Laboratory Manager

Job Description

Laboratory Manager – High Complexity CLIA Laboratory (Molecular & Toxicology)

Location: Columbus, OH

Compensation: $85,000 – $110,000 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 place—including a dedicated phlebotomy supervisor—and 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

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Biological, or Clinical Laboratory Science.

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

3–5+ 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 mindset—comfortable 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 law. In addition, Lighthouse Lab Services will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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