Laboratory Manager - Core Lab

Lighthouse Lab Services is representing a leading healthcare system in the Cary, NC area that is seeking an experienced Core Lab Manager to lead a high-performing clinical laboratory team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced laboratory leader who thrives in a fast-paced, patient-focused environment and is passionate about operational excellence, staff development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement. The Core Lab Manager will oversee day-to-day laboratory operations while supporting strategic initiatives, regulatory compliance, and exceptional patient care outcomes.

Monday–Friday | Day Shift
Leadership flexibility required based on operational needs

Position Overview

The Core Lab Manager is responsible for the operational, technical, and personnel oversight of the Core Laboratory, ensuring efficient workflow, high-quality testing, regulatory compliance, and outstanding service to physicians and patients.

This leadership role requires strong clinical laboratory knowledge, excellent communication and team management skills, and the ability to effectively coordinate laboratory operations across multiple disciplines. While the standard schedule is Monday through Friday on day shift, flexibility is required to support departmental needs, staffing, projects, and operational priorities.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in clinical laboratory operations, proven leadership experience, and the ability to drive quality and process improvement initiatives within a collaborative healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Core Laboratory to ensure quality, productivity, and service standards are met
• Manage laboratory staff including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, coaching, and professional development
• Ensure compliance with CAP, CLIA, OSHA, and all applicable regulatory and accreditation standards
• Monitor workflow, turnaround times, staffing levels, and operational efficiency
• Support and lead quality assurance, quality control, and process improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with laboratory leadership, pathologists, and hospital administration on departmental goals and strategic planning
• Assist with implementation, validation, and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and new testing procedures
• Troubleshoot operational and instrumentation issues as needed
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels, supply management, and budget awareness
• Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, patient safety, and continuous improvement
• Ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and adherence to laboratory policies and procedures
• Support staff competency assessments, continuing education, and regulatory readiness activities

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or related field preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of clinical laboratory experience 
• 4 years of leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
• Strong background in Core Lab operations required
• Experience with high-complexity testing and laboratory regulations required
• Experience in hospital laboratory environments preferred

Certifications

Preferred certifications include:

• ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology)
• Equivalent national laboratory certification

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Sign-on bonus and/or relocation assistance available for select openings
• Career advancement opportunities within a respected healthcare organization

About Us

At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 22 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.

It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual

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