Medical Laboratory Supervisor I

Class Concept

This is professional and technical supervisory work in directing a large, dynamic laboratory; or a small, highly sophisticated laboratory, or in the university system. Employees supervise laboratories that vary in dynamics, size, number of employees' complexity and variety of procedures. Employees are responsible for planning and coordinating the work within the respective laboratory assigned, projecting and managing budgets, and participating in or being accountable for the personnel functions of the laboratory. In larger, more dynamic laboratories employees may establish and ensure quality control standards are being met, review any abnormal test results, and troubleshoot unusual equipment or procedure malfunctions. Employees may also provide consultation for several levels including employees in the laboratory, other laboratory supervisors, physicians, nurses, or other health care providers. Work may include other related work as assigned by management. This level of work is distinguished from the Medical Laboratory Supervisor II by the size and dynamics of the laboratory, variety and technical complexity of procedures, and degree of administrative accountability. Employees are typically supervised by either a higher level Medical Laboratory Supervisor, Medical Director or Health Administrator.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of classic and molecular microbiology methods and interpretations.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation of medical laboratory equipment, of disease pathophysiology as it relates to laboratory testing.
• Considerable technical knowledge necessary to troubleshoot test procedures and interpret laboratory results.
• Thorough knowledge of the assigned area of medical technology, of quality assurance, quality control standards, laboratory operational policies and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of the hazards of working with potentially infectious materials and the appropriate precautions to take to avoid infection.
• Ability to supervise and conduct management functions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and medical personnel and ability to analyze reports and troubleshoot problem areas.
• Ability to research, develop and implement procedures, methods and training materials.
• Ability to perceive colors normally.
• Skill in organizing and coordinating multi-faceted test procedures.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in medical technology, chemistry, or a biological science from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in a laboratory in the assigned area, one of which is in a supervisory or other leadership capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA'88 personnel requirements for a general supervisor in a laboratory performing high complexity testing.