Molecular Laboratory Supervisor

Gilder Search Group; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid health insurance

Retirement plan after 6 months

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Lighthouse Lab Services seeks a Molecular Laboratory Supervisor to lead a CLIA high‑complexity molecular diagnostics laboratory in Durham, NC.

You will oversee operations, quality systems, regulatory compliance, specimen and asset management, and hands‑on testing services.

This role offers a Monday–Friday schedule with opportunities for growth, a salary range of $80K–$110K, fully paid health insurance, and retirement plan eligibility after six months.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biology, or related scientific discipline.
• 2+ years of experience performing high-complexity molecular diagnostic testing in a CLIA-certified laboratory.
• 1+ years of experience in a senior technologist, lead, or supervisory role.
• Must meet CLIA qualifications to serve as General Supervisor for a high-complexity laboratory.
• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems platforms and various computer systems
• Working knowledge of CLIA/CAP regulations and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the CLIA high-complexity molecular diagnostics laboratory.
• Oversee laboratory workflow and operations including specimen receipt, accessioning, storage, quality control, inventory management, and operational readiness to ensure efficient and compliant laboratory performance.
• Perform complex molecular-based procedures with a high degree of quality and in accordance with established protocols, including nucleic acid extraction and qualification, next generation sequencing, and microarray analysis.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop laboratory personnel by coordinating staffing, onboarding, training, competency assessments, performance management, and fostering a collaborative, patient-centered culture of excellence.
• Maintain compliance with CLIA, CAP, OSHA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulatory, quality and safety requirements, including quality management systems, proficiency testing, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Support implementation and optimization of new molecular assays, instrumentation, laboratory automation, and technologies, including equipment installation, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), validation, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Monitor laboratory performance using key operational and quality metrics, including turnaround time, specimen quality, first-pass yield, repeat testing, equipment utilization, and customer service indicators, driving continuous operational improvements.
• Partner with BioLabs facilities staff, equipment vendors, and cross-functional teams to maintain laboratory infrastructure, coordinate service activities, manage laboratory safety and regulated waste, and support laboratory expansion and operational scalability.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by laboratory management.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science

ASCP certification (MLS, MB, or equivalent)

Master's degree in Medical Laboratory Science

Tools

LIS/LIMS knowledge

Genomics testing platforms

Job description

Lighthouse lab Services seeks a Molecular Laboratory Supervisor to serve in an existing laboratory in Durham, NC.

About the Client

A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing targeted therapies for glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, through innovative research focused on improving patient outcomes and treatment options. The laboratory, located within a collaborative life sciences facility in downtown Durham, offers a unique opportunity to work alongside biotechnology startups, translational researchers, and emerging life science companies in an environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and scientific discovery.

About Durham, NC

Durham, NC offers a unique mix of energy, culture, and livability that makes it an attractive place to live and work. Known for its vibrant food scene, walkable downtown, and strong sense of community, Durham blends historic charm with innovation as part of the Research Triangle. Residents enjoy easy access to top universities, world-class healthcare and research, greenways and parks, and a thriving arts and music scene, all with a lower cost of living than many major metro areas. Durham sits in the heart of North Carolina with easy access to other major metros like Raleigh, Cary, and Chapel Hill as well as a few hours to the coast and Blue Ridge Mountains.

About the Position

The Molecular Laboratory Supervisor will provide day-to-day leadership for a high-complexity molecular diagnostics laboratory, overseeing operations, personnel, quality systems, specimen and asset management, regulatory compliance, and hands-on testing services. This is a unique opportunity to help build a precision oncology laboratory focused on glioblastoma while working within Durham’s dynamic life sciences and biotechnology community.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the CLIA high-complexity molecular diagnostics laboratory, ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality testing while meeting turnaround time and service objectives.
• Oversee laboratory workflow and operations including specimen receipt, accessioning, storage, quality control, inventory management, and operational readiness to ensure efficient and compliant laboratory performance.
• Perform complex molecular-based procedures with a high degree of quality and in accordance with established protocols, including nucleic acid extraction and qualification, next generation sequencing, and microarray analysis.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop laboratory personnel by coordinating staffing, onboarding, training, competency assessments, performance management, and fostering a collaborative, patient-centered culture of excellence.
• Maintain compliance with CLIA, CAP, OSHA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulatory, quality and safety requirements, including quality management systems, proficiency testing, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Support implementation and optimization of new molecular assays, instrumentation, laboratory automation, and technologies, including equipment installation, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), validation, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Monitor laboratory performance using key operational and quality metrics, including turnaround time, specimen quality, first-pass yield, repeat testing, equipment utilization, and customer service indicators, driving continuous operational improvements.
• Partner with BioLabs facilities staff, equipment vendors, and cross-functional teams to maintain laboratory infrastructure, coordinate service activities, manage laboratory safety and regulated waste, and support laboratory expansion and operational scalability.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by laboratory management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biology, or related scientific discipline.
• 2+ years of experience performing high-complexity molecular diagnostic testing in a CLIA-certified laboratory.
• 1+ years of experience in a senior technologist, lead, or supervisory role.
• Must meet CLIA qualifications to serve as General Supervisor for a high-complexity laboratory
• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems platforms and various computer systems
• Working knowledge of CLIA/CAP regulations and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biology, or related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of experience performing high-complexity testing in a CLIA-certified laboratory.
• 2+ years of experience in a lead or supervisory role.
• Experience with molecular diagnostics, including nucleic acid extraction, NGS, bead-based microarray analysis, and the use of automated liquid handling systems.
• In-depth knowledge CLIA/CAP regulations and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
• ASCP certification (MLS, MB, or equivalent) is preferred.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities with keen attention to detail.
• Experience with clinical laboratory startup or expansion.

Schedule, Salary, Benefits

• This is a Monday - Friday, first shift role, with the opportunity for growth and advancement.
• Salary is between $80K-110K depending on education and experience
• Fully paid health insurance and participation in retirement plan after 6 months
• Other perks and benefits

About Us:

At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 22 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.

It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, Lighthouse Lab Services will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.