Medical Lab at Oregon Health & Science Portland, Oregon

Medical Lab Scientist

This position provides technical support in the Core Laboratory and Transfusion Services to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and clinic patients. The incumbent will be a qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist with generalist experience or equivalent capable of performing laboratory testing and associated activities needed to support the technical services provided by the Core Lab. Testing is performed in: Transfusion Service, Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Body Fluids and limited Microbiology.

Specimen processing, test performance, and result reporting is performed independently after appropriate training. Supervisor or director review of results is required in situations dictated by policy or procedures. The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with behaviors which will best serve the clients of the department.

Function/Duties of Position

• Performs testing in all sections of the Core Laboratory and Transfusion Services with accuracy, speed, and efficiency, using Erytra, Iris, Sysmex XN 9000, ABL, Beckman Coulter DxC, DxI, Centaur, ACL Tops and additional instrumentation. Follows written procedures and policies.
• Prepares samples for testing. Determines acceptability of specimens and results. Repeats analysis as necessary to insure accuracy. Reports test results via computer and telephone.
• Performs all computer functions using Beaker, WellSky and EPIC/Beaker software.
• Answers telephone requests for laboratory information.
• Calibrates, maintains and troubleshoots laboratory instruments and procedures.
• Trains new employees, students and residents.
• Performs and evaluates quality control data to determine functionality of instruments and procedures.
• Other Duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in medical technology, Clinical Lab Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Chemical or Biological field, and current certification MT (ASCP), or MLS (ASCP) within 90 days of hire. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred.
• OR Completion of a 2-year accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, plus MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 90 days of hire, and 4 years of experience in a clinical laboratory. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004.
• OR Bachelor's degree in a Chemical or Biological field, and four years' experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory performing testing and related tasks. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Note: experience in a specialty lab area will only qualify candidate to work in that specialty area.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials and techniques, regulations and safety.
• Skill in handling of laboratory specimens, record keeping and laboratory equipment.
• Skill in identifying cells and cell morphology.
• Skill in using several different computer systems, including: word processing, dedicated LIS/HIS, etc.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately, and operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines, to adjust to rapidly changing priorities, and apply problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees.
• Demonstrate personal integrity, efficiency, and ability to adjust to rapidly changing testing priorities.
• Ability to work in a multi-tasking environment and display technical skills at many different workstations throughout the laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Generalist experience in Hematology, Urinalysis, Coagulation, and limited Microbiology within last two years preferred.
• Applicants with recent experience in only Hematology will be considered.

Additional Details

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature control problems in building.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.