Lab Manager- Microbiology

Indiana University Health System; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University Health is seeking a Lab Manager for Microbiology to lead a multidisciplinary team in a high‑complexity, CAP‑accredited and CLIA‑certified laboratory. The role focuses on quality, service delivery, workforce management, and continuous improvement.

The Manager partners with Directors and Pathologists to ensure operational excellence, budget control, and implementation of automated and non‑automated technologies, reporting to the Molecular Pathology and Microbiology Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a chemical/biological science.
• Master’s degree preferred in related field.
• 5–7 years of high‑complexity testing experience.
• ≥2 years of leadership or supervisory experience in microbiology or clinical labs.
• Experience with laboratory quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and inspection readiness.

Responsibilities

• Supervise supervisors and professional staff in a high‑complexity lab.
• Lead process improvement and design initiatives to enhance efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, and accrediting standards.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Problem‑solving

Decision making

Written/verbal comms

LIS proficiency

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Lab Manager-Microbiology

Our leaders shape strategic initiatives, develop passionate teams, and work to improve health outcomes.They advance our mission and exemplify excellence, compassion, teamwork and purpose in all that they do.Indiana University Health is seeking individuals who embody these values to join our Microbiology leadership team in the role of Lab Manager

The Manager partners closely with Administrative Directors, Medical Directors, Pathologists, Laboratory Leadership, and system-wide stakeholders to ensure excellence in quality, service delivery, workforce management, technical competency, and continuous improvement. This role is a direct people-management position responsible for supervising supervisors and professional laboratory staff within a high‑complexity, CAP‑accredited and CLIA‑certified laboratory environment.

The Manager leads assigned team members in alignment with organizational values, policies, and performance expectations. Responsibilities include the ongoing analysis, design, and implementation of processes, systems, and methodologies to enhance operational efficiency and service effectiveness. The role ensures full compliance with all applicable regulatory, quality, and accreditation standards across assigned departments or regions.

The Manager is accountable for operational oversight, including financial and resource management, development of departmental and divisional protocols, and monitoring of quality and performance metrics. This position also supports test development activities, contributes to equipment selection decisions, and ensures appropriate implementation of automated and non‑automated laboratory technologies.

This is a fully onsite role Monday-Friday day shift. Ideal candidates will have previous leadership experience and strong knowledge of microbiology.

Key Relationships

Reports to: Molecular Pathology and Microbiology Director

Direct Reports: 5

Candidate Qualifications

Candidates for the position will be evaluated according to the following criteria and competencies.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a chemical, physical, or biological science
• Master’s degree preferred in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related scientific discipline
• Five to seven (5–7) years of experience performing high‑complexity testing within the applicable specialty
• Minimum of two (2) years of leadership or supervisory experience in microbiology or a clinical diagnostic laboratory setting
• Demonstrated experience managing laboratory quality assurance programs, regulatory compliance, and inspection readiness
• Strong working knowledge of CLIA, CAP, and other relevant regulatory and accreditation requirements
• Proven ability to plan, manage, and control operational expenses, supply utilization, and inventory within approved budgets
• Familiarity with automated and non‑automated laboratory testing equipment
• Advanced computer skills, including use of laboratory information systems (LIS) and common software applications

Required Skills

• Strong leadership, coaching, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems (LIS) and Microsoft Office Suite

Indiana University Health isunlike any other healthcare system and we're looking for team members who share the things that matter most to us. IU Health leaders play a crucial role in advancing the mission of our organization and inspiring teams to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. As one of Indiana’s largest employers and the most comprehensive medical system in the state, our vision to lead the transformation of healthcare through quality, innovation and education, and make Indiana oneof the nation’s healthiest states.

IU Health is the largest health system in Indiana with nearly 40,000 team members, 15 hospitals and $8.64 billion in operating revenue. The system’s programs in cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, orthopedics, pediatrics and transplants have received national recognition for quality patient care. IU Health, in partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine, bring together highly skilled physicians, researchers, and educators into close collaboration to provide world-class care for children and adults and improve the health of patients and communities across Indiana.

Indiana University Health is dedicated to a fair hiring process and is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination for all individuals, regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, expression, sexual orientation, or veteran status.