Laboratory Supervisor Resume Guide

Laboratory supervisors are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a laboratory. They oversee the work of technicians and other staff, ensure that safety procedures are followed, and maintain equipment.

You have plenty of experience running a laboratory, but potential employers don’t know who you are. Write a resume that highlights your accomplishments and skills, and send it their way—you could be just the candidate they’re looking for.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

Laboratory Supervisor Resume

Table of Contents

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

Laboratory Supervisor Resume Sample

Nigel Olson
Laboratory Supervisor

[email protected]
344-987-3371
linkedin.com/in/nigel-olson

Summary

Seasoned laboratory supervisor with 7+ years of experience in running and maintaining a safe and efficient laboratory environment. Demonstrated ability to streamline workflows, optimize productivity, and troubleshoot issues. In previous roles oversaw 30 employees and managed $1M budgets. Seeking to leverage extensive knowledge of lab practices and protocols to help ABC Corporation grow its reputation as a leading research institution.

Experience

Laboratory Supervisor, Employer A
Lincoln, Jan 2018 – Present

  • Evaluated data and results from laboratory experiments to ensure accuracy and compliance with safety standards.
  • Utilized analytical skills to investigate new methods for improving lab efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Actively participated in the development of new safety protocols for the lab.
  • Presented findings from investigations and experiments to colleagues at departmental meetings.
  • Demonstrated excellent attention to detail when documenting data and results from experiments.

Laboratory Supervisor, Employer B
Little Rock, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

  • Proficiently managed and oversaw the work of a team of 10 laboratory technicians, ensuring that all experiments were conducted safely and accurately.
  • Maintained optimal stock levels of laboratory supplies and equipment at all times, ordering new items as needed and conducting regular inventory checks.
  • Optimized existing protocols and procedures to increase efficiency and reduce wastefulness; achieved a 25% reduction in experimental errors over 6 months.
  • Introduced a new system for tracking lab data which resulted in a more organized and streamlined workflow; decreased search time for data by 30%.
  • Represented the department at monthly meetings with other supervisors, providing updates on progress, obstacles and suggestions for improvement.

Skills

  • Laboratory
  • Chemistry
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitals
  • Clinical Research
  • Laboratory Skills
  • Data Analysis
  • Microbiology
  • Analytical Chemistry

Education

Bachelor of Science in Biology
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

ASCP Board of Certification
May 2017

1. Summary / Objective

The summary or objective at the top of your resume is like a teaser – it outlines who you are and what makes you an excellent laboratory supervisor. This is where you can highlight your key strengths, such as years of experience working in a lab, managing teams of technicians, developing new protocols, and more.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Well-rounded laboratory supervisor with 7+ years of experience in clinical, biotech, and pharmaceutical settings. Proven ability to lead a team of up to 8 technicians while maintaining quality control standards. Track record of reducing rework by 20% and saving an average of $2000 per month in supply costs. Experienced in various chromatography techniques (HPLC, GC), molecular biology methods (PCR, qPCR), and cell culture techniques.

Talented and accomplished laboratory supervisor with more than 15 years of experience in management, quality control, and customer service. Proven ability to lead teams of up to 12 technicians while maintaining efficiency and accuracy. In previous roles increased on-time project completion rates by as much as 30%. Seeking a position at ABC Laboratories where I can utilize my skills and background to make a positive impact.

Skilled laboratory supervisor with 5 years of experience in the management and administration of research laboratories. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement policies and procedures that improve efficiency and safety. At ABC, oversaw a team of 15 technicians and graduate students while maintaining a $1 million budget. Recognized for excellent communication skills, organizational abilities, and analytical thinking.

Hard-working and detail-oriented laboratory supervisor with 7+ years of experience in a clinical research setting. Proven ability to manage a team of 5-10 technicians while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. BSc in Biology. Recently certified in Good Clinical Practices (GCP). Seeking to leverage my knowledge and expertise to take on more responsibility at ABC Research Laboratories.

Dependable and highly-skilled Laboratory Supervisor with 6+ years of experience in the medical field. In previous roles, increased efficiency by developing new workflows and implementing process improvements. Proven ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining a high level of accuracy. Bilingual in English and Spanish with excellent communication skills.

Reliable and detail-oriented laboratory supervisor with 4+ years of experience in running a successful and productive lab. Demonstrated ability to manage 10 staff members while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Seeking to leverage excellent supervisory skills and knowledge of best practices to become the next laboratory supervisor at ABC Hospital.

