Lead Laboratory Technologist

Monday - Friday, 8:30-5p

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Division of Diagnostic Sciences focuses on oral radiology and pathology through a combination of basic science and general dentistry, guides the diagnosis of oral diseases, and helps develop patient treatment plans. The Oral Microbiology discipline provides diagnostic clinical microbiology, microbiological research, microbiology training and sterilization monitoring services to both the school and the community of dental practitioners in North Carolina and the surrounding geographic area.

The Oral Microbiology Laboratory ( OML), within the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at the Adams School of Dentistry ( ASOD), provides specialized laboratory services supporting infection control and quality assurance activities for the School and dental practitioners throughout North Carolina and surrounding areas. Services include sterilizer monitoring and dental unit waterline testing.

The primary purpose of the Lead Laboratory Technologist is to provide day-to-day technical, operational, and supervisory leadership for the infection control laboratory services of the OML. The position is responsible for coordinating the daily operations and workflow of the Sterilization Monitoring Service and dental unit waterline testing program and for ensuring laboratory services are performed accurately, safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established procedures, quality control standards, and applicable safety requirements.

The position directly supervises assigned permanent, temporary, and student employees and is responsible for assigning and prioritizing work, providing training and technical guidance, monitoring work quality and completion, coordinating scheduling and operational coverage, and addressing performance and workflow concerns. The position serves as the primary day-to-day technical and operational resource for laboratory staff and independently troubleshoots testing, equipment, quality control, workflow, and other operational issues within established procedures and escalation parameters.

As a working supervisor and technical resource, the position maintains proficiency in laboratory testing procedures and performs sterilizer monitoring, dental unit waterline testing, microbiological procedures, media preparation, quality control activities, and related laboratory functions as needed to support workload and continuity of operations. The position reviews testing activities and results, coordinates repeat or follow-up testing when results fall outside established standards, maintains testing procedures and documentation, and provides established technical guidance to internal and external clients regarding testing results and appropriate next steps.

The position has responsibility for the day-to-day administration, safety, quality control, and resources of the laboratory. Responsibilities include serving as the laboratory's designated EHS Primary Investigator; maintaining and coordinating required updates to the Laboratory Safety Plan; monitoring laboratory safety and quality control activities; maintaining procedures, operational records, and safety documentation; coordinating equipment maintenance and troubleshooting; monitoring supplies and inventory; and coordinating purchasing and other resources necessary to maintain uninterrupted laboratory operations. The position maintains a University purchasing card and performs or provides backup for applicable laboratory purchasing activities.

The position also serves as a primary point of contact for day-to-day laboratory operations and client service, communicates with internal and external customers regarding laboratory services and operational issues, and collaborates with ASOD leadership and administrative units, laboratory staff, students, and dental practices to support the effective operation and continued delivery of OML infection control services.

Bachelor's degree in medical technology, chemistry, or a biological science; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require compliance with current Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments ( CLIA) regulations.

Experience performing and overseeing microbiological laboratory procedures, including aseptic technique, culture and media preparation, Gram staining, quality control, and interpretation of laboratory test results.

Experience supervising or leading laboratory staff, including assigning and prioritizing work, coordinating workflow, providing training and technical guidance, and monitoring work quality and completion.

Experience with infection control or quality assurance laboratory services, including sterilizer monitoring, biological indicator testing, dental unit waterline testing, or similar environmental or microbiological testing.

Experience coordinating laboratory operations, including quality control and safety practices, laboratory equipment, inventory and supplies, standard operating procedures, required records and documentation, and laboratory resources.

Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot technical and operational issues, interpret laboratory results using established standards, communicate technical information, and provide guidance to staff and internal or external clients.

This position requires the ability to perform detailed laboratory procedures requiring manual dexterity, visual acuity, accuracy, and sustained attention. Work may require standing for extended periods and the safe operation of laboratory equipment and handling of biological specimens, cultures, media, chemicals, and potentially contaminated materials in accordance with established laboratory safety procedures. The position must be able to maintain concentration and accuracy while performing and overseeing repetitive and precision-based laboratory procedures, reviewing test results and quality control information, and responding to multiple operational priorities.

Not Applicable.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.