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$38.5K

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How much do lead medical laboratory scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead medical laboratory scientist in the United States is $61,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $73,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead medical laboratory scientist?

Lead Medical Laboratory Scientists are highly trained professionals who oversee laboratory operations, supervise staff, and ensure the accuracy and quality of test results. They perform complex laboratory tests, troubleshoot instruments, and enforce safety and quality control protocols. In addition to their technical expertise, they often train new employees, coordinate schedules, and serve as a liaison between laboratory staff and management. Their leadership helps ensure that medical diagnoses and treatments are based on reliable laboratory data.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead medical laboratory scientist?

To thrive as a Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist, you need advanced knowledge of laboratory procedures, a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field, and certification such as MLS(ASCP). Proficiency with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and relevant quality control protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set outstanding candidates apart by enabling effective team management and collaboration. These competencies ensure accurate test results, regulatory compliance, and efficient laboratory operations.

How does a lead medical laboratory scientist typically balance supervisory responsibilities with hands-on laboratory work?

Lead Medical Laboratory Scientists often split their time between supervising team members and conducting complex laboratory tests themselves. They are responsible for overseeing workflow, ensuring quality control, and mentoring junior staff, while also stepping in to perform or troubleshoot challenging procedures as needed. Effective time management and strong communication skills are crucial, as the role requires both direct leadership and active technical participation. Collaborating closely with pathologists, clinicians, and other laboratory professionals is also a key part of the job, ensuring accurate and timely patient results.

What is the difference between Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist vs Medical Laboratory Scientist?

AspectLead Medical Laboratory ScientistMedical Laboratory Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires ASCP or AMT certification, relevant bachelor's degree, and experienceSame certifications and educational requirements as Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist
Work EnvironmentSupervises lab staff, manages workflows, ensures quality controlPerforms testing, analyzes samples, reports results
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in hospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities with leadership rolesCommon in clinical labs, hospitals, diagnostic centers

The Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist typically holds a supervisory role, overseeing testing processes and staff, while the Medical Laboratory Scientist focuses on performing laboratory tests and analyzing samples. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the lead position involves additional responsibilities in management and quality assurance.

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What cities are hiring for Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs?

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Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,663 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist

UPMC Senior Communities

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$31.83 - $48.21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Join UPMC's Automated Testing Lab - Now Hiring a Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist (Night Shift)
UPMC Presbyterian is seeking a dedicated Lead Medical Lab Scientist to join our Automated Testing Laboratory team located in the Clinical Lab Building in Oakland, just steps from UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. This role will focus on our Gas Lab.
This is a full-time night shift position Monday to Friday with rotating holiday responsibilities.
If you're passionate about precision, innovation, and making a difference in patient care through high-quality laboratory science, we invite you to bring your expertise to one of the region's most advanced clinical lab environments.
We are proud to offer a competitive sign-on bonus of up to $15,000 for eligible candidates!
Responsibilities:
  • ACT AS A SUPERVISOR DESIGNATE.
    • Assumes supervisory duties and performs in charge duties as needed.
    • Evaluates problems in the absence of the Supervisor and solves those that are possible.
    • Communicates problems with the Laboratory Supervisor, Manager or Director as appropriate.
    • Participates in an extensive administrative call rotation with the other supervisory staff (only for Tissue Typing Laboratory).
  • COMPETENCY.
    • Assists supervisory personnel in the observation and documentation of laboratory staff competency.
  • OPERATIONS.
    • All duties of a Medical Technologist.
    • Ensures that instrument maintenance and/or function checks are performed and documented accurately, according to procedure.
    • Troubleshoots instrument malfunctions and informs the Laboratory Supervisor, Manager or Director of problems.
    • Reviews QC logs. Documents and brings to the attention of the Laboratory Supervisor, Manager or Director any errors, omissions or discrepancies in QC.
    • Compiles QA data and prepares reports as directed by the Laboratory Supervisor, Manager or Director.
    • Monitors proficiency testing activity and assists the Director with evaluation of results and documentation of responses to deficiencies.
    • Assists the Laboratory Supervisor or Manager with staff scheduling as directed.
  • SERVE AS A ROLE MODEL.
    • Maintains confidentiality regarding patient, hospital and laboratory business. Interacts professionally with other departments.
    • Represents the Laboratory on Hospital committees as needed.
    • Adheres to abnormal and/or critical results reporting policy and turn-around-time policy.
    • Participates in and monitors quality assurance indicators.
    • Adheres to personal appearance standards and displays hospital ID badge.
    • Telephone / Internet privileges are followed according to policy.
    • Complies with attendance and tardiness policy. Helps to monitor subordinate attendance and tardiness.
    • Adheres to the compliance policy and serves as a resource for subordinate questions.
    • Adheres to all safety policies as outlined in the Laboratory Safety Manual.
  • PURCHASING AND INVENTORY.
    • Demonstrates awareness of appropriate inventory levels in all relevant sections of the laboratory. Takes action to prevent supply shortages or overages.
    • Performs purchasing of supplies in the absence of the Laboratory Supervisor or Manager as directed.
  • TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION.
    • New procedures are mastered within established time frames. Demonstrates awareness of changes in procedures and protocols.
    • Performs orientation and training assignments in an organized, thorough manner.
    • Serves as a resource to other employees by sharing knowledge of procedures or testing outcomes when consulted.
    • Develops, performs and/or evaluates special projects.
    • Performs test evaluations and validations of new procedures and/or reagent systems.
    • Formulates, authors and/or revises procedures according to CLSI guidelines.
    • Prepares and delivers student lectures and bench instruction where relevant

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college/university AND successful completion of an accredited Medical Lab Scientist program, OR
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college/university with a major in biological, chemical, or clinical laboratory science AND ASCP or equivalent categorical or MLT certification, OR
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college/university with a major in biological, chemical, physical, or clinical laboratory science AND at least two years' experience in a role equivalent to that of a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) in a clinical laboratory.
  • Three years' experience as a Medical Lab Scientist required, including two years' experience in the host laboratory preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances
  • ASCP or equivalent certification in medical technology (MT) or categorical certification preferred.
  • Certification as a Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT) by the American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI) preferred (only for HLA Laboratory).
  • Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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