Specimen Processing Supervisor, Renton Lab: Microbiology

Position: Specimen Processing Supervisor, Renton Central Lab: Microbiology
Job Description Who we’re looking for:

The UW Medicine
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Renton, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Specimen Processing Supervisor with the Microbiology Lab at the Renton Central Lab .The Microbiology Specimen Processing Supervisor (SPS) oversees and coordinates operations within Microbiology Pre-analytical Processing section, with a primary focus on microbiology workflows. This role ensures accurate and timely specimen accessioning, specimen handling and processing, distribution in support of microbiological testing, including but not limited to culture setup, Gram stains, and molecular diagnostics.

Other technical responsibilities of this role are the oversight, operation, and maintenance of automated microbiology instrumentation. This includes systems such as the WASP (Walk-Away Specimen Processor), automated plate streaking platforms, total laboratory automation (TLA) systems, smart incubators, and digital imaging platforms. The supervisor also oversees environmental and equipment monitoring systems such as Temp Trak, ensuring continuous temperature and environmental compliance for incubators, refrigerators and freezers.

This position is responsible for staff oversight, including but not limited to hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, evaluations, and performance management. Working closely with the microbiology manager, MLS leads, and other laboratory section’s staff and leadership, this position supports operational efficiency, quality outcomes, and organizational goals. The supervisor ensures compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards and actively participates in quality improvement initiatives.

Work schedule:

100% FTEEvening shift

Work schedule to be discussed with the hiring manager

What you’ll contribute:

Supervise and coordinate pre-analytical operations with emphasis on microbiology specimen accessioning, processing, and workflow.

Oversee all CLT functions related to specimen handling and processing.

Oversee operation, monitor, and maintain automated microbiology systems, including WASP, automated streakers, smart incubators, and digital imaging systems.

Delegate and perform routine and preventive maintenance, calibration checks, and quality control for microbiology instrumentation.

Troubleshoot instrument errors, document issues, and coordinate vendor support and service calls as needed.

Oversee environmental monitoring systems such as Temp Trak, including temperature tracking for incubators, refrigerators, freezers, and ambient storage areas.

Respond to temperature excursions and alarms, perform required documentation, and initiate corrective actions in accordance with policy.

Ensure proper specimen processing for microbiology testing, including appropriate media selection, labeling, incubation setup, and routing.

Train and ensure staff competency in microbiology processing workflows, automation platforms, and monitoring systems.

Assign, delegate, schedule, and oversee staff workload to support a 24/7 SPS operation.

Conduct employee performance evaluations and address performance issues, including corrective actions.

Responsible for recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and ongoing staff development

Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission, and Department of Health.

Monitor quality indicators and utilize systems (e.g., HC1, incident reporting tools) to identify and resolve errors or workflow issues.

Collaborate with microbiology and other laboratory sections to improve turnaround times and service quality.

Oversee inventory management for supplies, including but not limited to culture media, reagents, and consumables.

Ensure completion of equipment maintenance…