Clinical Laboratory Manager - Point of Care Testing

Join the MD Anderson Cancer Center Point of Care Testing Laboratory team and lead a highly specialized operation that directly supports patient care within the operating room and perioperative environment. This leadership opportunity is ideal for an experienced laboratory professional who combines strong clinical laboratory expertise with a passion for operational excellence, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and team development.

The Clinical Laboratory Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Point of Care and OR laboratory operations, ensuring high-quality testing services, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and exceptional customer service. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for laboratory functions while partnering closely with physicians, nursing leadership, perioperative services, information technology teams, and other clinical stakeholders to support optimal patient outcomes and organizational goals.

The ideal candidate will possess significant experience leading clinical laboratory operations, including quality management, regulatory compliance, accreditation readiness, staff supervision, budgeting, and process improvement. Experience within Point of Care Testing, Core Laboratory, Chemistry, Critical Care Testing, or perioperative laboratory environments is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate expertise with CAP, CLIA, Joint Commission, and other regulatory requirements, along with a proven ability to successfully lead quality initiatives, laboratory validations, technology implementations, and operational improvements.

This role is responsible for monitoring laboratory quality indicators, turnaround times, productivity metrics, and operational performance while ensuring compliance with all regulatory and institutional standards. The Laboratory Manager will lead continuous improvement initiatives, evaluate and implement new technologies and testing methodologies, support laboratory information system projects, and drive innovation to enhance patient care and operational effectiveness.

As a people leader, the successful candidate will oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, staff development, succession planning, and retention strategies while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture. Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills are essential, as this position works closely with multidisciplinary clinical teams and serves as a key operational leader within the laboratory division.

We are particularly interested in candidates with advanced scientific education, strong laboratory leadership experience, and a demonstrated ability to manage complex laboratory operations while balancing quality, compliance, financial stewardship, and employee engagement. Professional certification such as ASCP or equivalent is strongly preferred.

At MD Anderson Cancer Center, you'll have the opportunity to lead a critical laboratory service that directly impacts patient care at one of the world's premier cancer centers. MD Anderson offers competitive compensation, employer-paid medical coverage, comprehensive benefits, a defined-benefit pension plan, generous paid time off, tuition assistance, leadership development opportunities, wellness programs, and the opportunity to build a rewarding career while helping make cancer history.

Laboratory Operations & Quality Management
• Monitor, evaluate, and improve quality, efficiency, and appropriateness of testing
• Establish, review, and enforce quality control procedures and turnaround time standards
• Recommend corrective actions to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
• Maintain expertise in technical procedures, systems, and regulatory standards
• Integrate new technologies, equipment, and procedures into operations
• Assure effectiveness of all procedures across assigned laboratory areas

Quality Improvement & Compliance
• Identify, evaluate, and monitor quality improvement indicators
• Compile and present quality data for division CQI committee review
• Ensure full compliance with clinical laboratory regulatory standards
• Lead or participate in LIS and HIM-related initiatives and projects

Leadership & Team Development
• Develop recruitment, hiring, and retention strategies to ensure appropriate staffing
• Conduct structured interviews and evaluate candidates effectively
• Orient, train, and evaluate staff in accordance with regulatory guidelines
• Foster collaboration across departments and multidisciplinary teams
• Build cohesive, goal-oriented teams with clear roles and accountability
• Monitor attendance and adjust staffing schedules to maintain coverage

Financial & Resource Management
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and financial plans
• Monitor financial reports and respond to variances appropriately
• Forecast expenses and maintain cost-effective operations
• Reduce expenses through innovative personnel and resource strategies
• Negotiate vendor contracts and oversee purchasing processes
• Ensure efficient utilization of materials and staffing resources

Operational Efficiency & Cross-Training
• Promote cross-training to improve flexibility and technical competency
• Ensure proper inventory management aligned with workload demands
• Monitor time management practices across staff
• Support scheduling adjustments to maintain operational continuity
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Education

Required:
• Bachelor's Degree in a related science field or Molecular Genetic Technology OR
• Successful completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology accredited program

Preferred:
• Master's Degree in a related science field
• Doctorate in a related science field
Work Experience

Required:
• 8 years of clinical laboratory compliance and operations experience to include four years of supervisory or managerial experience OR
• 6 years of clinical laboratory compliance and operations experience to include four years of supervisory or managerial experience, with Master's degree OR
• 4 years of clinical laboratory compliance and operations experience to include four years of supervisory or managerial experience, with Doctorate degree
• Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate and/or LEADing Self Discover programs may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience. Completion of both programs can be substituted for a maximum of two years of supervisory or management experience
• 2 years of clinical laboratory compliance and operations experience may be substituted for required certification
Licenses and Certifications

Required (upon hire):
• ASCP - American Society of Clinical Pathologist Technologist/Scientist/Specialist certification OR
• CHS - Certified Histocompatibility Specialist, American College of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ACHI) OR
• CHT - Certified Histocompatibility Technologist, American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ACHI) OR
• MDT - Molecular Diagnostics Tech, American Medical Technologists (AMT) OR
• MT - Medical Technologist, American Medical Technologists (AMT)
Other Requirements
• Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.