Laboratory Manager

Laboratory Manager High Complexity CLIA Laboratory (Molecular & Toxicology)

Location: Columbus OH
Compensation: $85000 $110000 per year (depending on experience)
Schedule: Full-Time On-Site
Laboratory Type: High-Complexity CLIA Molecular Diagnostics Toxicology Blood & Urine Chemistry

About the Opportunity

Lighthouse Lab Services is representing a rapidly growing high-complexity CLIA laboratory that performs molecular toxicology and chemistry testing. The lab is located in Columbus OH and is now offering molecular diagnostics using the QuantStudio 5 blood and urine chemistry testing and phlebotomy services for local healthcare partners including nursing homes.

The facility has been operational for just under a year with strong foundational support in placeincluding a dedicated phlebotomy supervisorand is now seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to oversee operations and help scale the lab as testing volume increases. The lab owner is based in New York so this role requires a confident hands-on leader who can serve as the primary on-site authority.

Job Summary

The Laboratory Manager will oversee daily workflow quality systems regulatory compliance and technical performance across molecular diagnostics toxicology and chemistry testing. This individual will be responsible for optimizing processes supporting a growing testing menu and occasionally working the bench during peak times or staffing gaps. Candidates with a hospital laboratory background are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Oversee daily laboratory operations across molecular toxicology blood and urine testing.

• Ensure compliance with CLIA high-complexity regulations and internal quality standards.

• Streamline workflows identify inefficiencies and lead scaling initiatives as volume grows.

• Manage inventory procurement equipment maintenance and prevent downtime.

• Serve as the main on-site leadership presence for an off-site owner.

Technical & Bench Responsibilities

• Perform molecular testing using the QuantStudio 5 and troubleshoot instrumentation as needed.

• Support toxicology and chemistry assays on blood and urine analyzers.

• Step in at the bench during high-volume periods or staffing shortages.

• Ensure proper specimen handling workflow continuity and testing accuracy.

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain CLIA compliance documentation SOPs QC/QA programs and proficiency testing.

• Support method validations verifications and ongoing competency assessments.

• Work with newly added HR support as the lab develops formal benefits and policy structures.

Team Leadership

• Supervise laboratory technologists and collaborate closely with the phlebotomy supervisor.

• Train new hires and ensure ongoing staff competency and performance.

• Cultivate a collaborative and patient-centered laboratory culture.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Chemical Biological or Clinical Laboratory Science.

• ASCP certification preferred (MLS MLT MB or related).

• 35 years of experience in a high-complexity clinical lab; hospital background strongly preferred.

• Experience with molecular diagnostics; QuantStudio 5 experience a major plus.

• Familiarity with toxicology and routine chemistry analyzers preferred.

• Strong understanding of CLIA compliance documentation and quality systems.

Key Soft Skills

• Strong communication skills; confident representing the lab to leadership and clients.

• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize in a growing evolving environment.

• Hands-on leadership mindsetcomfortable jumping in where needed.

• Problem-solving mentality with a process-focused approach to scaling operations.

• Ability to work independently and make decisions in an owner-remote environment.

Salary and Benefits:

• 90-110k
• Additional stipend for open market benefits

About Us:

At Lighthouse Lab Services we offer solutions to help start grow and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 19 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 addition Lighthouse Lab Services will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Lighthouse Lab Services

#LLS3

Required Experience:

Manager