We’re Hiring: Senior Anatomic Pathology Laboratory Manager
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Employment Type: Full-Time
What We Are Offering:
Salary- $120,000-$145,000 DOE
Full Benefits including Health, Vision, Dental, PTO, 401k
Are you ready to lead, build, and transform the future of anatomic pathology? This is a rare opportunity for an experienced laboratory leader to take charge of a growing operation while spearheading the build-out of a brand-new laboratory and the implementation of cutting-edge digital pathology systems across both histology and cytology. If you’re passionate about innovation, operational excellence, and building high-performing teams, this role offers the visibility, autonomy, and growth potential to take your career to the next level.
Position Overview
The Senior Anatomic Pathology Laboratory Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership for all histology and cytology services. This individual will play a critical role in designing, building, and launching a state-of-the-art laboratory, while driving the adoption of digital pathology solutions to enhance workflow efficiency, diagnostic quality, and scalability.
This is a highly impactful leadership role with direct influence over laboratory growth, financial performance, and long-term strategic direction.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Leadership & Operations
Lead day-to-day operations across histology and cytology, ensuring accuracy, quality, and turnaround time excellence
Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing laboratory team
Establish and optimize workflows, policies, and procedures to support growth and efficiency
Ensure compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards (CLIA, CAP, etc.)
New Lab Build-Out & Innovation
Oversee the full lifecycle of a new laboratory build-out, including space planning, equipment selection, and workflow design
Partner with executive leadership on capital planning and implementation timelines
Lead the integration of digital pathology platforms for both histology and cytology, including scanning, image management, and system validation
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and technology adoption
Financial & Strategic Management
Manage laboratory budgets, forecasting, and cost control initiatives
Analyze financial performance, productivity metrics, and operational KPIs
Identify opportunities for revenue growth, service expansion, and operational efficiencies
Collaborate with leadership on strategic planning and long-term growth initiatives
Qualifications
ASCP Certification (Required)
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Master’s preferred)
7+ years of progressive laboratory leadership experience in anatomic pathology
Demonstrated expertise in both histology and cytology operations
Proven experience managing laboratory finances, budgeting, and operational metrics
Experience with laboratory start-ups, expansions, or major capital projects strongly preferred
Exposure to or experience implementing digital pathology systems highly desirable
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
What Makes This Opportunity Unique
Lead the creation of a brand-new, modern laboratory from the ground up
Be at the forefront of digital pathology transformation
High visibility role with direct impact on organizational growth and strategy
Opportunity to build and shape your own team and culture
Clear pathway for continued leadership growth within a rapidly expanding organization
Why Columbia, South Carolina?
Columbia offers the perfect balance of professional opportunity and quality of life—featuring a growing healthcare sector, a vibrant downtown, and easy access to both mountains and coastlines. With a lower cost of living and a welcoming community, it’s an ideal place to grow your career and enjoy life outside of work.
If you’re a forward-thinking laboratory leader ready to build something exceptional and leave a lasting impact, we want to hear from you.
About Us:
At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 20 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.
It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, Lighthouse Lab Services will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Lighthouse Lab Services | 800-838-0602 | lighthouselabservices.com
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