient care initiatives. A Bachelor’s degree and extensive experience in a clinical laboratory setting are essential for applicants.

Qualifications

• 7+ years progressive experience in clinical laboratory setting required.
• 4+ years of supervisory experience in a laboratory setting required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage laboratory staff, developing policies and departmental goals.
• Ensure compliance with all regulations and maintain certifications.
• Manage laboratory's operating and capital budgets for effective service delivery.
• Oversee Quality Control/Quality Improvement programs and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with health-system partners and clinical leadership to enhance services.

Skills

Leadership

Operational oversight

Quality control

Budget management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Health-Science or related field

Master's in healthcare administration (preferred)

Job description

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

In collaboration with the Medical Director(s), the Administrative Director of Laboratory Services provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and clinical direction for all laboratory functions within the healthcare facility and satellite locations. This role ensures the delivery of high‑quality, cost‑effective diagnostic and clinical laboratory services in compliance with regulatory standards. The Director will oversee laboratory personnel, manage budgets, oversee quality control programs, and support innovation and efficiency in laboratory operations. With a performance improvement focus, this director will operate lab programs and drive key metrics focused on quality, safety and efficiency goals. The Administrative Director ensures that quality services are delivered with high reliability in compliance with all regulations and works in conjunction with physician leadership to develop and administer policies and procedures that optimize patient care and experience while maintaining clinical excellence and operational strength. Develops the management skills of Lab Managers, Lab Supervisors and other direct reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage laboratory staff, including managers and supervisors. Develop and implement departmental goals, policies and procedures aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements. Establish the organizational structure for the Clinical Laboratory and Department of Pathology, outlining the roles and responsibilities of staff, along with the staffing requirements. Provide clear direction for personnel management and ensure effective leadership for all team members within the department. Promote a culture of safety, excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ensure efficient and accurate laboratory testing, turnaround times and reporting. Evaluate and prioritize updates and improvements to the laboratory information system to ensure it meets the evolving needs of the community we serve. Oversee compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Ensure compliance with all pertinent regulatory agencies and maintain certification accreditation of the department. Monitor and maintain laboratory licensure, certifications and accreditations.
• Develop and manage the laboratory’s operating and capital budgets. Optimize resource utilization and cost‑effective service delivery. Prepare, monitor and manage department finances including capital and expense budget preparation, variance reporting and performance optimization. Ensure compliance with payors and overall revenue integrity.
• In collaboration with the Medical Directors, oversee the Quality Control/Quality Improvement program. Oversee the development of corrective action plans for any deficiencies identified during audits or quality reviews. Analyze departmental performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and drive initiatives for continuous improvement in quality, service delivery, and cost‑efficiency.
• Collaborate with Medical Director(s), hospital leadership and medical staff to expand laboratory services and support patient care initiatives. Evaluate emerging laboratory technologies and methodologies for implementation. Collaborate with health‑system partners on strategic initiatives.
• Work closely with clinical leadership to understand testing needs, anticipate service demands, and ensure that laboratory services align with patient care objectives. Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment, encouraging input from staff at all levels to improve processes, solve problems, and enhance job satisfaction. Implement regular team meetings and department‑wide briefings to discuss performance metrics, quality initiatives, and ongoing projects, ensuring all staff members are aligned with departmental goals. Regularly update senior leadership on the performance, challenges, and needs of the laboratory, presenting data on key performance indicators (KPIs), patient outcomes, and laboratory compliance.

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Health‑Science, Biology, Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science or related field required.
• Master's in healthcare administration preferred.
• 7+ years progressive experience in clinical laboratory setting required.
• 4+ years of supervisory or related experience in a laboratory setting required.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.