Senior Lab Specialist

Salem Health; Salem, Northern (OR, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Career development

Job summary

Salem Health is seeking a Senior Lab Specialist for its Regional Lab in Salem, OR. The role leads microbiology operations, ensures quality, and drives accreditation readiness across the department.

You will guide technical procedures, mentor staff, and manage LIS interfaces while collaborating with medical directors and managers to maintain high standards of testing, results delivery, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; CLIA coursework if not in a science field.
• MLS/MT certification in the relevant department at date of hire.
• At least eight CEUs per year.
• Four years of recent related laboratory experience in a complex setting.
• Experience with a Laboratory Information System.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accreditation readiness and quality control/QA programs.
• Develop and update technical procedures and manuals.
• Research trends and analyze cost-benefit to improve lab services.
• Provide training programs and competency activities for staff.
• Supervise staff and assist with scheduling and performance feedback.
• Oversee LIS use and interfacing with instruments and middleware.
• Maintain instrument maintenance records and downtime procedures.
• Collaborate with medical directors and managers on operations and planning.
• Participate in equipment evaluation, procurement, and implementation.
• Manage inventory and coordinate with purchasing and operations.

Skills

Quality control

Training

Leadership

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

MLS/MT certification (ASCP/ACSP)

Tools

Laboratory Information System

Job description

Location: Regional Lab, 3300 State Street, Salem, Oregon 97301 Department: Laboratory Clinical Services Position Type: Full Time, 40 hours/week, Non-Exempt Schedule: 6:00 am - 2:00 pm, five 8-hour shifts, Monday - Friday, rotating weekends Your role with us

The senior lab specialist serves as a technical expert and leader in the microbiology laboratory, driving quality, innovation, and compliance while setting high standards of performance. This role requires advanced knowledge and skills to develop and implement technical procedures, quality control/quality assurance programs, and training initiatives, while maintaining expertise in emerging trends and technologies. As a senior specialist, this individual will provide technical guidance, assist with departmental goal setting and performance monitoring, and contribute to laboratory operations, strategic planning, and staff development, while ensuring seamless testing, results delivery, and compliance with accreditation standards.

What you'll do

• Maintain high standards of performance and accreditation compliance, ensuring survey readiness and implementing quality control/quality assurance programs.
• Develop and update technical procedures, policies, and manuals to meet accreditation standards and personnel needs.
• Conduct research on emerging trends, assists with cost-benefit analysis, and recommends changes to enhance lab services.
• Provide effective training programs, ongoing education, and competency activities for staff.
• Assist with daily workload prioritization and performance, and may exercise technical supervision and guidance over staff.
• Provide feedback on staff technical performance and assists with staffing and scheduling as needed.
• Implement and maintain laboratory information system (LIS) knowledge, ensuring efficient use and interface with instrumentation and middleware.
• Maintain accurate records of instrument maintenance and repair, and provides timely notification of malfunctions. Ensures downtime procedures and related materials are current and complete.
• Works collaboratively with medical directors, managers, supervisors, and staff to share information and foster high levels of staff involvement and decision-making.
• Participate in equipment evaluation, procurement, and implementation processes, including thorough technical evaluation and vendor comparison.
• Maintain inventory control, minimizes operating expenses, and works effectively with purchasing and laboratory operations teams.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, if bachelor’s is not in a science field, must have sufficient course workrequired to meet CLIA requirements for highly complex testing.
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (ACSP/AMT) or ASCP specialty certification in the associated laboratory department at date of hire. (i.e. MLS, MT).
• Participation in a minimum of eight CEUs per year.
• Four years of recent related work experience in laboratory area of comparable complexity and services, exhibiting extensive and current knowledge of lab discipline.
• Experience with a Laboratory Information System.

Total rewards package

Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations and professional growth. Click here for details.

Why Salem Health?

Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care.

We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you’ll find more than a job,you’ll find purpose, connection, and room to thrive.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].