Lab Supervisor

Job Description and Requirements




Job Description



Function

• Laboratory personnel are responsible for the testing of patient body fluid and cells in search of disease, to verify drug levels and analyze chemical content. Once testing and examination is completed, results are provided to physicians for review and medical action. Laboratory supervisors oversee this process to ensure the laboratory runs effectively.
Responsibilities
• Supervisors oversee the work of laboratory personnel performing routine testing including planned laboratory work, evaluating performance and handling any procedural or technical problems that may occur. Supervisors will take measures to keep the laboratory running efficiently by developing and implementing quality control programs, preparing technical reports on lab activity and designing work schedules for personnel. Supervisors learn new laboratory procedures and techniques and introduce them to their team; they perform hiring, transfer and performance appraisals and also take responsibility for communication with the medical personnel and patients involved in testing.



Skills

Skills and Abilities

• Laboratory supervisors must possess strong knowledge of the basic principles and laboratory applications of biology, microbiology and chemistry. Understanding of information sources in biology, microbiology, chemistry and scientific methodology is required. Supervisors should have demonstrable comfort in the lab environment including laboratory facilities, methods, equipment and materials. Awareness of public health laboratory laws and regulations with computer experience is important along with written and verbal communication skills.
Education
• Laboratory supervisors for all laboratory environments generally require the completion of a collegiate or medical technical program for consideration. For a laboratory supervisor role in public health, the city of Houston, Texas, requires a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, chemistry or a related field. For those with less than three years' experience, a master's degree may be substituted for experience.