Lab Lead

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Full Time Administrative Staff Chicago, IL, US

2 days ago Requisition

Department: Diagnostics – Laboratory
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Laboratory Manager / Diagnostics Operations Manager / Diagnostics Leadership
Work Location:Chicago, IL (60647 Zip Code)

At EPIC Health, we are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered healthcare through reliable clinical services and efficient operations. Our Diagnostics team plays a critical role in supporting accurate laboratory testing, timely results, and continuity of patient care across our clinical locations.

We are seeking an experienced, organized, and solutions-oriented Laboratory Lead to oversee daily laboratory operations, support and develop laboratory staff, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic testing. This individual will serve as a key connection between laboratory staff and leadership, helping maintain high operational standards while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

Oversee daily clinical laboratory operations, including testing workflows, equipment performance, specimen processing, and result reporting.

Monitor laboratory equipment functionality and coordinate maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs to minimize downtime.

Ensure laboratory instruments, reagents, controls, and testing materials are properly maintained and used according to established procedures.

Support the validation and implementation of new testing methodologies, instruments, and laboratory protocols.

Ensure specimens that can be tested within EPIC's laboratory capabilities are retained and processed internally in accordance with established procedures.

Provide hands‑on testing support during staffing shortages, high-volume periods, or other operational needs.

Monitor testing turnaround times and address workflow issues that may delay results.

Coordinate laboratory staffing and schedules to maintain adequate coverage across laboratory sections and locations.

Communicate schedule changes and staffing concerns to management promptly.

Train, coach, and support laboratory technicians to ensure competency, consistency, and adherence to established protocols.

Monitor staff performance, identify training needs, and promptly communicate performance deficiencies to management.

Support onboarding and competency development for new employees.

Promote accountability, collaboration, and clear communication across the laboratory team.

Foster a positive, professional work environment that balances high standards with teamwork and morale.

Ensure compliance with applicable CLIA, COLA, CMS, Michigan LARA, MDHHS, and other relevant federal and state requirements.

Maintain and update laboratory policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practices.

Oversee quality control, calibration, linearity studies, proficiency testing, and other required quality assurance activities.

Investigate procedural deviations, testing discrepancies, and quality concerns; coordinate appropriate corrective and preventive actions.

Ensure critical values and STAT results are promptly communicated by laboratory staff to the appropriate physician, Advanced Practice Provider (APP), or designated clinical contact according to established policy.

Ensure required MDHHS reporting for applicable government‑monitored tests is completed accurately and within required time frames.

Maintain organized, complete documentation and support…