Job Description: Laboratory Lead
Department: Diagnostics – Laboratory
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Laboratory Manager / Diagnostics Operations Manager / Diagnostics Leadership
Work Location: Chicago, IL (60647 Zip Code)
About EPIC HealthAt EPIC Health, we are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered healthcare through reliable clinical services and efficient operations. Our Diagnostics team plays a critical role in supporting accurate laboratory testing, timely results, and continuity of patient care across our clinical locations. We are seeking an experienced, organized, and solutions-oriented Laboratory Lead to oversee daily laboratory operations, support and develop laboratory staff, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic testing. This individual will serve as a key connection between laboratory staff and leadership, helping maintain high operational standards while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. What You'll DoLaboratory Operations & Technical Oversight Oversee daily clinical laboratory operations, including testing workflows, equipment performance, specimen processing, and result reporting. Monitor laboratory equipment functionality and coordinate maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs to minimize downtime. Ensure laboratory instruments, reagents, controls, and testing materials are properly maintained and used according to established procedures. Support the validation and implementation of new testing methodologies, instruments, and laboratory protocols. Ensure specimens that can be tested within EPIC's laboratory capabilities are retained and processed internally in accordance with established procedures. Provide hands-on testing support during staffing shortages, high-volume periods, or other operational needs. Monitor testing turnaround times and address workflow issues that may delay results.
Team Leadership & Staff Development:
Coordinate laboratory staffing and schedules to maintain adequate coverage across laboratory sections and locations.
Communicate schedule changes and staffing concerns to management promptly.
Train, coach, and support laboratory technicians to ensure competency, consistency, and adherence to established protocols.
Monitor staff performance, identify training needs, and promptly communicate performance deficiencies to management.
Support onboarding and competency development for new employees.
Promote accountability, collaboration, and clear communication across the laboratory team.
Foster a positive, professional work environment that balances high standards with teamwork and morale.
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure compliance with applicable CLIA, COLA, CMS, Michigan LARA, MDHHS, and other relevant federal and state requirements.
Maintain and update laboratory policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practices.
Oversee quality control, calibration, linearity studies, proficiency testing, and other required quality assurance activities.
Investigate procedural deviations, testing discrepancies, and quality concerns; coordinate appropriate corrective and preventive actions.
Ensure critical values and STAT results are promptly communicated by laboratory staff to the appropriate physician, Advanced Practice Provider (APP), or designated clinical contact according to established policy.
Ensure required MDHHS reporting for applicable government-monitored tests is completed accurately and within required timeframes.
Maintain organized, complete documentation and support preparation for regulatory inspections and audits.
Communicate audit findings, deficiencies, and corrective action plans transparently to management.
Inventory & Resource Management:
Oversee laboratory inventory to maintain adequate supplies based on testing volume and operational needs.
Monitor expiration dates, reagent stability, storage conditions, and supply utilization to minimize waste.
Follow standardized purchasing and purchase order (PO) procedures.
Coordinate with vendors and management regarding equipment, supplies, service needs, and operational issues.
Identify opportunities to improve resource utilization, control costs, and maintain efficient laboratory operations.
Communication & Continuous Improvement:
Maintain open, timely, and transparent communication with laboratory staff, management, providers, vendors, and other departments.
Provide management with regular updates regarding laboratory performance, staffing, equipment, inventory, compliance, and operational concerns.
Consult with management before implementing significant operational changes or workflow adjustments.
Identify operational dysfunction, investigate root causes, and recommend practical process improvements.
Collaborate with Diagnostics leadership and other Nuwell teams to improve laboratory performance, patient service, and operational efficiency.
Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives and pursue ongoing professional development.
Travel between clinical locations as needed to support laboratory operations.
Perform additional duties and work at other locations as assigned based on operational needs.
What You Bring
Required Qualifications:
Relevant education, training, and laboratory experience appropriate to the responsibilities of the role.
Strong working knowledge of clinical laboratory operations, testing procedures, quality control, calibration, reagents, and specimen collection materials.
Proficiency in operating laboratory instruments and troubleshooting common equipment or workflow issues.
Knowledge of applicable laboratory regulations, including CLIA, CMS, COLA, and relevant state requirements.
Experience with laboratory quality assurance, proficiency testing, linearity, and documentation requirements.
Ability to develop, interpret, and implement laboratory policies and standard operating procedures.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to lead staff, coordinate schedules, deliver training, and address performance or workflow concerns.
Proficiency with laboratory information systems (LIS), electronic health records (EHR), and Microsoft Office.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and make sound operational decisions within the scope of the role.
Flexibility to travel between clinical locations as operational needs require.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience in a laboratory lead, senior technician, supervisory, or laboratory operations role.
Experience overseeing laboratory operations across multiple clinical locations.
Experience preparing for regulatory inspections, responding to audit findings, and implementing corrective actions.
Experience with inventory management, vendor coordination, and laboratory supply purchasing.
Experience training laboratory staff and implementing new testing methodologies or workflows.
EPIC's Values & Approach:
We look for leaders who take ownership, remain responsive, and continuously improve how work gets done.
Continuous Improvement: Identify operational problems, evaluate root causes, and implement meaningful improvements.
High Performance: Maintain high standards for accuracy, productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
Accountability: Take ownership of laboratory performance and ensure issues are addressed promptly.
Teamwork: Support staff development and collaborate effectively with clinical and operational teams.
Serious Fun: Build a positive and engaging team culture while maintaining the professionalism and reliability required in a clinical laboratory.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements:
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
Ability to perform repetitive manual tasks requiring precision and attention to detail.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work in a clinical laboratory environment and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).Ability to follow applicable laboratory safety, infection control, and biosafety procedures.
Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the role.
Why Join EPIC Health?
Take a leadership role in supporting accurate and timely diagnostic testing.
Help develop laboratory staff and strengthen operational performance.
Contribute to quality improvement and process innovation.
Work collaboratively with clinical and operational leadership.
Support the continued growth and efficiency of EPIC's Diagnostics services.
What We Offer:- Competitive compensation
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off and applicable holidays
- Professional development and training opportunities
- A collaborative work environment with opportunities for growth
- Employment Requirements
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable background checks, verification of required qualifications, and other pre-employment requirements. All laboratory activities must be performed in accordance with applicable regulations, laboratory policies, and the employee's qualifications and authorized responsibilities.
EPIC Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Apply today to join EPIC Health's Diagnostics team and help lead reliable, high-quality laboratory operations that support exceptional patient care.
