Microbiology Supervisor

Hiring Department: Labs/Pathology Services

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1038360

Posting Close Date: 12/8/2025

Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $69,180.80-$140,004.80

*Final salary offered will be determined by market data, internal equity, candidate experience/qualifications, and budget.*

About the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health)

The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a Joint Commission-accredited tertiary care hospital and outpatient clinics, and the Mile Square Health Center network of federally qualified health centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity. Learn more: hospital.uillinois.edu/about-ui-health

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Position Summary

The Microbiology Supervisor (Medical Technologist II) oversees and coordinates the activities of the subordinate technologists, technicians, aides, and assistants performing a variety of tests of a moderately or highly complex nature on patient and quality control samples. In this capacity, s/he ensures efficient, accurate and timely reporting of results of tests and examinations. S/he also performs routine and complex tests which involve delicate and exacting steps requiring measured judgment as to the appropriate procedures to be employed. Such testing may be performed by manual methods involving technical interpretation, and by automated analyzers involving maintenance and troubleshooting. The Medical Technologist II may also assist with the instructing of laboratory personnel, medical students, pathology residents and medical technologist students. S/he must be experienced in Bacteriology, Mycology and Mycobacteriology diagnostics and laboratory workflow in depth. Knowledge of regulatory standards (e.g., CAP, CLIA) and quality assurance practices specific to bacteriology.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform and interpret testing in areas of responsibility, including all manual and automated testing.
• Directly supervise the Microbiology Laboratory technologists and technicians involved in the above testing.
• Train the Microbiology staff on any newly developed/validated assays.
• Prepare documentation for new assays including procedure, QC/PCR sheets and implement database when appropriate.
• Prepare and conduct Performance Management reviews.
• Institute employee discipline and counseling.
• Assist in employee recruitment and interview process.
• Review Laboratory Information System Quality Assurance (QA) report.
• Prepare staffing schedules.
• Conduct periodic staff meetings.
• Ensure that the staff are aware and knowledgeable of new policies and procedures.
• Ensure continuous workflow of the laboratory by working closely with other supervisors by communicating verbally and through the Shift Change Log(s).
• Plan, assign and adjust work assignments to achieve maximum efficiency without compromising the highest standards of accuracy of results and the timeliness of their reporting.
• Coordinate training of personnel, complete training checklists and complete competency evaluation.
• Perform advanced maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure continuous operation of all instrumentation and track systems.
• Verify that all QC is being performed and documented.
• Coordinate instrument comparisons and AMR studies.
• Coordinate CAP proficiency testing.
• Inventory and orders supply and reagents.
• Perform Quality Assurance (QA) functions: review daily outlier report; review weekly Levey Jennings charts; edit quality control results and update ranges; evaluate new QC materials.
• Perform CLIA validation studies for new instruments, tests, procedures.
• Coordinate and participate in R&D projects.
• Prepare, review and update laboratory procedure manuals.
• Ensure readiness for inspection by regulatory bodies.
• Assist in payroll/Kronos preparation.
• Review maintenance logs.
• Review quality control reports.
• Ensure Pending logs for all benches are clear.
• Ensure staff meet TAT’s and Quality Assurance standards in all areas of testing.
• Interact with physicians, patients, staff, visitors, and all customers via telephone conversations and in person, in a pleasant and helpful manner.
• Work cooperatively with the administrative staff to prepare for inspections. and surveys related to accreditation requirements.
• Complete Shift Report or Problem Analysis Log to thoroughly document any matters requiring follow-up or corrective action.
• Responsible for verification and validation of molecular and non-molecular FDA-Approved tests, modified FDA approved tests and lab developed tests, following Instructions and input by lab directors.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Meets basic standards and qualifications for laboratory testing for general supervisory personnel under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Subpart M, Section 493.1461.

The CLIA reference can be found at the following website address. This is a direct link:
www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_c_lab.pdf

Note: It is recommended that, in order to ensure consistent application of these qualifications, the evaluation and verification of an applicant’s credentials be accomplished through the cooperative efforts of an experienced clinical laboratory technologist and the personnel department in a manner which will preserve the applicant’s anonymity.

• Bachelor's degree in Science that meets the CLIA requirements to perform high complexity testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Medical technology training and a minimum of two year's experience working in clinical microbiology.
• Able to organize, prioritize and coordinate all activities within the sections of responsibility.
• Must have good communication skills in order to teach microbiologic techniques and procedures and speak with physicians, patients and staff.
• Must have good writing skills in order to update and write procedures and manuals.
• Must be able to operate and perform troubleshooting of equipment and instruments in areas of responsibility.
• Must be able to perform and interpret testing within areas of responsibility (Gram stains, AFB stains, DFA stains, isolation and biochemical testing for organism identification, susceptibility testing, manual and automated, ELISA testing, Instrument testing, etc.)
• Must be aware of types of pathogenic organisms that may be present in clinical material collected from various anatomical sites.
• Must have knowledge of correct procedures for handling potentially infectious specimen material of patient origin so as not to contaminate self, coworkers, or the work area.
• Must have knowledge and understanding of the importance of appropriate waste handling and disposal.
• Must understand the applications and purpose of laboratory quality assurance programs and procedures.
• Be able to identify personnel problems and have knowledge of the University's Civil Service Policies and Rules for Non-academic Personnel in executing progressive discipline.
• Extensive hands-on experience in clinical microbiology, with a strong emphasis on bacteriology, including culture interpretation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Experience in Mycology & Mycobacteriology diagnostics and laboratory workflow.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory standards (e.g., CAP, CLIA) and quality assurance practices specific to bacteriology.

To Apply:

For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application, you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation