Lead laboratory Technologist; MLS​/CLS; Laboratory Automation; UVA Core Laboratory

Technology is rapidly reshaping the future of laboratory medicine, and this role sits at the center of that transformation. As the Lead Technologist in Lab Automation, you will help drive the next generation of Core Laboratory operations by supporting sophisticated automation systems, troubleshooting complex instrumentation, and influencing how laboratory workflows evolve to better serve patients and providers.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a laboratory professional who enjoys solving technical challenges, working hands‑on with instrumentation, and exploring the intersection of laboratory science, automation, and informatics. You'll join a forward‑thinking team helping advance one of the most innovative areas of modern laboratory medicine.

As the Lead Technologist, you will serve as a key technical resource within the Core Laboratory, supporting automation systems that impact multiple laboratory disciplines. This position combines hands‑on technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, allowing you to influence operations while remaining actively involved in the work itself.

You will play a critical role in supporting the Core Lab's transition toward expanded total laboratory automation, helping ensure automation equipment, middleware systems, and connected workflows operate efficiently and effectively.

In a typical day, you may:

• Support and troubleshoot laboratory automation systems and instrumentation.
• Investigate equipment issues and perform hands‑on technical troubleshooting.
• Work directly with automation equipment, including inspection, repair support, and system evaluation.
• Support laboratory middleware functionality and operational rule management.
• Assist with the integration of laboratory instruments and information systems.
• Collaborate with technical staff, laboratory leadership, and operational teams on workflow optimization.
• Train, mentor, and support laboratory team members on automation processes and best practices.
• Monitor system performance and identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Participate in the implementation and expansion of automation technology across the Core Laboratory.
• Help develop solutions for complex operational and technical challenges.

This role is ideal for candidates who enjoy understanding how systems work, diagnosing problems, improving laboratory efficiency, and applying their technical expertise to large‑scale operational initiatives.

UVA Health is a nationally recognized academic health system where innovation, discovery, research, and patient care come together to improve lives every day. The Core Laboratory plays a vital role in supporting diagnostic services throughout the organization, and automation is becoming increasingly important to delivering timely, accurate laboratory results.

What makes this opportunity especially compelling:

• Help shape the future of laboratory operations through expanded total laboratory automation initiatives.
• Be directly involved in a major automation rebuild and expansion project that will influence laboratory workflows for years to come.
• Work at the intersection of laboratory science, automation, technology, and informatics.
• Develop highly marketable expertise in laboratory automation, middleware, equipment integration, and systems troubleshooting.
• Gain exposure to emerging technologies as UVA Health continues advancing laboratory innovation.
• Join a collaborative environment with supportive leaders who encourage professional growth and development.
• Expand your knowledge across multiple laboratory disciplines and interconnected workflows.
• Build experience that can support future opportunities in laboratory informatics, automation leadership, technical systems management, or…