Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist - Hematology - Days

Laboratory Leader

Join the MD Anderson Cancer Center CORE Hematology Laboratory team and play a key leadership role in supporting one of the nation's leading cancer centers. Our laboratory professionals are committed to delivering high-quality diagnostic testing that directly impacts patient care and outcomes, while fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment focused on excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

We are seeking a strong laboratory leader with advanced technical expertise in hematology testing, quality assurance, troubleshooting, regulatory compliance, and laboratory operations. The ideal candidate will have experience leading or mentoring laboratory staff, supporting CAP/CMS readiness, reviewing quality control and proficiency testing data, coordinating workflow and scheduling, and assisting with implementation and validation of new methodologies, instrumentation, and laboratory processes. Candidates should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume clinical laboratory environment while maintaining a strong focus on patient care, operational efficiency, and team development.

At MD Anderson Cancer Center, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside world-renowned clinicians and researchers while building a rewarding career with exceptional benefits, professional development opportunities, tuition assistance, wellness programs, and a supportive culture committed to employee growth and work-life balance.

The hours are 7am -3:30pm. The ideal candidate will have hematology experience.

Job Specific Competencies

Performs complex laboratory tests and analyzes results. Evaluates and solves problems. Ensure laboratory personnel know how to evaluate and solve problems. Perform retrain and reassessment as needed. Acts as a technical resource to staff and trains new employees. Remains knowledgeable and competent for all policies, procedures and protocols. Review monthly Quality Control Data. Ensure initial Proficiency Testing documentation is completed and recorded in CAP according to schedule. Follow up on investigating any Proficiency testing failure and document corrective/preventive actions. Ensure laboratory equipment is functional 24/7 by following up in any troubleshooting and maintenance including PMs. Ensure all policies, procedures, checklists and protocols are written when validating and implementing new methodologies. Follows section's inventory control system to assure laboratory operations are not compromised due to absence of supplies and reagents. Ensure instruments' performance evaluations checks including but not limited to PM, Cal/Ver, correlations, QC, etc. are completed according to SOP and in timely manner. Ensure instruments' performance evaluation reports are signed by Supervisor/Manager and Medical Director and filled in corresponding folders. Complies with safety guidelines and procedures and adheres to regulatory mandates. Ensure laboratory is ready for CAP or CMS inspection at all times. Maintains laboratory equipment functionality at all times by ensuring proper troubleshooting is follow up when an instrument problem is identified. Organize/plan validation and evaluation process of new methodologies and tests. Prepare validation plan for new methodologies/tests including but not limited to SOPs, Cost analysis, CDM #, submit LIS request to build test, lab bulletin, formulary, training checklists. Ensure personnel 6 month/annual competencies and CAP PT rotation. Maintains proficiency in computer functions in the lab processes. Validates database for new software or new tests implemented in the laboratory. Set up connectivity with the help of technical support. Ensure records of departmental functions including but not limited, inventory, reagent validation, device validation, etc in the corresponding electronic folders. Create personnel productivity reports. Submit Safety Intelligent reports. Demonstrate knowledge of the Laboratory and Hospital Informatics Systems to properly inquire specimen data, analyze and evaluate patient results, correct and credit results as needed.

Enhances productivity and laboratory lab functions by demonstrating dependability. Organizes work to achieve maximum productivity to meet the workload demands of the section by preparing weekly/monthly work schedule and adjust this as needed according to priorities and personnel update. Assists peers to ensure their designated tasks are thoroughly completed in timely manner. Works independently, utilizes resources available to maximize efficiency and ensuring all the laboratory compliance documentation is on the corresponding files. Monitor LIS productivity records and communicate with Supervisor/Manager when deficiencies are noted. Maintain active communication with Supervisor. Manages all customer service interactions with diplomacy, actively facilitating resolutions to problems and addressing the needs of clients both internal and external. Be the laboratory liaison between the laboratory personnel (MLS and Senior) supervisor/manager.

Assists in the development of laboratory personnel and tests, to enhance laboratory functions. Ensure established policies, procedures and protocols state all the laboratory processes in place and are the guidelines to be used in the development of laboratory personnel. Ensure productivity is checked on regular basis and update the manager with the results. Participates in process improvement projects. Including policies, procedures and protocols reviews and updates. Ensure new personnel completes instrument/testing initial training accurately including but not limited to understanding of QC, inventory, calling tech support, troubleshooting, etc. Assist supervisor on ensuring personnel 6 month/ annual competency assessments are completed in timely manner. Participates in process improvement projects. Validates database for new software or new tests implemented in the laboratory. Coaches and mentors' students and employees in laboratory processes and service interactions.

Other duties as assigned

Education

Required: Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology OR Bachelor's Degree in a related science field or Molecular Genetic Technology OR Successful completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology accredited program

Preferred: Master's Degree in a related science field OR Doctorate in a related science field

Work Experience

Required: 10 years of clinical laboratory experience with an Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology OR 9 years of clinical laboratory experience with a Bachelor's Degree in a related science field OR 8 years of clinical laboratory experience with the completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology accredited program OR 6 years of clinical laboratory experience with a Master's Degree OR 4 years of clinical laboratory experience with a Doctorate degree

Licenses and Certifications

Preferred (upon hire): ASCP American Society of Clinical Pathologist Technologist/Scientist/Specialist certification OR CHS Certified Histocompatibility Specialist, American College of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (ACHI) OR CHT Certified Histocompatibility Technologist, American College of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (ACHI) OR MDT Molecular Diagnostics Tech, American Medical Technologists (AMT) OR MT Medical Technologist, American Medical Technologists (AMT)

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition. This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment. It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.