Laboratory Support Supervisor

About the Job Laboratory support supervisory role located in Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN. Primary responsibilities include inventory management, overseeing a team performing critical lab operations duties, capital equipment maintenance, and projects, process improvements, and data analysis related to these functions. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are necessary to integrate information from disparate sources, maintain and improve functions under purview in a 24/7 operation. Communication skills are essential for success in this position, and work requires frequent written and verbal interactions with vendors, organizational partners, and colleagues. All Lions Gift of Sight staff are required to adhere to Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and Lions Gift of Sight (LGS) policies, procedures, standards, and regulations, and are accountable for the training requirements of their team members. Lions Gift of Sight is an entity of the Department of Ophthalmology within the University of Minnesota Medical School. This is a full-time (0.75 - 0.80+ FTE) benefits-eligible position with, primarily, a Monday-Friday schedule. Periodic weekends or evenings may be required for special projects. Essential Duties & Responsibilities This individual oversees the inventory, decontamination, sterilization, and lab and capital equipment maintenance functions of the Eye Bank. The employee is responsible for setting strategy for maintaining adequate inventory levels for supplies and kits to maintain a 24/7 operation across a network of locations. This supervisor leads a team of 4-6 individuals (made up of a mix of student and FTE employees) to maintain the functions under their purview. The individual owns and maintains the policies related to these functions and pursues changes to them in collaboration with interdepartmental stakeholders and in adherence to regulatory requirements. The individual regularly analyzes data related to functions under purview and executes operational changes in response to findings. Inventory Management (30%) General Inventory Oversee inventory and equipment valuing ~$600K throughout the inventory/equipment life cycle Set strategy for maintaining adequate inventory levels for hundreds of product lines and dozens of kits used for 24/7 research and transplant operation Monitor par levels for remote supply storage locations and ensure adequate stock levels are maintained and regularly reconciled. Analyze changes or issues with supplies to improve eye bank outcomes, reduce waste and cost Prioritize automation of inventory control tasks to the greatest extent possible, reducing errors and maximizing efficiency. Take initiative to improve processes and act entrepreneurially to benefit the organization. Facilitate productive use of inventory management software by other staff, modifying workflows and communicating changes to users, and escalating issues to software developers as needed Oversee the organization of lab facility to optimize operational efficiency. Sourcing/Budgetary Establish and maintain vendor relationships for reliable sourcing of all supplies, including instruments, laboratory equipment, medical supplies, and non‑medical supplies. Conduct RFPs with potential equipment and supply vendors. Adhere to budgetary requirements and remain attentive to cost effective equipment and supply options. Collaborate with finance team to plan yearly purchase orders and ensure payment for supplies in alignment with organizational and University practices. Maintain familiarity with University Enterprise Financial System to troubleshoot issues related to vendor setup, purchase orders, and payments. Collaborate with other eye banks or related professions for alternative product solutions or sources to keep LGS at the leading edge of operations while remaining financially responsible Supervising lab support staff (20%) Supervise team responsible for critical lab maintenance tasks such as: Decontamination and sterilization of surgical instruments Preparing supply kits for field‑based tissue recovery and lab‑based tissue processing procedures Lab and supply room stocking Equipment maintenance and general lab cleaning Provide direction on daily operations while also coaching staff to independently assess priorities. Ensure quality of individual employee and team performance through periodic audits and regular check ins. Track and confirm staff training is in compliance, and maintained through ongoing competency assessments Coordinate with Lab Scientist team to strategically cross‑train lab maintenance staff to support tissue processing functions such as circulation during tissue processing procedures. Hire, train, and schedule staff to ensure performance of critical lab functions under purview. Promote professional development of team members through thoughtful delegation, leadership development, and cross‑team projects. Laboratory & Equipment Coordination (10%) Track usage and maintenance of high‑value laboratory equipment, valuing approximately $400K, and collaborate with organization leadership to implement asset protection plans and tracking systems for this equipment. Achieve and maintain an understanding of equipment including refrigerators, autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, centrifuges, microscopes, tissue incubator, and other electronic and mechanical ophthalmology equipment. Assess equipment manuals for manufacturer‑recommended maintenance and cleaning schedules and processes. Ensure that LGS policies and procedures adhere to manufacturer recommendations or have justified and documented deviations from those recommendations when warranted. Coordinate periodic service and calibration of laboratory equipment with appropriate vendors. Troubleshoot unplanned equipment outages, including implementation of creative workarounds, rapidly obtaining replacement parts or repair services. Maintain cleaning, service, and maintenance records for all equipment in adherence with regulatory requirements. Source, receive, and coordinate deployment of new capital equipment, in accordance with facility specifications, eye banking regulations, and University policies Process improvement, policy and project management (20%) Plan, execute, and monitor projects, process improvements, and policy changes related to functions under purview in a complex and regulated environment. Collaborate with Technical Operations Leadership, Business Development, and Quality teams to prioritize, coordinate, and document changes to operations. Solicit feedback from and create training/implementation plans for affected stakeholders during policy/project work. Maintain policies related to lab functions under purview and coordinate staff training as needed. Data analysis and operations evaluation (20%) Gather, analyze, and present data related to functions under purview. Holistically analyze operational, financial, environmental, and tissue quality impacts of program integrating data from disparate sources, including: Supplies from inventory management software (BTM) Donor and tissue tracking software (iTransplant) University financial and HR information (PeopleSoft) Quantitative and qualitative data from staff communications Regularly analyze month‑to‑month inventory changes, purchasing trends, donor supply reports. Evaluate changes to outcomes following inventory/operational changes. Ensure data integrity by periodically auditing inventory and tissue tracking databases, identify and correct gaps, and issue recommendations to staff to mitigate future mistakes Collect data and perform audits when requested by Quality department to ensure complete Quality investigations and a robust Quality program with respect to supplies, reagents, and equipment. Qualifications All required qualifications must be documented on application materials. BA/BS degree in applied sciences or related field, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four (4) years Highly analytical and particularly attentive to detail and data accuracy Strong organizational and planning skills Ability to work effectively on a team and resolve conflicts calmly and effectively Excellent written and verbal communication Ability to creatively problem solve and adapt to a changing environment Excellent technology skills. Proficient in common programs such as the Microsoft Suite Positive attitude, self‑motivated, responsible, and reliable Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, frequently push, pull squat, bend, and reach objects Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in above listed fields, or a combination of related education and work experience equal to 6 years Demonstrated supervisory skills Supply chain, logistics, materials procurement, and inventory management experience Laboratory/medical equipment operation and maintenance experience Process improvement experience (for example: Lean Six Sigma) Experience working in a FDA regulated environment Contract negotiation experience About the Department Lions Gift of Sight A partnership between the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences at the University of Minnesota and Minnesota Lions Clubs members, Lions Gift of Sight has provided donor eye tissue for sight‑saving corneal transplants, research, and education for more than 50 years For more information please visit: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences (OVNS) has experts in all six subspecialty areas of ophthalmology. OVNS ophthalmologists treat a full spectrum of health issues relating to the eye, including the most complicated and challenging cases of glaucoma, cataracts, conditions of the retina and cornea, and ocular cancer. Approximately 71,000 patients are seen annually in OVNS treatment centers, by teams who are dedicated to providing excellent patient care, discovering new treatments, and educating the next generation of eye care professionals. For more information please visit: Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $31.18hr to $33.97r, we anticipate most offers will be around the midpoint of this range, depending on education and experience. Time Appointment: 100% Appointment Position Type: Civil‑Service Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program Low‑cost medical, dental, pharmacy and disability plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Employer‑paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail or call (612) 624‑8647. Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr