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Lab Supervisor
UMass Medical School
Location : Worcester, MA, 01608
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : $120,000.00/Yr
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
Job Number: 2025-48694
Category:Healthcare
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift:Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt:Exempt
Business Unit:ForHealth Consulting
Department:ForHealth Consulting - Molecular Lab Unit (General) - W416939
Job Type:Full-Time
Union Code:Non Union Position-W25-Non Unit Classified
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Sept. 20, 2025
Work Location:Hybrid
Salary Minimum:USD $110,000.00/Yr.
Salary Maximum:USD $120,000.00/Yr.
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Lab Supervisor - Molecular
Job Number: 2025-48694
Category:Healthcare
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift:Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt:Exempt
Business Unit:ForHealth Consulting
Department:ForHealth Consulting - Molecular Lab Unit (General) - W416939
Job Type:Full-Time
Union Code:Non Union Position-W25-Non Unit Classified
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Sept. 20, 2025
Work Location:Hybrid
Salary Minimum:USD $110,000.00/Yr.
Salary Maximum:USD $120,000.00/Yr.
5 – 7 years of Development of High-throughput Clinical Molecular Assays
Must satisfy CLIA requirements for high complexity testing
Under the general direction of the Senior Scientist or designee, the Supervisor is responsible for all of the day-to-day technical and administrative activities of the molecular laboratory within the newborn screening program. Supervises all technical processes related to the molecular laboratory's testing of newborns, from specimen receipt through analysis with validated protocols and documentation of testing. Develops, evaluates and implements new DNA- or RNA-based methodologies to improve current screening, as well as add new capabilities. Implements quality assurance and safety activities inclusive of written protocols, selection of appropriate equipment and instrumentation, LIMS relationships, employee training, competency assessment, operations improvement, and proficiency testing. Serves as a significant expertise resource to the Newborn Screening Program (bringing new information and technology into the Program from outside sources, by reading and evaluating literature, and networking with colleagues), and independently contribute to development of molecular technologies applicable to our high throughput screening services.
- Oversees the scheduling and work activities of all Laboratory Analyst staff in a manner that ensures accurate and timely clinical testing and reporting.
- Oversees the instruction of all molecular-laboratory analyst staff, ensuring a diversity of competencies in molecular genetic theory, practice, assay development and expertise in the programming and application of the robotics necessary to accomplish daily work.
- Performs (under the guidance of the scientist), supervises and documents laboratory activities for the technical development, validation, performance and troubleshooting of laboratory assays (both laboratory-developed tests as well as kit assays) used in the screening procedures.
- Performs (with or without assistance from the scientist), supervises and documents laboratory activities for the validation, troubleshooting the performance of and management of instrumentation used in the screening procedures.
- Performs (with or without assistance from the scientist), supervises and documents laboratory activities for the validation, troubleshooting and monitoring of the instrumentation relationships with the Laboratory Information Management System.
- Maintains laboratory documentation of quality assurance, quality control, and competency data in accordance with Program policies and CLIA requirements.
- Maintains and implements written policies and standard operating procedures approved by the scientist.
- Participates in the establishment of, and follows safety, privacy and compliance protocols relevant to the laboratory section.
- Ensures that laboratory analysts are compliant with established safety, privacy and compliance protocols relevant to the laboratory section.
- Performs laboratory assays (clinical or research) with appropriate documentation, as an integral member of the sections laboratory analysts, following validated protocols.
- Manages lab supply budget and inventory, and assists the Scientist in the preparation and validation of reagents, materials and kits used in the laboratory.
- Reviews literature and recommends improvements to test interpretations and methodologies for use in the laboratories.
- Makes independent contributions to the development and implementation of new testing capabilities.
- Participates (under the guidance of the scientist) in the research and development of new methodologies.
- Makes significant contributions to the writing of publications, presentations, and other means of disseminating knowledge gained from screening operations in the laboratory section.
- Perform other duties as required.
REQUIRED EDUCATION
Masters degree in chemical, life or clinical sciences; or equivalent
Graduate-level coursework yielding expertise in the theory of general molecular biologyREQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE
5 – 7 years of relevant experience including at least 1-2 years in a clinical laboratory
5 – 7 years of Assay Design, Implementation and Troubleshooting
In-depth experience and expertise in Primer Design, Probe Design, LNA design, Multiplex RealTime PCR design, Nested PCR design, copy-number assay design such that the supervisor is a recognized expert in the following:
• clinical development and application of PCR-based assays, inclusive of the prevention and containment of amplicon contaminants,
• the development and implementation of clinical detection systems for the generation of human genotypic data using a variety of techniques (Luminex Lab developed tests, Real-Time lab developed tests), and
• the development and implementation of clinical assays for the evaluation of the presence/absence and quantification of molecular markers (RealTime and Digital Droplet PCR or equivalent), such that the development yields low-cost laboratory developed tests.
