Senior Laboratory Scientist - Immunohematology Reference Lab - 3rd Shift

Job Title

Immunohematology Reference Laboratory Scientist

Job Description

Under direction of the Manager of Immunohematology Reference Laboratory, performs advanced immunohematology testing on clinical and research specimens for the resolution of serologic problems and provides the correct blood product for transfusion based on these results. Performs and interprets molecular testing on clinical and research specimens if applicable to the laboratory. Perform blood product component preparation if applicable to the laboratory. Provides the most appropriate blood in a timely and accurate manner and provides phone consultation to customers. Provides technical and clinical expertise to staff, management and customers of the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory. In conjunction with management and laboratory Medical Director, performs advanced immunohematological and/or molecular interpretation including consultation to customers.

Responsibilities

• Handles and processes specimens, ensuring proper identification.
• Performs serologic and molecular tests according to SOP on clinical, study, QC and research samples.
• Recognizes and resolves procedural discrepancies in testing results.
• Interprets laboratory results.
• Reports laboratory results.
• Maintains accurate and complete records.
• Perform reagent preparation
• Operates laboratory equipment correctly and perform quality control testing on equipment and reagents. Knows acceptable levels of performance.
• Maintains controlled inventories of reagents and laboratory materials.
• Performs secondary review and release of test results and provides feedback to ensure accurate reporting of results.
• Adheres to all required FDA, AABB (American Association of Blood Banks), CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and CAP (College of American Pathology) regulations. Follows cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards.
• Applies immunohematology and molecular expertise to the field of immunohematology and transfusion medicine.
• Develops and maintains comprehensive knowledge of areas of expertise in the laboratory.
• Serve as a technical resource to staff
• Reviews daily work and interpretations for accuracy, and recognizes and investigates the reason for potential discrepancies and unexpected results, resolving where appropriate. Performs final review on IRL cases
• Provide constructive feedback to technologists in regard to errors detected and acknowledgement for exceptional work completion
• Write and review validation plans and make recommendations to lab management.
• Leads in the preparation of new/updates QSDs/SOPs in compliance with regulatory and accrediting agencies
• Assists in the training of new personnel and training of students.
• Assess competence of clinical diagnostic lab staff if applicable
• Provides on call and/or overtime coverage as required.
• Listens, anticipates and responds to the needs of internal and external customers and strives to meet expectations.
• Communicates clearly, accurately and respectfully with customers, donors, and colleagues, ensuring that necessary information is shared.
• Notifies management or other appropriate persons of problems or issues as appropriate.
• Works effectively with inter or intra-department(s) and project teams to meet customer needs and organizational goals.
• Participates in quality and process improvement.
• Supports and promotes Versiti mission and values, both at work and in the community.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree of Science degree from an accredited college or university in Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology (MLS/CLS/MT) required
• OR; Science related degree with certification as a BB technologist required

Experience

• 4-6 years of experience working in an immunohematology reference laboratory or transfusion service required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Mastery of Laboratory Scientist duties, responsibilities, and behaviors required
• In depth knowledge of immunohematology, immunology theory and blood group genetics. required
• Strong knowledge of equipment and ability to troubleshoot complex problems with lab equipment required
• Knowledge of general laboratory methods, principles of quality control, quality assurance, AABB (American Association of Blood Banks), FDA (Food and Drug Administration), CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act) regulations, CAP (College of American Pathology) standards, cGMPs (current Good Manufacturing Practices), and other state accrediting agencies required
• Skilled in the operation of laboratory equipment, instrument, computer and materials. required
• Effective time management and organizational skills to coordinate a broad base of laboratory functions and appropriately prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously required
• Maintain accurate, timely records of patient/donor information and laboratory results. required
• Strong detail orientation and analytical skills to evaluate and ensure accuracy of data related to laboratory results and patient or donor information required
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey understanding of factual information and make recommendations to staff and customers required
• Superior technical skills required
• Superior problem solving skills. required
• Ability to work independently and as a team member required
• Ability to teach/train other personnel required

Licenses and Certifications

• MLS/CLS/MT/BB American Society for Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) certification required or equivalent required
• SBB certification or equivalent; OR 10 years of Immunohematology Reference Lab experience required
• Must meet CLIA requirements for high complexity testing required

Tools and Technology

• Personal Computer (desk top, lap top, tablet) required
• General office equipment (computer, printer, fax, copy machine) required
• Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required
• General laboratory equipment including centrifuges, automated cell washers and incubator/waterbaths for performing clinical tests. required
• Molecular instrumentation such as light cyclers required
• Pipettes (single channel, multi-channel, electronic, etc.) required
• pH meter, microscopes required