Laboratory Manager (Imaging & Molecular Biology)

Lighthouse is partnering with an innovative, growth-stage diagnostics organization dedicated to advancing precision oncology through specialized laboratory testing. The company develops and commercializes proprietary assays designed to detect and characterize tumor cells that have metastasized to the central nervous system. Its cerebrospinal fluid–based platform enables quantitative analysis and molecular profiling of rare tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA, supporting more informed clinical decision-making. The organization is actively expanding its commercial footprint across the United States.

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Laboratory Technologist – Imaging & Molecular Sciences plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, high-complexity clinical testing services. Working in close partnership with Laboratory and Medical Directors, this individual ensures compliance with regulatory standards (including CLIA and CAP) while driving operational excellence across imaging workflows.

This role also collaborates cross-functionally with Operations leadership to enhance laboratory processes, scale testing capabilities, and support strategic growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Microscopy & Image Interpretation

• Lead and perform rare-cell detection and tumor cell enumeration using multi-channel fluorescence microscopy platforms.

• Analyze and interpret multi-spectral fluorescent images, differentiating true cellular signals from artifacts, debris, or nonspecific staining.

• Apply standardized interpretation criteria and reporting guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency across operators.

• Support ongoing optimization of imaging protocols and analytical workflows.

Quality Systems & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready documentation of test results, quality control metrics, and laboratory processes.

• Ensure adherence to CLIA, CAP, and internal quality system requirements.

• Investigate atypical or borderline findings in collaboration with scientific and medical leadership.

• Participate in inter-operator concordance studies and quality improvement initiatives related to imaging performance.

Operations & Team Leadership

• Oversee daily imaging workflows in alignment with laboratory throughput and batching schedules.

• Drive continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability, and accuracy.

• Train, mentor, and supervise laboratory technologists on imaging systems, interpretation standards, and best practices.

• Prioritize workload distribution, monitor team performance, and support operational goal attainment.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, and Scientific teams to support business objectives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Cytotechnology, or a related life sciences discipline required; PhD with industry experience preferred

• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in cytology, histopathology, immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, diagnostic imaging, or related high-complexity laboratory environments.

• Prior experience in CLIA- and/or CAP-regulated laboratories strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience with fluorescent microscopy, multi-channel image analysis, and DNA FISH analysis

• Proficiency with professional image analysis platforms (e.g., Bioview, Zeiss, Olympus, Celigo, or equivalent)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly document and present findings.

• Proven leadership experience in a fast-paced, regulated laboratory setting.

Required Competencies

• Solid understanding of high-complexity clinical laboratory operations and quality management systems.

• Working knowledge of GLP, laboratory safety standards, and documentation best practices.

• Demonstrated expertise in high complexity multicolor image analysis and an ability to troubleshoot technical and operational issues and implement workflow improvements

• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

• Ability to quickly learn and implement new imaging technologies and analytical tools.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

• Capable of working independently while contributing effectively to cross-functional teams.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: $100,000–$125,000

• Annual Bonus: 15%

• Equity and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) included

• Relocation Assistance: Yes, it's offered (amount dependent on geography)

• Medical Coverage: Employer pays 85% of premiums

• Dental and Vision Coverage: 100% paid by employer

• 401(k) Plan: with 4% employer match

• Holidays: 13 paid per year

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 4 weeks, increases 1 day per year over first 5 years

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 orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Lighthouse Lab Services is committed to working and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including persons with disabilities.If at any time during the application process, you need an accommodation, please contact recruiting@lighthouselabservices.com for assistance.Lighthouse Lab Services | 844-974-1929 | https://www.lighthouselabservices.com/

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