Lab Supervisor - Microbiology

10 Nationwide Children's Hospital; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking a qualified individual for oversight of laboratory specimen processing and technical decisions. This leadership role requires effective communication and organizational skills, ensuring quality compliance and a supportive team environment.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree and over 2 years of relevant laboratory experience. Certification from ASCP is preferred.

Qualifications

• Greater than 2 years’ experience in a similar laboratory required.
• Valid Ohio driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.
• American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee processing/testing of laboratory specimens.
• Promote quality assurance protocols.
• Ensure staff education/competency and training.
• Maintain safety guidelines and enforce compliance.
• Monitor laboratory operations and schedules.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Technical skills

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in laboratory science or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Specific responsibilities include technical, procedural and operational oversight of basic bacteriologic procedures, including specimen processing, gram staining and interpretation of clinical samples, reading and interpretation of cultures, rapid identification testing, automated testing, quality assurance, and compliance.

Overall expectations include demonstrated supervisory skills and ability to lead a team, effective organizational, communication and technology skills along with discipline‑specific technical skills.

The leader should promote a team environment and maintain a cooperative and supportive atmosphere.

Job Description Summary

Responsible for oversight of processing/testing of laboratory specimens and technical decisions/direction.

Includes direction of workforce, problem investigation and resolution, developing and implementing procedures/processes, assuring quality and regulatory compliance tasks, assignment/delegation of duties, education/competency and training, and communication with a variety of different customers.

Essential Functions

• Maintains and enforces all safety guidelines OSHA, Joint Commission, and CAP within the department.
• Oversees quality assurance protocols as required.
• Oversees instrument maintenance program, supports regular preventive maintenance, and maintains records of service.
• Attends continuing education seminars and workshops; maintains current knowledge.
• Trains new staff members and ensures staff is competent/educated regarding processes and protocols.
• Maintains fiscal accountability through maximizing available resources, monitoring inventory of supplies and replenishing as needed.
• Demonstrates appropriate management of financial resources and contributes to section planning, budgeting, and overall processes.
• Demonstrates awareness of technical/professional strengths and weaknesses and seeks opportunities to develop further.
• Develops and maintains clear goals for operation maintaining a positive attitude toward attainment of those goals.
• Serves as assigned on‑call coverage for the department.
• Monitors day‑to‑day laboratory operations and schedules.
• Demonstrates ability to select, train and motivate staff.
• Maintains equitable and appropriate workflow and responsibilities, awareness of staff development issues, provides timely and specific feedback and coaching.
• Provides oversight to processing/testing/resulting specimens.
• Creates, updates, educates, promotes, implements, and maintains Policies and Procedures.
• Maintains working knowledge of technical principles, instrumentation, processes, and technology.
• For testing area fills the role of the CLIA “General Supervisor” for High Complexity testing and “Technical Consultant” for Moderate Complexity testing.

Education Requirements

• Testing Areas: Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution OR Bachelor’s degree equivalent as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations 42CFR493.1405(b)(5)(i)(B).
• Non‑Testing Areas: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Master’s degree preferred.

Licensure Requirements

• Valid Ohio driver’s license and proof of auto insurance as required by hospital policy and position‑specific requirements.
• Must pass motor vehicle background inspection, insurance eligibility, driving qualifications, and training set forth by Nationwide Children’s Hospital and maintain qualification of insurance guidelines.

Certifications

• American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification, preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrated supervisory skills and ability to lead a team.
• Effective organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrates discipline‑specific technical skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Promotes a team environment and maintains a cooperative and supportive atmosphere.

Experience

Greater than 2 years’ experience in a similar laboratory, required.

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally: Bend/twist, climb stairs/ladder, fume/gases/vapors, lifting/carrying 11‑20 lbs, 21‑40 lbs, loud noises, pushing/pulling 0‑25 lbs, 26‑40 lbs, reaching above shoulder, squat/kneel.
• Frequently: Chemicals/medications, machinery, walking continuously.
• Continuously: Audible speech, biohazard waste, blood and/or bodily fluids, color vision, communicable diseases and/or pathogens, computer skills, decision making, depth perception, flexing/extending of neck, hand use: grasping, gripping, turning, hearing acuity, interpreting data, lifting/carrying 0‑10 lbs, peripheral vision, problem solving, repetitive hand/arm use, seeing – far/near, sitting, standing.

The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the individuals so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision.

EOE M/F/Disability/Vet