Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

Position Summary
The Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist duties include assisting the Supervisor in the proper operation of the laboratory and provide technical direction in analyzing specimens, performing cultures on specimens, performing quality control testing, troubleshooting equipment problems, performing instrument maintenance, processing patient specimens, and preparing in-house and referral patient data for reporting. To produce accurate test results for all patients. To provide technical direction to other employees, as directed. The Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist demonstrates technical skills above that of a Senior Medical Lab Scientist, and performs the following essential responsibilities.

Essential Duties

1. Leads the work of co-workers providing effective communication, direction, guidance and resources as appropriate.
2. Responsible for implementation and validation, under leadership of the laboratory supervisor, of new procedures, as well as new regulations introduced by governing bodies.
3. Performs high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory supervisor, manager or director and reviews testing performance as applicable.
4. Follows the laboratory's and NJH established policies and procedure manuals. Reviews and signs laboratory and personnel SOP on an annual basis. NetLearning is completed in a timely manner. Writes and reviews procedure manuals and documents. Review the work of peers to ensure compliance with CLIA personnel requirements, as directed.
5. Leads and maintains records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens. Reviews and coordinates proficiency testing. Conducts staff re-education as applicable.
6. Adheres to the laboratory's quality control policies, documenting all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed. Performs QC review as necessary. Immediately addresses any significant issues or trends observed with supervisor.
7. Follows set guidelines to troubleshoot/correct assay problems or instrument malfunctions. Performs maintenance and works with supervisor in troubleshooting QC or instrument problems. Identifies and leads in troubleshooting with peers and makes oneself available to be a resource for troubleshooting. Monitors data for trends and immediately reports any trends observed to supervisor.
8. Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications. Performs root cause analysis of events as directed by supervisor.
9. Performs, observes, and reviews competencies as identified through the departmental competency program. Leads in competency performance and tracking of peers as directed.
10. Takes initiative to improve laboratory operations and performs extra projects of increasing complexity and skill and completes projects as directed and approved by the supervisor.
11. Attends continuing education programs sponsored by National Jewish, manufacturer in-services and/or professional society programs. Obtains at least 12 approved CEU credits per year including but not limited to the following: webinars, lunch and learn seminars, seminars, etc.
12. Is responsible for maintaining and ordering appropriate levels of reagents and consumables in the laboratory at all times.
13. Participates in preparation for inspections where required including revision of laboratory manuals and procedures. Identifies areas of risk in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
14. Functions as technical supervisor or general supervisor (per CLIA and CAP) as applicable.
15. Provides direction and guidance in testing operations. Applies their knowledge and expertise toward critically evaluating assays and assay results.
16. Transmits knowledge, best practices and key techniques to colleagues by being an active participant in training and developing training materials.

Other Duties

1. Performs as a back-up to staff absences and vacancies, as necessary.
2. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Competencies

1. Accountability: Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly; displays a strong commitment to organizational success and inspires others to commit to goals; demonstrates a commitment to National Jewish Health.
2. Laboratory Knowledge: Has thorough knowledge of disease states and diagnosis involved in laboratory testing methods; has thorough knowledge of clinical laboratory methodology and keeps abreast of developments in alternate methodology, emerging trends and new competitors.
3. Coaching and Teaching Others: Providing timely guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem.
4. Customer Focus: Brokers customer and physician relationships with other complementary service providers or departments; actively seeks to understand customer, physician and patient needs beyond current assignment or project; proactively shares new knowledge with colleagues, clients and physicians.
5. Decision Quality: Owns the decision and is accountable for outcomes; makes good decisions, based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment.
6. Drive for Results: Leads the laboratory in productivity and assists others in increasing their personal productivity; is extremely engaged with the work and is willing to go above and beyond to meet and/or exceed department objectives and needs; collaboratively works with internal and external customers to identify and pursue a shared goal; listens to internal and external customers' needs and creates/designs strategic or tactical plans to address those needs; drives the completion and maintains ongoing monitoring of laboratory initiatives.
7. Informing and Communicating: Deals diplomatically with sensitive situations and considers suitability of times and place for such discussions; coaches others in writing techniques and appropriate communication forums. Addresses issues as they arise or within an appropriate time interval; effectively uses all forms of communication; Informs coworkers/leadership of when work product may be affected. Identifies key issues to pursue for maximum input rather than arguing every point; demonstrates ability to restate others' positions accurately-reflecting both facts and feelings; maintains long-term objectives while resolving short-term challenges.
8. Professional Relationships: Turns conflict situations into learning experiences with positive outcomes for relationships and work; participates in and leads focused, collaborative, results-driven teams; coaches others on forming and maintaining quality professional relationships; works to establish a positive environment with all staff consistently.
9. Perseverance/Resourcefulness: Has impressive ability to find ways over, under, around and through barriers; invents new paradigms; actively works to apply new approaches to existing challenges; regarded as a source of information by others.
10. Problem Solving: Comes up with many potential sources for answers; leads team in problem definition or key issue identification; solves problems creatively when others have become discouraged and negative; proactively explores new ideas and solutions and has repeat success in bringing problems or projects to positive resolution; able to rapidly perform complex analysis, accurately assess situations and thinks beyond the problem.

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility
Leads the work of others.

Travel
None

Core Values

1. Be available to work as scheduled and report to work on time.
2. Be willing to accept supervision and work well with others.
3. Be well groomed, appropriately for your role and wear ID Badge visibly.
4. Be in compliance with all departmental and institutional policies, the Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct and completes NetLearning by due date annually.
5. Promotes a workplace culture based on mutual respect and merit, where all individuals are treated fairly and provided with equal opportunity to contribute to the mission and goals of the institution.
6. Adheres to safe working practices and at all times follows all institutional and departmental safety policies and procedures.
7. Wears appropriate PPE as outlined by the infection control policies and procedures.
8. Demonstrates compliance with all state, federal and all other regulatory agency requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Education: BS in Biology, Chemistry or related field required.
2. Work Experience: A minimum of 4 years of recent and relevant experience required.
3. Special Training, Certification or Licensure: Registered Medical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist) with American Society of Clinical Pathologists required. For graduates 2004 and forward, re-certification with ASCP must occur every third year.

Salary Range: $40.32 - $53.32

Benefits
At National Jewish Health, we recognize that our outstanding faculty and staff are the essence of our organization. For every aspect of health care, our employees are our greatest asset. With that in mind, we have designed a valuable, comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and their families.

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Multiple Cigna health plans for Colorado, regional office and remote employees. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) available to pair with some plans.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO accruals to use for vacation and sick days, and six paid holidays, all compliant with Colorado state sick leave regulations.
• Dental & Vision Plans: Coverage effective the first of the month after hire.
• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with employer contributions after two years.
• Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $200 annually for preventive health activities.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually for full-time and part-time employees.
• Child Care Assistance: Childcare Flex Spending Account (FSA) with annual employer contribution.
• Loan Forgiveness: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• Disability & Life Insurance: Employer-paid plans and optional buy-up choices.
• Voluntary Benefits: Full suite of coverage options such as Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Plan
• Exclusive Discounts: Savings on local services, insurance, and RTD bus passes.