Principal Scientist Histocompatibility Lab

Overview

Versiti is a fusion of donors, scientific curiosity, and precision medicine that recognize the gifts of blood and life are precious. We are home to the world-renowned Blood Research Institute, we enable life saving gifts from our donors, and provide the science behind the medicine through our diagnostic laboratories. Versiti brings together outstanding minds with unparalleled experience in transfusion medicine, transplantation, stem cells and cellular therapies, oncology and genomics, diagnostic lab services, and medical and scientific expertise. This combination of skill and knowledge results in improved patient outcomes, higher quality services and reduced cost of care for hospitals, blood centers, hospital systems, research and educational institutions, and other health care providers. At Versiti, we are passionate about improving the lives of patients and helping our healthcare partners thrive.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Senior Director, Histocompatibility, the Principal Scientist will train in the HLA lab in all areas of Versiti Wisconsin ASHI lab accreditation. The Principal Scientist is expected to complete all required reading, educational activities, laboratory observation, interaction and hands‑on training and participate in clinical case reviews as requested by the Director. As competence is obtained the Principal Scientist will participate in on‑call management rotation and will be accountable for helping to provide leadership to the Histocompatibility Laboratory, with a focus on clinical care, diagnostic innovation, education, and operational excellence. Based on training progression and competency the Principal Scientist will be expected to apply for ASHI Director In‑Training (DIT) status and ACHI Board Certification (required for PhD candidates) and subsequently obtain full ASHI and ACHI Director Certifications per an outlined DIT plan. The DIT is expected to submit a completed ASHI case study portfolio to the ASHI DTRC (Director Training, Review and Credentialing Committee) within the timeline provided, and to obtain ASHI Director certification soon after completion of the training period. Achievement of ACHI Diplomate board certification by written exam is also expected prior to submission of the ASHI portfolio to the ASHI DTRC as outlined in the ASHI‑approved training plan. Finally, as a DIT the Principal Scientist will be expected to also contribute to the successful execution of business and strategic initiatives; ongoing and sustainable improvements in the areas of compliance, customer/employee satisfaction; and process improvement.

Total Rewards Package

Benefits Versiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification. Full‑time regular employes are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short‑ and Long‑term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.

Responsibilities

• Clinical and Scientific Leadership * Reviews clinical cases and provides clinical consultation when deemed competent (including on‑call). * Stays current with and contributes to best clinical practices in histocompatibility and transplantation, serving as an expert resource for the lab. * Identifies new technologies and/or tests that will add value to customers and patients, and participates in their development, validation, and/or operational implementation. * Ensures own ongoing professional development through presentations and professional meetings. * Achieves professional certifications [F(ACHI), ASHI, etc.] at completion of training period
• Product Development and New Test Implementation * Identifies, evaluates, and implements opportunities for new or improved laboratory tests. * Assists with validation planning, execution and summary as needed. * Under guidance of Senior Director, helps monitor performance of newly introduced tests and methods. Initiates action when inconsistencies or problems are identified.
• Laboratory Operations * Demonstrates partnership and collaboration with operational management through participation and discussion, and alignment with organizational/team goals and decisions. * Functions as a productive member of the laboratory leadership and director teams. * Partners effectively with the Diagnostic Assay Development (AD) team and contributes to innovation efforts. * Serves as a technical resource to the laboratories for problem solving and process improvement.
• Regulatory Responsibility & Quality Assurance * When deemed competent, responsible for performing technical supervisor responsibilities per Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) ’88 regulations and as delegated by the Senior Director. * Responsible for helping to ensure laboratories meet all applicable standards (ASHI, CAP, NY, etc.) * Participates in developing and executing quality systems for laboratory operations, ensures that QC (quality control) and safety procedures are managed effectively. * Participates in test performance and QA (quality assurance) program review. * Helps ensure successful participation in proficiency testing.
• Customer Service * Develops and maintains relationships with customers; solicits and communicates customer needs and issues to laboratory operations and ensures they are addressed. * Provides expert consultation and interpretation to customers in a timely manner. * Promotes interdepartmental cooperation and respect through effective communication and problem solving. * Provides educational lectures locally and nationally on request. * Shares in the responsibility of training residents, fellows, SBB students & other visitors to the lab.
• Planning * Contributes to operational plans which support the organizational strategic direction. * Helps ensure current standards and emerging concepts are incorporated into annual planning.
• Continuous Improvement Culture * Champions continuous improvement to create customer value more efficiently and effectively.
• Financial Management * Develops a general understanding of laboratory financials (budgets, etc.). * Participates in the financial analysis of new opportunities.
• Leadership * Participates as an effective member of the Diagnostic Laboratories scientific team. * Communicates effectively with staff, management, and customers. * Manages change constructively.
• Human Resource Management * Supports and promotes a culture of open, productive communication and responsibility in the laboratories. * Responsible for staff development in science, technology and leadership, to include, ongoing learning, and development of personal and departmental performance standards to meet business unit initiatives.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
• Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
• Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures

Qualifications

Education

• Medical degree (M.D. or D.O.) with board certification in clinical or combined anatomic/clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology, required
• PhD in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution, required
• PhD only candidates must be ACHI Laboratory Director board eligible based on education and training or experience in immunology, histocompatibility, immunogenetics or a related field as outlined in the current edition of the ACHI Candidate Handbook. required
• PhD only candidates must also meet current CLIA education requirements for a high complexity laboratory director and current ASHI DTRC (Director Training, Review and Credentialing committee) requirements for all DIT (Director‑In‑Training) candidates as outlined in the most current ASHI standards. required

Experience

• 1-3 years Minimum of 2 years’ post‑doctoral training or experience in immunology, histocompatibility, immunogenetics or a related field as required to meet current CLIA educational requirements as well as ASHI and ACHI DIT credentialing guidelines. required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Scientific expertise in the field of histocompatibility, molecular biology, and immunology. required
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. required
• Creative, with “can do” attitude; innovative problem solver. required
• Strong detail orientation and analytical ability. required
• Laboratory experience with flow cytometric and molecular methods. preferred
• Strong analytical ability to evaluate and ensure accuracy of data related to quality control and process improvement. required
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. required
• Ability to work in partnership with others in a collaborative team environment. required

Tools and Technology

• Personal Computer (desktop, laptop, tablet) required
• General office equipment (computer, printer, fax, copy machine) required
• Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required