Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology

Job Description

Job Description

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.
  -TS

Company Description

LanceSoft is rated as one of the largest staffing firms in the US by SIA. Our mission is to establish global cross-culture human connections that further the careers of our employees and strengthen the businesses of our clients. We are driven to use the power of our global network to connect businesses with the right people, and people with the right businesses without bias. We provide Global Workforce Solutions with a human touch.

Company Description

LanceSoft is rated as one of the largest staffing firms in the US by SIA. Our mission is to establish global cross-culture human connections that further the careers of our employees and strengthen the businesses of our clients. We are driven to use the power of our global network to connect businesses with the right people, and people with the right businesses without bias. We provide Global Workforce Solutions with a human touch.