Medical Technologist Lead

Merit Health Central; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401k matching

Student loan support

Competitive pay

Job summary

Merit Health Central in Jackson, MS is seeking a Medical Technologist Lead to coordinate and oversee quality laboratory operations across sections. You will ensure testing accuracy, compliance with CLIA, CAP, and Joint Commission standards, and serve as a technical resource for staff.

The role includes training and evaluating staff, maintaining LIS/EMR systems, coordinating workflow, inventory, and safety protocols, and supporting accreditation readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology or related field is required.
• 2–4 years of experience as a Medical Technologist in a clinical laboratory.
• 0–2 years leadership, training, or quality management in a lab preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs and reports moderate/high-complexity tests per CLIA, CAP standards.
• Oversees daily lab operations: workflow, inventory, staffing.
• Monitors QC, resolves discrepancies, manages proficiency testing.
• Conducts staff competency assessments and training.
• Maintains equipment; liaises with LIS/EMR and safety.
• Ensures safety compliance and PPE usage.
• Supports accreditation readiness and regulatory inspections.

Skills

Laboratory procedures

Quality control

Regulatory compliance

Instrument troubleshooting

LIS / EMR

Staff training

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science

Tools

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

EMR software

Job description

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Future Security – 401(k) with employer matching to help you build long-term financial stability.
• Student Loan Support – Up to $20,000 repayment assistance, because we invest in your future.
• Competitive Pay & Full Benefits – A salary and package designed to reward your expertise and dedication.

Role: Medical Technologist Lead

Location: Merit Health Central

Schedule: Full-Time Days 3/2 split 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, and every other weekend

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