Enthusiastic laboratory supervisor with experience in hematology, microbiology, and immunology. Skilled at streamlining processes to improve workflow and optimize productivity. Led a team of 15 technicians in daily tasks while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Implemented new methods that increased the efficiency of experiments by 30%.

Accomplished laboratory supervisor with 7+ years of experience in a medical research setting. At XYZ, managed and operated a team of 8-12 technicians responsible for conducting clinical trials on new drugs. Wrote SOPs, managed budgets, and oversaw inventory. Authored 12 scientific papers that were published in peer-reviewed journals.

2. Experience / Employment

The work history/experience section is where you provide details on your employment history. This should be written in reverse chronological order, so your most recent role is listed at the top.

When writing about your responsibilities and accomplishments, use bullet points to make it easier for the reader to scan through the information quickly. Be sure to include quantifiable results whenever possible.

For example, instead of saying “Managed a team of five laboratory technicians,” you could say “Supervised a team of five laboratory technicians responsible for testing water samples for bacteria and other contaminants; ensured that all tests were completed accurately and on time.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

  • Managed
  • Coordinated
  • Supervised
  • Trained
  • Scheduled
  • Monitored
  • Inspected
  • Evaluated
  • Investigated
  • Analyzed
  • Resolved
  • Created
  • Implemented
  • Documented
  • Maintained

Other general verbs you can use are:

  • Achieved
  • Advised
  • Assessed
  • Compiled
  • Demonstrated
  • Developed
  • Expedited
  • Facilitated
  • Formulated
  • Improved
  • Introduced
  • Mentored
  • Optimized
  • Participated
  • Prepared
  • Presented
  • Reduced
  • Reorganized
  • Represented
  • Revised
  • Spearheaded
  • Streamlined
  • Structured
  • Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

  • Documented and recorded test results from laboratory experiments according to set procedures, ensuring accuracy and completeness of data.
  • Structured workflows and tasks for junior staff, contributing to a 15% increase in productivity across the lab.
  • Revised and updated safety protocols in line with new legislation, reducing the risk of accidents by 23%.
  • Meticulously monitored all experiments for compliance with ethical guidelines, preventing any breaches.
  • Advised management on necessary changes to equipment and staffing levels based on observations made during lab operations.
  • Created and implemented new organizational structure for the lab that increased efficiency by 25%.
  • Reorganized the work flow to better utilize staff and equipment, resulting in a cost savings of $15,000 per year.
  • Diligently monitored all experiments to ensure they were carried out properly and safely.
  • Facilitated communication between different departments within the lab to ensure smooth operation.
  • Monitored inventory levels and ordered supplies as needed to keep the lab running smoothly.
  • Mentored and trained 12 new laboratory technicians, orienting them with standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
  • Developed a more efficient workflow for the laboratory which increased productivity by 22%.
  • Streamlined the ordering and stocking process of laboratory supplies, saving the department $4,000 annually.
  • Spearheaded several successful initiatives to improve customer satisfaction ratings, including introducing a new feedback system and implementing quarterly quality control audits.
  • Thoroughly investigated all customer complaints and took corrective action where necessary in order to maintain high standards of quality control.
  • Accurately completed and recorded over 50 laboratory tests each day, ensuring that results were available for doctors and nurses in a timely manner.
  • Participated in the development of new testing protocols, which improved accuracy by 10%.
  • Reduced the number of errors made by junior staff members by providing regular training and guidance.
  • Compiled monthly reports on departmental performance, highlighting areas for improvement to the manager.
  • Prepared reagents and solutions according to strict safety guidelines, minimising risk of exposure to hazardous materials.
  • Assessed the work of 15 laboratory technicians on a daily basis, providing feedback and guidance to ensure that all experiments were conducted correctly and efficiently.
  • Inspected equipment and supplies regularly to ensure that they met safety standards and conducted routine maintenance when necessary; this helped to reduce the number of accidents by 13%.
  • Reliably completed all tasks assigned by upper management within specified deadlines, often ahead of schedule; achieved a perfect attendance record for the past 2 years.
  • Achieved excellent results in all areas of responsibility, with an average accuracy rate of 98% across all tests conducted in the lab.
  • Demonstrated exceptional leadership ability by effectively training new employees on proper laboratory procedures and protocols; mentored 5 junior technicians who went on to become senior members of staff.
  • Analyzed data from experiments to identify errors and areas of improvement; improved accuracy of data by 15%.
  • Improved efficiency of laboratory operations by streamlining procedures and implementing new technologies; reduced average experiment time by 30%.
  • Resolved issues with suppliers, equipment and personnel; decreased number of disruptions in service by 20%.
  • Independently developed and executed complex experiments; successfully completed projects ahead of schedule 80% of the time.
  • Managed a team of 5 technicians, ensuring that all tasks were completed accurately and on time; mentored 2 junior technicians in experimental design and data analysis.
  • Expedited the testing of 50+ samples per day, ensuring that results were delivered to the relevant departments in a timely manner.
  • Coordinated the work schedules of 10 laboratory technicians, assigning tasks and projects based on individual strengths and weaknesses; oversaw the completion of all assigned tasks within deadlines.
  • Supervised all aspects of laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance & calibration, stock management and inventory control; ensured that the laboratory operated smoothly at all times.
  • Competently handled complex issues and problems arising in the laboratory, such as incorrect test results or malfunctioning equipment; resolved all issues in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Trained new employees on proper safety procedures and protocols when handling dangerous chemicals and working with sensitive lab equipment; reduced accidents by 25%.
  • Consistently monitored and evaluated the work of laboratory technicians, chemists and other staff to ensure accuracy and compliance with safety regulations.
  • Implemented new quality control procedures that reduced errors by 14%.
  • Formulated test methods for analyzing raw materials and finished products, ensuring that all products met company standards before being shipped to customers.
  • Scheduled and oversaw the maintenance of all laboratory equipment, preventing costly downtime and disruptions in production.

3. Skills

Skills requirements will differ from employer to employer – this can easily be ascertained from the job posting. One company may require the candidate to have experience with a certain type of equipment, while another may place emphasis on having experience working in a hospital setting.

It is essential to keep this in mind because of the applicant tracking systems utilized by many companies. Their role is to analyze resumes for certain characteristics (such as specific keywords), filtering out the ones they deem not to be a high-quality match for that particular job.

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

  • Analysis
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology
  • Blood Bank
  • Cell Culture
  • Chemistry
  • Clinical Research
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Data Analysis
  • EMR
  • Elisa
  • Environmental Awareness
  • Environmental Science
  • GMP
  • Gas Chromatography
  • HIPAA
  • HPLC
  • Healthcare
  • Healthcare Information Technology
  • Healthcare Management
  • Hematology
  • Hospitals
  • Immunology
  • LIMS
  • Laboratory
  • Laboratory Medicine
  • Laboratory Skills
  • Life Sciences
  • Manufacturing
  • Medical Technology
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • PCR
  • Patient Safety
  • Phlebotomy
  • Process Improvement
  • Quality Assurance
  • Quality Control
  • SOP
  • Science
  • Teaching
  • Team Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Time Management
  • Validation

4. Education

Mentioning your education on your resume is important, especially if you are applying for a laboratory supervisor role. Include the name of your degree, university, and graduation date. If you have relevant coursework or certificates related to the job, include those as well. For example “Bachelor of Science in Biology from XYZ University. Coursework included Microbiology and Immunology.”

Bachelor of Science in Biology
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications in your field show employers that you are competent and have kept up with the latest advancements.

If you have any industry-specific certifications, including them in this section of your resume will demonstrate to potential employers that you are serious about your profession and committed to staying current.

ASCP Board of Certification
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Nigel Olson, this would be Nigel-Olson-resume.pdf or Nigel-Olson-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

Including a cover letter as part of your job application is a good way to show off your personality and give the hiring manager a better idea of who you are.

A cover letter should be 2-4 paragraphs long and include information that isn’t already in your resume. It’s an opportunity for you to explain why you’re the best candidate for the role and how your skills and experience can benefit the company.

Below is an example cover letter:

Dear Gayle,

I am writing to apply for the Laboratory Supervisor position at XYZ Hospital. With my experience in managing a high-volume laboratory and team of technicians, I am confident I would be a valuable asset to your organization.

In my current role as Laboratory Manager at ABC Medical Center, I oversee all operations of the lab and supervise a team of 12 technicians. I have successfully implemented new quality control procedures that have reduced errors by 25%. In addition, I have developed strong relationships with doctors and nurses throughout the hospital to ensure efficient communication and collaboration.

I am knowledgeable in all aspects of laboratory management and possess a strong understanding of safety protocols and compliance regulations. My dedication to maintaining a safe work environment has resulted in zero accidents or incidents under my supervision. In addition, I regularly conduct training sessions for new employees on safety procedures and proper use of equipment.

I believe my skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for this position, and I look forward to contributing to the success of your organization. Thank you for your time and consideration; I will follow up next week to see if there is a convenient time we can discuss this opportunity further.

Sincerely,

Nigel

Laboratory Supervisor Resume Templates

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