Job Description

Under the direction of the CLIA Medical Director, the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) & Lab Supervisor is responsible for performing and overseeing high-complexity molecular testing to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant results that support patient care. This is a working supervisor role in a small clinic-based molecular laboratory and includes hands-on bench testing along with daily operational oversight. Responsibilities include workflow coordination, quality systems management, SOP maintenance, inventory control, staff training and competency, and maintaining COLA accreditation standards. The MLS & Lab Supervisor serves as the primary on-site laboratory lead and works closely with clinic leadership and the laboratory director to maintain efficient, compliant operations.

Duties

• Perform high-complexity molecular testing including specimen processing, nucleic acid extraction and amplification, and result verification in accordance with established procedures and laboratory standards.
• Oversee daily laboratory workflow to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and timely reporting of results in a small team environment.
• Serve as on-site laboratory supervisor, providing training, competency assessment, and day-to-day guidance for laboratory personnel.
• Receive, label, store, and prepare patient specimens for analysis; evaluate specimen integrity and resolve issues as needed.
• Operate, maintain, validate, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and equipment; coordinate calibration and service as appropriate.
• Establish, implement, and monitor quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) programs; review QC data and initiate corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable laboratory regulatory and documentation standards, including compliance with CLIA and COLA requirements.
• Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs); ensure procedures are current, accurate, and consistently followed.
• Maintain laboratory documentation including maintenance logs, QC records, competency assessments, validation studies, and quality records.
• Manage laboratory inventory including reagents, consumables, and supplies; monitor usage trends and coordinate ordering to maintain uninterrupted operations.
• Enter, review, and release test results in the Laboratory Information System (LIS) with a high level of accuracy and compliance.
• Communicate critical values or unusual findings to clinicians promptly and professionally.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient laboratory environment that supports safe and effective operations.
• Collaborate with clinic leadership and providers to support patient care, workflow efficiency, and continuous process improvement.
• Assist with evaluation and implementation of new tests, equipment, or workflows as needed.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Work is performed in a clinical molecular laboratory environment handling biohazardous materials and requiring adherence to established laboratory safety and handling standards.
• Schedule may include weekday, evening, or occasional weekend coverage depending on clinic and testing needs.
• This is a working supervisor position with regular bench responsibilities.

Facilities Culture & Your Role

We are committed to delivering accurate and timely diagnostic information that directly impacts patient care. As the MLS & Lab Supervisor, you will function as both the technical lead and operational anchor of a small, high-performing molecular laboratory. Your leadership will ensure reliable testing, strong quality systems, and efficient daily operations that directly support clinicians and patients.

This role is well suited for someone who values precision, accountability, and ownership, and who takes pride in building and maintaining a highly reliable laboratory within a collaborative clinic setting.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related chemical, physical, or biological science from an accredited program.
• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or equivalent by a nationally recognized certifying agency (e.g., ASCP Board of Certification), or eligibility to obtain certification within a defined timeframe.
• Meets qualifications for high-complexity testing personnel in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated experience performing or ability to learn high-complexity laboratory testing, preferably in a molecular or PCR-based environment.
• Strong working knowledge of laboratory quality systems, SOP management, documentation standards, and regulatory readiness.
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems and general computer applications.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills with the ability to work independently while supervising a small team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior supervisory or lead laboratory experience in a clinical setting.
• Experience establishing or maintaining a molecular or PCR laboratory.
• Familiarity with CLIA/COLA requirements
• Two or more years of clinical laboratory experience, including molecular diagnostics.