5 – 7 years of Development of High-throughput Clinical Molecular Assays
• Expert-level practical experience in the isolation of nucleic acids from small-volume (3 µL) dried blood spots or other similar human specimens.
• Expert-level practical experience with high-throughput processing of clinical specimens (e.g. integrated flow chart development)
• Expert -level practical experience with robotics programming for high-throughput processing of clinical specimens
3 – 5 years of experience with BLAST and gene homology tools available through NIH and commercial vendors
3 – 5 years of experience with database and spreadsheet tools for use with quality monitoring and data management
3 – 5 years of experience with Sanger sequencing and related informatics
1 – 2 years of sufficient familiarity with Next Gen Sequencing theory to maximize efficiencies of high-throughput screening assays to be interfaced with NextGen sequencing.
Must satisfy CLIA requirements for high complexity testing
Skilled in the knowledge, performance, and interpretation of lab tests and techniques
Skilled in computer file management and general software usage
Communications and writing skills for scientific reports, oral presentations, SOPs, internal communications
Skilled in clear communications and maintenance of good working relationships with co-workers
Flexibility in work schedule as required by laboratory section (i.e. weekend and holiday rotations).PREFERRED WORK EXPERIENCE
Previous supervisory experience
A thorough understanding of regulatory issues (e.g. CLIA, OSHA) as they apply to clinical laboratory testing
Practical knowledge of human molecular genetics
Posting Disclaimer:
This job posting outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and expectations may evolve in response to the needs of the department and the broader institution.
In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, the base salary range for this position is listed above (exclusive of benefits and retirement). At UMass Chan Medical School, final base salary offers are determined based on a combination of factors, including your skills, education, and relevant experience. We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent compensation across our teams.
Please note that the range provided reflects the full base salary range for this position. Offers are typically made within the midrange to allow for future growth and development within the role.
In addition to base pay, UMass Chan offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and participation in a 401(a)-retirement plan, with the option to contribute to a voluntary 403(b) plan.
UMass Chan welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Freqently Asked Questions
Mastery in designing and troubleshooting PCR-based assays, expertise in high-throughput molecular testing, and deep knowledge of nucleic acid isolation from clinical specimens are crucial. Additionally, skills in robotics programming and familiarity with LIMS integration significantly enhance lab operations and assay accuracy.
In Worcester, a Lab Supervisor at UMass Medical School actively shapes newborn screening advancements by integrating cutting-edge molecular technologies. This role supports regional healthcare by improving early disease detection, promoting research collaboration, and enhancing clinical assay development tailored to community health needs.
Progression often leads to senior scientist roles, laboratory director positions, or specialized molecular diagnostics consultant paths. This role builds leadership experience and technical mastery, opening doors to strategic oversight in clinical lab operations and contributions to scientific publications and innovations.
Worcester's growing biotech hub creates steady demand for skilled molecular lab supervisors, yet competition remains moderate due to specialized expertise requirements. Candidates with CLIA proficiency and molecular assay development experience generally have an advantage in securing roles at top institutions like UMass Medical School.
UMass Medical School emphasizes hybrid work flexibility and a strong focus on newborn screening molecular assays. The role combines high complexity clinical testing with leadership in assay innovation, offering unique opportunities to influence both operational excellence and research within a renowned academic medical environment.
The institution fosters professional advancement via access to cutting-edge technology, collaborative research projects, and mentorship from senior scientists. Lab Supervisors benefit from comprehensive training, opportunities to publish findings, and engagement in evolving molecular methodologies within a supportive academic setting.
While a master's degree in life sciences is fundamental, certifications like ASCP’s Molecular Biology Specialist (MBS) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist credentials enhance employability. Compliance with CLIA regulations and OSHA safety standards is mandatory, reflecting Massachusetts' stringent healthcare quality and safety requirements.
Salary offerings for Lab Supervisors at UMass Medical School range from $110,000 to $120,000 annually. This aligns with regional market standards for experienced professionals managing molecular labs in healthcare, reflecting both the expertise required and the institution's competitive compensation framework.
The day-shift schedule with occasional weekend or holiday rotations requires adaptability to maintain continuous lab operations. Supervisors coordinate staff workflows, ensuring timely clinical testing while balancing administrative duties and quality control, which is vital for meeting high-complexity testing standards.
Beyond technical oversight, the role demands guiding diverse analyst teams in molecular genetics theory and practice, enforcing compliance with safety and privacy protocols, and spearheading quality assurance initiatives. Leadership here directly influences assay development, laboratory efficiency, and staff competency.
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