Lead Laboratory Technician; CLS​/MLS; Specimen Management; UVA Core Laboratory

Position: Lead Laboratory Technician (CLS/MLS) - Specimen Management (UVA Core Laboratory)
Laboratory operations depend on accuracy, efficiency, and strong leadership at every step of the testing process. As the Lab Lead Technician, Specimen Management, you will play a critical role in ensuring specimens are received, processed, routed, and managed correctly while serving as a key operational leader for the evening and night shift team.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead front-end laboratory operations during a transformative period for UVA Health's Core Laboratory. You'll help guide workflow improvements, support team development, and influence how critical laboratory processes evolve as automation systems are rebuilt and expanded. For experienced specimen processing professionals seeking leadership responsibility, operational impact, and long-term career growth, this role offers a unique next step.

** The Role*
* As a lead member of the Specimen Management team, you will oversee evening and night shift specimen receiving and processing operations while remaining actively engaged in the daily work of the department. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will provide guidance, quality oversight, problem-solving support, and workflow coordination in a dynamic laboratory environment.

You will serve as a primary resource for staff, helping ensure specimens are processed accurately and efficiently while maintaining alignment with managers, supervisors, and fellow laboratory leaders.

Key responsibilities include:

+ Overseeing evening and night shift specimen management operations within the Core Lab

+ Receiving, accessioning, processing, centrifuging, aliquoting, and routing specimens to appropriate testing destinations

+ Providing day-to-day leadership, coaching, and support for laboratory support staff

+ Training new team members and reinforcing best practices for quality and safety

+ Monitoring work quality and helping prevent, identify, and correct processing errors

+ Serving as a key decision-maker for evening shift workflow management

+ Supporting operational continuity during major laboratory transformation initiatives

+ Assisting with the development and implementation of manual workflows during automation system transitions

+ Collaborating across shifts to communicate process changes and operational priorities

+ Helping prepare laboratory operations for future multi-site service models

This role requires strong specimen-processing expertise, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to lead confidently in a fast-paced environment. Candidates who enjoy balancing hands-on laboratory work with leadership responsibilities will find meaningful opportunities to make an impact.

** Why UVA Health*
* UVA Health is one of the nation's leading academic health systems, combining exceptional patient care, innovative research, advanced technology, and a culture committed to continuous improvement. Every specimen processed supports critical diagnostic and treatment decisions that directly affect patient outcomes across the organization.

What makes this opportunity particularly compelling:

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** Lead evening and night shift operations during a major laboratory transformation initiative*
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** Play an active role in redesigning workflows as automation systems are rebuilt and expanded*
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** Gain valuable leadership experience without requiring a Clinical Laboratory Scientist credential*
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** Influence operational decisions and process improvements that directly impact laboratory performance*
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** Work in a highly collaborative environment alongside laboratory leaders, supervisors, and technical professionals*
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** Develop expertise across the entire front-end laboratory workflow*
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** Enjoy a hands-on leadership role that balances operational oversight with direct laboratory involvement*
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** Access professional growth opportunities that can support advancement into laboratory support leadership or operations management*
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** Participate in an organization that values education, professional development, and internal career mobility*
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** Join a team where emerging leaders are encouraged to grow and expand their responsibilities*
* This position is especially attractive for experienced specimen processors, laboratory support professionals, and aspiring leaders seeking a pathway into laboratory operations leadership while continuing to apply their technical expertise every day.

** Why People Love Living in Charlottesville*
* Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life with the…