PH LABORATORY MANAGER 2 - 09222026-81078

State of Tennessee; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 68,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Tennessee in Nashville is seeking a PH Laboratory Manager 2 to supervise daily laboratory operations in the Division of Laboratory Services. You will oversee testing, quality control, inventory, and staff, reporting to PH Manager 3/4 while ensuring compliance and performance indicators.

Required education includes a Bachelor's in Biology/related field with 3 years of lab experience and 2 years supervisory, or MLS program with 3 years experience; licensure eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, MLS or related field from an accredited college/university and 3 years of full-time lab experience; or 4-year MLS program with 3 years of experience; or meet CLIA qualification category with 3 years of experience and 2 years supervisory/managerial experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise technical personnel on daily operations and testing.
• Provide workforce development, coaching, and mentoring; ensure staff trained and competent.
• Assist in policy/procedure development and quality indicators to meet regulatory requirements.
• Monitor workflows and manage resources, inventory, and equipment maintenance.
• Support administrative activities including procurement and budget management.
• Maintain knowledge of infectious diseases and public health lab practices.
• Collaborate with internal/external stakeholders to ensure cohesive operations.

Skills

Team Management

Supervision

Laboratory Techniques

Data Analysis

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

MLS program completion

CLIA qualification eligibility

Tools

LIMS

Lab Equipment

Test Systems

Office Software

Job description

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time 09/22/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Job Information

Opening Date/Time 09/22/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time 10/12/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly) $5,647.00 - $7,326.00

Salary (Annually) $67,764.00 - $87,912.00

Job Type Full-Time

City, State Location Nashville, TN

Department Health

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DAVIDSON COUNTY

This position is located at the Division of Laboratory Services in Nashville, TN.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Sciences or related field of study from an accredited college or university, three years of full-time, pertinent laboratory experience in a related field study, and at least two years of supervisory and/or managerial experience; OR successful completion of an accredited, four year medical laboratory scientist program, and three years of full-time pertinent laboratory experience in the related field, and at least two years of supervisory and/or managerial experience.; OR meet CLIA Testing Personnel Qualification Category set forth in federal CMS regulations 42 CFR 493.1489 and three years of full-time pertinent laboratory experience in the related field, and at least two years of supervisory and/or managerial experience.

Substitution of Education for Experience: Graduate course work received from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for the required experience on a year-to-year basis to a maximum of two years (e.g., 24 graduate semester hours or 36 graduate quarter hours in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience), with there being no substitution for the supervisory or managerial experience. A transcript with ALL credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order for the agency to properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification. Additionally, up to two years of post-baccalaureate training (e.g., fellowships) in clinical and/or public health laboratory sciences may substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Necessary Special Qualifications

A PH Lab Manager 2 performing clinical duties and responsibilities must have or be eligible for a TN Medical Laboratory Supervisor License or TN Medical Laboratory Director License. Eligible incumbents must receive their TN Medical Laboratory Supervisory License or TN Medical Laboratory Director License within 12 months of hire date. Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license throughout the duration of employment.

Overview

The PH Laboratory Manager 2 assists with technical, operational, and administrative activities of a laboratory section in the TDH Division of Laboratory Services. Under general supervision of a PH Laboratory Manager 3 or PH Laboratory Manager 4 (Assistant Director), the incumbent serves as Laboratory Supervisor within a laboratory section with supervision over laboratory scientists and/or technicians, laboratory testing, daily operational activities, quality control and assurance, resource and inventory management, training, and provides technical and/or scientific consultation of average difficulty. This position performs advanced supervisory responsibilities with oversight of daily laboratory operations and testing within a laboratory section, broader supervision of lab personnel, and performs work with higher level of complexity compared to the PH Laboratory Manager 1 position.

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, is responsible for routine laboratory work of considerable difficulty as it relates to digital polymerase chain reaction methodology (dPCR).
• Supervise technical personnel on daily operations and testing. Provides workforce development and educational opportunities for personnel, including staff engagement, coaching and mentoring, staff recognition, and cross-training. Ensures laboratory staff are trained and competent in all applicable laboratory testing and workflows.
• Assist PH Manager 3 and/or PH Manager 4 in preparing, implementing, and monitoring policies, procedures, and performance/quality indicators to meet agency policies and procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and organizational goals. Ensures procedures, quality assurance documents, forms, and other documents a properly written, document controlled and retained in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Monitor daily workflows in the laboratory and oversee resource management of the section, including but not limited to ordering, maintaining reagent and supply inventory, sample/specimen archives, equipment inventory, equipment service/maintenance schedules, and general lab space and facility needs. Ensures that section is adequately stocked with reagents and supplies, all equipment are properly maintained, and samples/specimens are properly stored.
• Assist PH Manager 3 and/or PH Manager 4 with administrative activities including procurement, contracts, budget management, resource management, and participate in grant writing and other scientific writings. Maintain working knowledge of administrative procedures and processes.
• Maintain knowledge of clinical and public health infectious diseases, environmental laboratory science, and related laboratory specialties and proficiency/competency in technical operations. Perform both technical and non-technical duties as necessitated by personnel absence or peak workload to ensure continuity of testing and operations.
• Foster effective collaboration and communication with internal and external stakeholders. Works closely with other sections to integrate lab activities and ensure a cohesive work environment. Ensure there is effective written and oral communication between internal and external stakeholders.
• The responsibilities described indicate the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Competencies (KSA's)

• Manages Complexity
• Directs Work
• Plans and Aligns
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Being Resilient

Knowledges

• Public Health and Infectious Diseases
• Laboratory Operations and Management
• Public Health Lab Practices and Procedures
• Quality Management and Regulatory Standards
• Data Management and Informatics

Skills

• Team Management and Supervision
• Laboratory Techniques and Equipment
• Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Troubleshooting and Critical Thinking
• Quality and Safety Compliance

Abilities

• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Effective Written/Oral Communications
• Collaboration and TeamworkProblem Solving and Decision Making
• Building and Maintaining Relationships

Tools & Equipment

• General Laboratory Equipment
• Clinical and Environmental test Systems
• Communication and Collaboration Software
• General Office Equipment (Computer, Printer)
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

• Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.