Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs
Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs are open across hospitals, reference laboratories, public health agencies, and blood banks, covering specializations in clinical chemistry, hematology, and microbiology, at every level from staff scientist to laboratory director. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 928+ Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs
Medical Laboratory Scientist Group Lead - Royal Oak, MI, Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Perform test procedures of moderate/high complexity requiring the exercise of independent judgement and responsibility in those specialties in which they are qualified by education, training and experience. Assist Lab Supervisor and serve as a technical resource for the department.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
- Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
- Best-in-class well-being programs
- Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
- healthyMINDS mental health program
- Vacation and Health/Flex Time
- 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
- FinFit financial coaching and services
- 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Matching gifts program
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
- Career advancement opportunities
- and so much more!
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all duties of a Medical Technologist I and II.
- Perform and report on assigned analytical tests in accordance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) ensuring that applicable quality control requirements are met.
- Actively support and comply with laboratory policies and procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
- Adhere to analytical schedules to maintain turnaround time of results including STATS or critical results to clients.
- Perform, review and document QC analysis to ensure accuracy of clinical data and proper instrument function. Make quality control decisions regarding the disposition of an assay or test.
- Review requests for validity checks and recommend an appropriate course of action taking into account the limitations of specimen requirements and the effects of time and the quality of additional and/or repeat testing.
- Serve as a technical resource for the department by investigating and resolving analytical testing problems, recommending a course of action in instances identified as beyond acceptable limits, and responding to non-routine/complex inquiries and/or requests from clients and sales representatives.
- Assist Lab Supervisor by monitoring workflow to meet testing schedules; distributing and reviewing work assignments; training employees in laboratory techniques; resolving work-related problems of staff; and providing input for performance appraisals and disciplinary actions.
- Expedite the flow of work to maximize productive capacity by evaluating production systems and recommending enhancements and coordinating the resolution of production problems/issues involving other laboratory departments.
- Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in a safe, functional and sanitary condition.
- Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate and assist with the department’s annual competency testing process and documentation.
- Adheres to all established CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, and laboratory safety requirements and reviews department activities to ensure compliance.
- Required to use (a) personal protective equipment, (b) engineering controls and/or (c) work practice controls as directed by management.
- Participate in government or regulatory agency inspections, if needed.
- Perform necessary supervisor functions in the absence of a Supervisor, if qualified and delegated.
- Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.
Required Work Experience:
Three (3) to five (5) years of clinical experience as a Medical Technologist within the designated discipline.
Foreign educated candidates must provide a detailed credential evaluation from IERF (International Education Research Foundation). The United States educated candidates must provide a detailed original transcript.
Preferred Work Experience:
Experience as a Medical Technologist at Quest is highly desired.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
- The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
- Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time.
- Frequent walking and/or standing.
- May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity.
Knowledge:
- Comprehensive theoretical and operational job knowledge in designated specialty required.
- Knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures.
Skills:
- Proven leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to work independently, establish work priorities for self and others and to handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency.
- Ability to schedule and manage resources to meet department goals.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients.
- Communication skills necessary to handle telephone inquiries from clients.
- Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree Medical Technology, Chemistry or Biology or Previously qualified as a Technologist under 42 CFR 493. 1433 published in March 14, 1990. (Required)
Licenses and Certifications
- ASCP Certification (Preferred)
MLS, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Lab Scientist, Med Tech, Medical Technologist, CLS, Clinical Lab Scientist
Medical Laboratory Scientist Group Lead - Royal Oak, MI, Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Perform test procedures of moderate/high complexity requiring the exercise of independent judgement and responsibility in those specialties in which they are qualified by education, training and experience. Assist Lab Supervisor and serve as a technical resource for the department.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
- Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
- Best-in-class well-being programs
- Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
- healthyMINDS mental health program
- Vacation and Health/Flex Time
- 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
- FinFit financial coaching and services
- 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Matching gifts program
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
- Career advancement opportunities
- and so much more!
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all duties of a Medical Technologist I and II.
- Perform and report on assigned analytical tests in accordance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) ensuring that applicable quality control requirements are met.
- Actively support and comply with laboratory policies and procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
- Adhere to analytical schedules to maintain turnaround time of results including STATS or critical results to clients.
- Perform, review and document QC analysis to ensure accuracy of clinical data and proper instrument function. Make quality control decisions regarding the disposition of an assay or test.
- Review requests for validity checks and recommend an appropriate course of action taking into account the limitations of specimen requirements and the effects of time and the quality of additional and/or repeat testing.
- Serve as a technical resource for the department by investigating and resolving analytical testing problems, recommending a course of action in instances identified as beyond acceptable limits, and responding to non-routine/complex inquiries and/or requests from clients and sales representatives.
- Assist Lab Supervisor by monitoring workflow to meet testing schedules; distributing and reviewing work assignments; training employees in laboratory techniques; resolving work-related problems of staff; and providing input for performance appraisals and disciplinary actions.
- Expedite the flow of work to maximize productive capacity by evaluating production systems and recommending enhancements and coordinating the resolution of production problems/issues involving other laboratory departments.
- Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in a safe, functional and sanitary condition.
- Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate and assist with the department’s annual competency testing process and documentation.
- Adheres to all established CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, and laboratory safety requirements and reviews department activities to ensure compliance.
- Required to use (a) personal protective equipment, (b) engineering controls and/or (c) work practice controls as directed by management.
- Participate in government or regulatory agency inspections, if needed.
- Perform necessary supervisor functions in the absence of a Supervisor, if qualified and delegated.
- Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.
Required Work Experience:
Three (3) to five (5) years of clinical experience as a Medical Technologist within the designated discipline.
Foreign educated candidates must provide a detailed credential evaluation from IERF (International Education Research Foundation). The United States educated candidates must provide a detailed original transcript.
Preferred Work Experience:
Experience as a Medical Technologist at Quest is highly desired.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
- The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
- Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time.
- Frequent walking and/or standing.
- May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity.
Knowledge:
- Comprehensive theoretical and operational job knowledge in designated specialty required.
- Knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures.
Skills:
- Proven leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to work independently, establish work priorities for self and others and to handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency.
- Ability to schedule and manage resources to meet department goals.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients.
- Communication skills necessary to handle telephone inquiries from clients.
- Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree Medical Technology, Chemistry or Biology or Previously qualified as a Technologist under 42 CFR 493. 1433 published in March 14, 1990. (Required)
Licenses and Certifications
- ASCP Certification (Preferred)
MLS, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Lab Scientist, Med Tech, Medical Technologist, CLS, Clinical Lab Scientist
Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs by Experience Level
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Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsLead Medical Laboratory Scientist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Quest Diagnostics204
- CommonSpirit Health21
- McLaren Health Care20
- Medical City Healthcare20
- Essentia Health18
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services207
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals17
- Medical Devices16
- Science & Research3
- Education1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lead medical laboratory scientist jobs.
- ASCP MLS or categorical certification required or strongly preferred
- Minimum three to five years of clinical laboratory bench experience
- Proficiency in LIS platforms and instrument troubleshooting across multiple analyzers
- Experience with quality control, proficiency testing, and regulatory compliance such as CAP or CLIA
- Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, or supervise laboratory staff
- Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory science, or a closely related field
Tips for Your Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist Job Search
List your ASCP certification prominently
Employers filter fast, so put your ASCP MLS(ASCP) or specialty certification in your resume header and again under credentials. Many applicant tracking systems screen for that exact abbreviation before a human ever reads your file.
Quantify your quality control contributions
Lead roles expect ownership of QC programs, so describe what you managed: instrument platforms, proficiency testing cycles, corrective action outcomes. Vague claims about 'maintaining quality' won't separate you from staff-level applicants applying to the same listing.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists lead medical laboratory scientist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that match your discipline depth
A role titled 'lead MLS' in a large academic hospital usually expects specialty bench depth in one or two areas. Read the requirements carefully and apply to postings where your strongest discipline, whether blood bank, molecular, or chemistry, is explicitly listed.
Prepare competency-based interview examples
Hiring managers for lead positions consistently ask how you handled a critical value, a reagent failure, or a technologist performance issue. Build three to four concrete STAR-format examples from your bench experience before you interview, not after you're scheduled.
Negotiate your on-call and shift terms separately
Lead positions often carry rotating supervisor coverage or on-call obligations that don't appear in the base offer. Ask specifically about weekend rotations, call frequency, and whether lead differentials are included before you accept, so there are no surprises at orientation.
Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most lead medical laboratory scientists?
Quest Diagnostics, CommonSpirit Health, and McLaren Health Care are hiring the most lead medical laboratory scientists right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Health systems with large reference or outreach laboratory operations tend to post the highest volume of lead-level openings.
How many lead medical laboratory scientist jobs are remote?
About 1% of lead medical laboratory scientist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most laboratory environments. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include laboratory information systems oversight, education and training coordination, and quality or regulatory compliance roles that do not require direct specimen handling.
How do you become a lead medical laboratory scientist?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or clinical laboratory science from a program accredited by NAACLS, then obtain national certification through ASCP. Build at least three to five years of clinical bench experience, ideally in more than one discipline. Seek out charge, preceptor, or interim lead opportunities to demonstrate supervisory readiness before applying to formal lead or senior positions.
Can you get hired as a lead medical laboratory scientist with limited experience?
Moving directly into a lead role with under three years of bench experience is rare, but some smaller or rural facilities post lead titles that function closer to senior staff positions and are more open to candidates earlier in their careers. Strengthening your candidacy through specialty certifications, documented QC ownership, or informal training responsibilities can offset limited time on the bench when experience is on the lower end.
What does the lead medical laboratory scientist interview process look like?
Most employers conduct an initial phone or video screen with HR, followed by a panel interview with the laboratory director, a manager, and sometimes a peer lead. You should expect competency-based questions about handling critical values, instrument failures, and staff conflicts, as well as a facility tour. Some hospitals add a practical component or a written scenario exercise before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to lead medical laboratory scientist jobs?
You can find and apply to lead medical laboratory scientist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your discipline, shift preference, and experience level, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 928+ Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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