This position is for a Laboratory Information System (LIS) Administrator in Houston, TX, USA. This critical role is responsible for the implementation, ongoing maintenance, and security of the LIS in the delivery of laboratory services, ensuring data integrity, compliance, and seamless integration with laboratory instruments and external systems.

Essential Job Functions and LIS Mandate

The LIS Administrator serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME), managing the entire lifecycle of the LIS (including networking, interfaces, and data transmission) and coordinating all related activities between the lab, IT, and external vendors.

Core Responsibilities:

• LIS Administration & Management:
  • Directs development, implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of LIS programs, policies, procedures, and protocols.
  • Oversees hardware and software installation, network troubleshooting, and problem resolution.
  • Evaluates and recommends system product enhancements, capabilities, and upgrades to ensure efficient laboratory workflow.
  • Responsible for coordinating the training program for LIS users.
  • Plans and manages project assignments of varying scope independently.
• Integration & Interfacing:
  • Expertise in HL-7 standards, interfaces, and communication is required.
  • Manages the integration of the LIS, any lab instruments, and/or peripheral lab equipment with reference labs.
  • Serves as a high-level point of contact for the LIS vendor and vendors of interfaced instruments.
  • Assists in the execution of testing plans and the validation of the proper operation of the LIS and any interfaced systems.
• Security & Compliance:
  • Responsible for implementing LIS security measures in accordance with state and federal laws, including HIPAA/HITECH regulations.
  • Provides guidance regarding CLIA ’88 regulations, COLA, and DNV accreditation standards.
• Troubleshooting & Support:
  • Prioritizes, investigates, and solves problems and questions pertaining to lab system applications, networking, interfaces, and data transmission.
  • Provides LIS on-call/after-hour support.

Required Experience and Technical Qualifications

The candidate must possess a strong blend of clinical laboratory experience and LIS management expertise, with specific knowledge of the required LIS platform and key communication standards.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years of LIS management experience in a clinical setting.
• Plus a minimum of 2 years of clinical laboratory experience.
• Must have experience with the Orchard system LIS.
• Expertise in Laboratory Information System software and HL-7 standards, interfaces, and communication (required).
• System integration knowledge required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working with HIPAA/HITECH regulations.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills required.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Visio, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Desired Characteristics (Preferred):

• Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, related Information Technology degree or 4 years equivalent experience.
• SQL knowledge and experience, including report writing.
• Experience with bench scale interfaces and macros.
• Software quality assurance testing, troubleshooting, and validation experience.
• Experience with TempTrak devices is recommended.