Lead Microbiologist

CHS Career Site; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Health Systems, Inc. is seeking a Medical Technologist Lead to coordinate and oversee laboratory operations in Fort Wayne, IN. You will ensure testing accuracy, QC, staff competency, and regulatory compliance while serving as a technical resource.

The role requires a Bachelor's in a medical laboratory field and 2–4 years of MT experience, with 0–2 years in leadership preferred. Responsibilities include equipment maintenance, training, and accreditation readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or related field required.
• 2–4 years as Medical Technologist in a clinical lab required.
• 0–2 years leadership/training/quality management in a lab preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee quality laboratory operations.
• Ensure testing accuracy and timely reporting per CLIA, CAP, and other standards.
• Monitor QC and proficiency testing within required timeframes.
• Conduct competency assessments and provide ongoing training.
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and escalate issues as needed.
• Ensure safety protocols and PPE adherence in the lab.
• Liaise with administration, supervisors, and staff on issues and regulatory updates.
• Support accreditation readiness including data collection and audits.
• Maintain LIS data entry and reporting per hospital policies.
• Assist with phlebotomy and specimen collection when needed.
• Maintain attendance and comply with all policies.

Skills

Leadership

Quality control

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Training

Problem solving

LIS/EMR knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science

Tools

LIS

EMR software

Job description

Job Summary
The Medical Technologist Lead is responsible for coordinating, overseeing and ensuring quality laboratory operations within an assigned section of the laboratory. This role oversees testing accuracy, quality control, regulatory compliance, equipment maintenance, training, and staff competency assessments. The Medical Technologist Lead also serves as a technical resource, ensuring compliance with hospital policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements while performing laboratory testing as needed.

Essential Functions

• Performs, verifies, and reports moderate and high-complexity laboratory tests, ensuring timely, accurate, and reliable results in compliance with CLIA, CAP, and other regulatory standards.
• Oversees daily laboratory operations, including workflow management, supply inventory, and staffing coordination, to ensure efficient and uninterrupted service.
• Monitors quality control (QC) measures, troubleshoots discrepancies, and ensures all proficiency testing is performed and reported within required timeframes.
• Conducts competency assessments for laboratory staff, providing ongoing training, mentorship, and performance evaluations in alignment with laboratory and hospital policies.
• Ensures all laboratory equipment is properly maintained, following manufacturer guidelines, troubleshooting malfunctions, and escalating issues to the Administrative Lab Director as necessary.
• Oversees compliance with safety regulations, ensuring proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), adherence to infection control protocols, and compliance with the laboratory safety plan.
• Acts as a liaison between laboratory administration, supervisors, and staff, effectively communicating instrument malfunctions, QC issues, unusual patient results, and regulatory updates.
• Supports accreditation readiness efforts, assisting with data collection, audits, and documentation for regulatory inspections, including CAP, CLIA, Joint Commission, and OSHA.
• Maintains and updates the Laboratory Information System (LIS), ensuring proper test entry, results reporting, and compliance with hospital and laboratory informatics policies.
• Assists with phlebotomy and specimen collection as needed, ensuring proper patient identification, sample integrity, and compliance with collection protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology or, Chemical, Physical, Biological, or Clinical Laboratory Science required
• 2-4 years of experience as a Medical Technologist in a clinical laboratory setting required
• 0-2 years Previous experience in leadership, training, or quality management within a laboratory environment preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in laboratory methodologies, instrument troubleshooting, and workflow optimization.
• Strong understanding of quality control, proficiency testing, and regulatory compliance requirements (CAP, CLIA, Joint Commission).
• Ability to train and mentor staff, conducting competency evaluations and ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to identify and resolve laboratory issues promptly.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, ensuring clear and accurate reporting of laboratory data.
• Knowledge of laboratory information systems (LIS) and electronic medical record (EMR) software.

Licenses and Certifications

• MLS - Medical Lab Scientist (Formally MT Certification) through ASCP, AAB, AMT or equivalent certification agency required
• State license where applicable required and
• Additional certification in specialized laboratory areas (e.g., microbiology, hematology, blood bank) preferred

Job Info

• Job Identification 169683
• Job Category Allied Health
• Posting Date 11/10/2026, 10:19 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Shift Day
• Locations 7950 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN, 46804, US