Laboratory Operations Manager

Lighthouse lab Services seeks a Laboratory Operations Manager to serve a new client on an exciting project in Durham, NC

About the Client

In this position, you'll be joining an exciting early phase opportunity with a vibrant, financially supported, not-for-profit laboratory startup in The Research Triangle, NC dedicated to rare disease detection. The ideal candidate will be integral in the operation and management of lab services to accelerate the detection of the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) gene.

About Durham

Durham, NC offers a unique mix of energy, culture, and livability that makes it an attractive place to live and work. Known for its vibrant food scene, walkable downtown, and strong sense of community, Durham blends historic charm with innovation as part of the Research Triangle. Residents enjoy easy access to top universities, world-class healthcare and research, greenways and parks, and a thriving arts and music scene, all with a lower cost of living than many major metro areas. Durham sits in the heart of North Carolina with easy access to other major metros like Raleigh, Cary, and Chapel Hill as well as a few hours to the coast and Blue Ridge Mountains.

Overview

The Laboratory Operations Manager leads daily operations for a high-complexity molecular diagnostics laboratory, overseeing PCR, NGS, immunoassay, and general chemistry testing. This role is responsible for workflow optimization, quality and compliance, staff oversight, and instrument performance across platforms including Quant Studio 5 (TaqMan assays), Illumina systems, DXC 700, and KingFisher instruments. The ideal candidate brings hands-on molecular expertise with strong operational leadership.

Basic duties and responsibilities

• Manage the daily operational needs of the entire laboratory, ensuring consistent workflows are maintained in each department to meet the off-shift requirements
• Oversee testing performance, ensuring accurate and timely results are produced to meet the workload demands
• Write and oversee standard operating procedures
• Serve as an effective conduit to other laboratory leadership with support on addressing staff performance issues, process improvements initiatives, meeting key quality indicators, and promoting a productive work environment
• When faced with staffing shortfalls, adjusts work assignments of team members to meet/exceed turnaround time expectations, and follow established guidelines
• Using the LIS, ensure accurate data generation, retention, and retrieval. Assist in developing and monitoring metrics/reports to assess productivity and turnaround time.
• Oversee team members by ensuring they are regularly following policies and procedures. Support department leadership by ensuring completion of required staff reviews. Signs off on policies, regulatory items, meeting minutes and safety updates.
• Research and resolve problems and share expert knowledge on technical issues, such as unusual specimens or test results, specimen management, instrument problems and troubleshooting support. Escalate issues as needed.
• Actively support each department's maintenance programs to ensure equipment and instrument maintenance requirements are consistently followed
• Consult with lab medical directors and appropriately addresses physicians regarding laboratory findings
• Assist with answering inquiries from customers regarding interpretation of lab results
• Ability to lead and adapt in new situations
• Other responsibilities as identified by laboratory leadership

Basic Preferred Profile

• Bachelor's degree in one of the following: biology, medical technology, microbiology, chemistry, or biochemistry
• At least 5 years' experience working in a high complexity molecular testing lab preferably in an independent reference lab
• • ASCP certification highly preferred but not required
• Experience with a start-up laboratory
• Experience with NGS, PCR, and general Chemistry testing using but not limited to Quant Studio 5 for TaqMan assays, Illumina for validations, DXC 700 for immunoassays, and KingFisher instruments
• At least 3 years with proven operations management experience
• Demonstrated ability to coach, develop and motivate team members

Salary, Benefits, and Schedule

• Salary of $125-$150K
• Full benefits package
• First shift M-F

About Us:
At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has more than 22 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.

Lighthouse Lab Services |844-914-0785|lighthouselabservices.com

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