Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology

Position: Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist – Microbiology

Location: Dover, Delaware
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM
Pay: $32.03–$49.64 per hour
Sign-On Bonus: Up to $12,000

Position Overview

The Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist works closely with the Laboratory Section Supervisor and/or Laboratory Manager to ensure accurate, timely, and efficient laboratory operations. This position serves as a key technical resource for laboratory staff and may assume designated supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Section Supervisor or Manager.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on Microbiology experience, excellent troubleshooting skills, and the ability to provide technical guidance while maintaining high standards for quality, patient safety, regulatory compliance, and customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Laboratory Section Supervisor and/or Laboratory Manager with the operational and technical management of the Microbiology section.
• Coordinate daily laboratory activities and ensure appropriate staffing and workload distribution.
• Serve as a technical resource and problem-solving expert for laboratory personnel.
• Perform Medical Laboratory Scientist testing and technical duties as needed during staffing shortages or increased workload.
• Ensure proper specimen handling, processing, testing, and timely results reporting.
• Report critical and significant values promptly and document actions according to established procedures.
• Monitor quality control activities, QC results, and laboratory performance.
• Perform proficiency testing and maintain complete and timely documentation.
• Perform linearity studies, calibrations, and patient correlations according to established protocols.
• Review patient results and investigate potential testing or reporting issues.
• Investigate unsuccessful proficiency testing results and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Monitor equipment performance and review maintenance and service records.
• Assist with developing, validating, documenting, and implementing new laboratory procedures.
• Monitor inventory, reagent levels, reagent logs, and supply needs.
• Coordinate instrument service calls and communicate with equipment and supply vendors.
• Assign daily tasks and provide technical direction to laboratory staff.
• Assist with training, orientation, and competency assessment of laboratory personnel and students.
• Participate in staff evaluations and personnel selection activities as requested.
• Support infection control, laboratory safety, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Maintain hazardous chemical documentation and ensure SDS/MSDS information is readily available.
• Assist with maintaining adequate staffing coverage during unexpected vacancies.
• Perform statistical analysis and assist with performance improvement initiatives and reports.
• Oversee QC and reagent lot rollovers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, including:

• 16 semester hours of Biological Science, including at least one semester of Microbiology
• 16 semester hours of Chemistry, including at least one semester of Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry
• One semester/quarter of Mathematics

OR

Associate's Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology for incumbents in the position prior to 2005.

Certification

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS/ASCP) certification required.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Technician, or equivalent.
• Experience must be in a high-complexity laboratory.
• Microbiology laboratory experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Previous Lead MLS, Senior MLS, or laboratory supervisory experience.
• Strong hands-on Microbiology laboratory background.
• Experience training and evaluating laboratory personnel.
• Experience with quality assurance, proficiency testing, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong laboratory troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Additional certification related to the position, where applicable.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is an MLS/ASCP-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist who combines strong Microbiology expertise with technical leadership skills.

You should be comfortable:

• Leading and supporting laboratory staff.
• Troubleshooting complex testing and instrumentation issues.
• Monitoring quality control and laboratory performance.
• Maintaining regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Training and evaluating laboratory personnel.
• Managing changing workloads and staffing needs.
• Supporting continuous quality improvement.
• Working collaboratively with laboratory leadership and other healthcare professionals.
  
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