Pathology Lab Assistant Jobs in Gurnee, IL (NOW HIRING)

Pathology Lab Manager – Dermatopathology

Location: [Location]
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Compensation: $110,000–$136,000/year, depending on experience

Position Overview

Lighthouse Lab Services is seeking an experienced Pathology Lab Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of a high-volume dermatopathology laboratory. The Pathology Lab Manager will be responsible for laboratory operations, staff supervision and development, workflow optimization, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

This position will work closely with laboratory staff, physicians, and other stakeholders to ensure efficient, accurate, and timely specimen processing while supporting the organization's operational goals.

The Lab Manager will also provide hands-on bench support up to 30% of the time, particularly during periods of increased volume or staffing shortages, to help maintain laboratory workflow and turnaround time expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

• Oversee daily laboratory operations to ensure quality, efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Monitor laboratory workload and adjust staffing and workflow to meet operational demands.
• Conduct daily laboratory rounds to evaluate workflow, staffing, environment, and team needs.
• Triage tasks and resources as needed to maintain efficient laboratory operations.
• Provide hands-on bench support as needed, up to 30% of the time.

Leadership & Staff Management

• Supervise laboratory supervisors and technical staff, providing direction, coaching, and support.
• Provide backup coverage for laboratory supervisors during absences or staffing vacancies.
• Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative laboratory environment.
• Address employee performance and operational concerns in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Lead staff recruiting, onboarding, development, and retention efforts.

Training & Development

• Develop and maintain training materials, including SOPs, checklists, instructional videos, and troubleshooting guides.
• Coordinate orientation and training for new employees.
• Provide ongoing and remedial training as needed.
• Oversee technical competency assessments and ensure staff meet required certification and performance standards.
• Identify opportunities for employee growth and professional development.

Scheduling & Performance Management

• Develop and approve staff schedules to maintain appropriate laboratory coverage.
• Review and approve PTO requests while ensuring adequate staffing levels.
• Review and approve timesheets for direct reports and designated supervisory staff.
• Conduct 90-day and annual performance evaluations.
• Complete technical competency assessments and develop performance improvement or staff development plans as needed.

Workflow & Process Improvement

• Evaluate laboratory workflows and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Analyze operational data and make recommendations regarding staffing, workflow, and equipment.
• Implement approved process improvements and operational changes.
• Support the evaluation and acquisition of new laboratory equipment, including cost analysis and operational impact.

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and safety standards, including CLIA, HIPAA, and OSHA.
• Maintain laboratory quality standards through QC monitoring, instrument monitoring, and adherence to SOPs.
• Oversee incident documentation, investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Ensure SOPs and laboratory procedures are maintained and updated as needed.
• Monitor staining quality and overall technical performance.

Equipment, Supplies & Facility Management

• Ensure laboratory equipment and facilities are maintained in a safe and functional condition.
• Coordinate equipment validation, maintenance, repair, and replacement.
• Monitor laboratory supply inventory and ensure appropriate materials are available to support operations.
• Assist with troubleshooting and resolution of equipment or facility issues.

Requirements

• Associate degree or higher in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related field.
• HT or HTL certification through ASCP.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a high-volume pathology laboratory.
• Minimum 3 years of laboratory leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of pathology laboratory operations, quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop laboratory staff.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Willingness and ability to perform bench duties as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $110,000–$136,000/year, depending on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with $500 employer matching contribution
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability
• Voluntary short-term disability insurance
• Additional life insurance options
• Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Cancer Guardian coverage
• 401(k) with employer contribution

About Us

At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 22 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.

It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual

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