Medical Laboratory Scientist

Preference given to a scientist with a strong Microbiology background
Active ASCP or AMT certification required upon submittal

Position
Summary


Under minimal supervision, applies advanced technical skills and
seasoned judgment to independently and competently provide a full range of
sample test analyses and laboratory services in a hospital-based laboratory.
Shift work and night and weekend call are required to provide 24 hour
laboratory coverage. Perform all levels of testing including CLIA defined high
complexity testing. Works with infants, children, adolescents, adults and
geriatric patients.


Position Complexities


The work typically involves full responsibility for all technical
aspects of the laboratory and includes a wide variety of duties involving
diverse and complex technical problems and considerations, i.e. procuring
compatible, lifesaving units of blood for a patient with antibodies.
Assignments involve such complicating factors as practical, economic or
operating problems; inadequate or discrepant information about the use and
capabilities of new instruments or methodologies; or requests for modified
procedures, test alternative, or special studies to meet specific clinical
situation. Decisions directly or indirectly affect the quality of patient care
and can be "life or death" decisions or problems. Writes procedures for
department of responsibility using the CLSI format, and coordinates procedure
manual review, updates and distribution. Establishes a quality control program
appropriate for the testing performed in department of responsibility,
establishing parameters for acceptable levels of analytical performance,
ensuring that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process
from the initial receipt of specimen through sample analysis and reporting of
results. Resolves technical problems and ensures that remedial actions are
taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory's established
performance specifications. Ensures that
proper training is given to new employees during the orientation period and
that regular training is given to all technologists when there are changes in
their department. Assists the laboratory manager with evaluating the competency
of all testing personnel. Assists the laboratory manager with Process
Improvement activities associated with their departments. Understands and
assists the laboratory manager with implementing CAP standards and CLIA
regulations in their department of responsibility Coordinates inventory levels
with laboratory manager to maintain proper supply levels


Accountabilities
• Perform
all levels of testing including CLIA defined high complexity testing and
laboratory services. Evaluates, judges and interprets test results and ensures
accuracy. Identifies and resolves inconsistencies in patient results and works
with MLTs and LST to troubleshoot problems. Provides specialized expertise in
microbiology, transfusion medicine, molecular biology and infectious disease
safety. Performs patient specimen testing. Ensures sample suitability.
• Provide
limited test utilization and interpretation information to medical staff and
nursing and refers advanced clinical questions to Laboratory Medical
Director. Provide LIS consultation to all SEARHC staff. Educate SEARHC staff
in acceptable practices of laboratory medicine.
• Maintains
laboratory equipment and instruments. Ensures quality control and functionality
of instruments. Reviews LJ charts and submits data to Laboratory Manager and
the peer. Works with the Laboratory Manager to ensure quality measures are met
and writes policies and procedures Prepares lab for inspection from regulatory
institutions.
• With
Direction from the Laboratory Manager reviews the work of MLT's and LST's to
ensure accuracy and assigns tasks. Trains new employees, MEH staff, and
laboratory students. Participates in continuing education programs. Ensures that adequate levels of inventory are
maintained
• Performs
other duties as assigned or required.


Baseline
Qualifications

Education/Experience
• A bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or related field.
• One (1) year of progressive clinical experience or one (1) year of hospital
internship subsequent to degree.


License/Certification
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist (AMT or ASCP)

Knowledge,
Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge
• Knowledge
of all levels of laboratory testing including CLIA defined high complexity
testing.
• Knowledge
of LIS operation the ability to utilize a variety of laboratory and other
software applications.
• Knowledge
of laboratory equipment use and operations.
• Knowledge
of all aspects of quality control.
• Knowledge
CLIA, Joint Commission, CAP and other regulatory requirements.

Skills
• Skill
in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other
employees
• Skill
in oral and written communications.

Abilities
• Ability
to interpret laboratory reports and quality control results for accuracy and to
trouble shoot problem.
• Ability
to performs patient specimen testing and ensure sample suitability with a high
degree of accuracy.
• Ability
to work independently to assess the validity of lab results before release to
providers.
• Ability
in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other
employees and subordinates and to keep self and others on task.
• Ability
to train staff and maintain necessary continuing education.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.