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System Laboratory Supervisor, Microbiology - Full-Time

Mercyhealth · Janesville, WI · $73,108–$109,661 a year · Full time

Posted Jun 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you had to manage a staffing shortage in the lab.

What they are checking: Whether they can keep turnaround times acceptable while being fair to staff.

Tell me about a time you introduced a change that your staff resisted.

What they are checking: Whether they can lead change with clear reasons and support rather than force.

What's your approach to hiring for a micro tech role?

What they are checking: Whether they look for skills and attitude that fit the specialty and the team.

What would you do

How do you keep microbiology processes consistent across both the Janesville and Rockford campuses?

What they are checking: Whether they can standardize procedures and quality checks across sites with different staff.

A tech reports a critical result late because they missed it. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they address both the person and the process so it doesn't happen again.

About the work

Your blood culture contamination rate is creeping up. How do you investigate it?

What they are checking: Whether they can trace a quality problem back to collection practices and work with nursing to fix it.

Walk me through how you prepare a micro department for a CAP or other regulatory inspection.

What they are checking: Whether they know what inspectors look for, like QC records, competency files and procedure reviews.

How do you validate a new method or instrument before it goes live?

What they are checking: Whether they understand validation and verification requirements before patient results are reported.

How do you make sure every staff member's competency is current within the required timeframes?

What they are checking: Whether they have a reliable system for tracking competency, which surveyors check closely.

How do you work with infection prevention when you see an unusual organism or a cluster?

What they are checking: Whether they understand micro's role in spotting outbreaks and reporting quickly.

How do you decide what quality control steps are enough versus too much?

What they are checking: Whether they balance regulatory requirements, risk and cost thoughtfully.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW The System Laboratory Supervisor for Microbiology plans, directs and coordinates technical activities of the designated specialty within the laboratory. Provides direct supervision of the designated staff to insure quality and service level. Works in coordination with other system lab supervisors, technical specialists, and managers to achieve laboratory goals. Coordinates the technical and quality activities of the designated specialty at both Janesville and Rockford campuses. Possesses expertise and an in depth knowledge of regulations in one of the following lab specialties: Histology, Cytology, Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Bank, Microbiology or Point of Care Testing. Work at other Mercy facilities performing the same functions, as required. Work alternate shifts, weekends and holidays as needed to adequately provide services. Perform other duties and projects as assigned. SCHEDULE : Monday-Friday SHIFT: Days ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Develops quality control programs, policies, procedures and performance standards in accordance with current regulatory agency requirements. • Provides orientation protocols and directs training for staff, assures competency of all partners within required timeframes. • Interviews and selects with Manager appropriate candidates for open positions within the specialty. • Evaluates new methods, procedures and equipment. Assumes key role in decision making for new equipment and methods. Coordinates the implementation of new methods and equipment including appropriate method comparisons, implementation documentation and training of staff. • Evaluates test menu to assure it meets the clinical needs of customers while balancing the need for cost effective, quality tests. Provides relevant information for decisions to perform tests in house or send out to a reference lab. • Provides oversight for student clinical rotations. • Keeps current with changes in the industry, alerts management to communications regarding new pathogens and outbreaks of diseases. • Serves as a technical consultant to medical staff and other departments. • Develops the plan to standardize between the Legacy Mercy Labs and the Legacy Rockford Labs. • Works with all labs within the system to assure standardized practice (reagents, controls, training checklists, etc.) for all common procedures. • Works closely with pharmacy and infection control and participates in antibiotic stewardship program (Microbiology only). • Provides input for staff performance evaluations, participates in writing in the evaluation with the manager and in reviewing the evaluation with partner. • Addresses concerns about partner behavior or job performance when not meeting expectations. Engages manager or director if assistance needed for formal corrective actions. • Assigns bench duties and maintains appropriate staffing level to meet service level needs. Coordinates workflow in department, directing changes as necessary to meet STAT and routine test turnaround time goals and quality. • Maintains competency by performing testing as appropriate to maintain skill level. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE • Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology or bachelor's degree in a laboratory science with recent experience in a similar laboratory setting. • Must be qualified to perform high complexity testing according to CLIA 493.1489 Standard; Testing personnel qualifications. CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE MT/MLS Generalist Certification or Specialty Certification BB, C, H, M, HTL, or CT required. SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Function of the position with or without accommodations. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision. LEVEL OF SUPERVISION Some independent judgment is required, but alternatives are limited by standard practices or procedures. SUPERVISES Laboratory partners that perform the technical and quality assurance activities for the designated lab specialty throughout the system. PAY RANGE: $73,107.50 - $109,661.26 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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