Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist III

Scientist III

Bloodworks Northwest is backed by more than 70 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. A national leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks has been chosen to serve more than 90 hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. We are local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based.

We have a fantastic opening for a Scientist III in our Immunohematology Reference Lab. This lab performs clinical laboratory testing under routine and emergency protocols in the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory. This position is in training for the Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist IV position.

Principal Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Perform daily workups of complex antibody problems and other red cell reference testing. Fill blood orders promptly.
• Perform antibody ID using tube, gel, and solid phase methods.
• Perform warm autoantibody evaluations using matched cells and adsorption-elution techniques.
• Use enhancing reagents and enzymes to evaluate complex antibody problems.
• Perform extended transfusion reaction evaluations.
• Perform neonatal evaluations and antibody titers.
• Foster good customer service by acting as a technical resource and consultant to internal and external laboratory professionals and physicians. This may include the clinical significance of results, billing and logistical issues, etc.
• Maintain and track inventory levels of antigen-typed units and testing supplies.
• Maintain proficiency in the thawing of rare units (ARDP).
• Type, pack, and send rare units provided to the national exchange of rare units.
• Participate in initiatives to meet requirements for the American Rare Donor Program for the laboratory to maintain AABB IRL accreditation.
• Prepare and QC reagents and serum for use during daily operations.
• Review workup documentation, final reports, and coordinate billing for testing performed.
• Encourage cooperation among all staff and maintain a professional, productive working environment.
• Troubleshoot equipment and transportation problems.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation of all testing, research, and validation. Perform and document equipment Quality Control (QC) and maintenance.
• Work with laboratory staff to develop clear, concise, and up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Understand and participate in the laboratory's Quality Assurance (QA) functions. Report incidents involving unusual circumstances or failure to follow the written standard operating procedure.
• Complete CAP/AABB Survey Assignments within the allotted timeframe.
• Coordinate direct observations for competency assessments
• Keep current with emerging technologies and trends within the field of red cell reference.
• Participate in continuing education activities totaling at least 6 contact hours per year.
• Comply with all applicable SOPs as written.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Must qualify as Testing Personnel, High Complexity Testing, under CLIA personnel requirements found in Subpart M of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• A Bachelor of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or other Biological Science or equivalent is required.
• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Blood Bank Technologist (BB), or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or equivalent is required.
• Certification as a Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) is preferred.
• A minimum of 2-3 years of Immunohematology Laboratory experience is required.

Specific job skills include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to comply with Bloodworks' Mandatory Vaccinations policy
• Requires the ability to comprehend the criticality of the testing being performed, as it relates to the blood components being prepared for transfusion, or organs being transplanted. Includes a fundamental understanding of the financial value of the testing reagents, blood components being prepared, and the necessity to follow all regulatory rules and regulations (AABB, CFR, EU, CLIA, HIPAA, and WA State), including the FDA's "Good Manufacturing Practices".
• Required mental activities involve continuous use of teamwork Required mental activities used less frequently include interpersonal skills, and the ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English (all used frequently); decision making, creativity, customer service, independent judgment and/or independent action, the performance of basic mathematics, and the performance of accurate proofreading and correct spelling (all used occasionally); and the use of discretion, presentations/teaching, problem analysis, negotiation, mentoring, the performance of basic mathematics and programming, and the performance of advanced programming (all used rarely).
• Required physical activities include frequent standing, walking, talking, reaching, feeling, hearing, handling, and repetitive hand and wrist motions. Required physical activities used less frequently include stooping, sitting, bending, and repetitive foot motions (all used occasionally); and kneeling, crawling, and climbing (all used rarely).
• The ability to push, pull, and lift an average of 40 pounds throughout the day is required, as is the ability to carry an average of 20 pounds.
• Significant manual dexterity is required to operate various instruments and to perform the required data entry.
• Must be capable of performing independent work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Functional proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

Shift: 2nd shift- 8hrs/day (Tuesday-Saturday; Monday -Friday rotation)

Working Conditions:

• Telecommuting is not offered in this role.
• This is a highly regulated position and is subject to various rules and regulations from regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies. These may include, but are not limited to, the DA, AABB, CLIA, and AP.
• Job conditions to be expected include: extensive travel; substantial overtime; on-call status (frequent); heavy lifting; constant standing; extensive close work with computer screens; sleep deprivation (occasional); and evening meetings (rare).
• Ability to work scheduled "on-call" for up to 12 days each month.
• Position requires extensive computer work and close work; occasional heavy lifting; constant standing; substantial overtime; on-call status; and infrequent off-shift work.
• The position requires intermittent work (up to 30 minutes per occasion) in cold rooms (1 6 C) and walk-in freezers (35 C).
• Bloodworks is a community-supported non-profit organization. As such, a free incumbent can expect to work with volunteers.
• As this is an essential position with direct responsibility to donors and/or patients, the incumbent should be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts, and possibly at a different location, during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies.
• Ability to work scheduled holidays and weekends.
• This position has direct exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Benefits and Perks:

Employees regularly scheduled for 24+ hours per week are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with family coverage also available. Also able to participate in retirement plans (401a & 403b), consolidated paid leave program (4.8 6.8 weeks of time off accrued per year, based on length of service), subsidized transit program, and educational reimbursement. Candidates hired from outside of our service area may be eligible for a relocation assistance bonus*

*Conditions apply

Bloodworks Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.