MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Under administrative direction of the Chief Medical Examiner, Chief Deputy Medical Examiner, and/or Deputy Medical Examiner, the technologist analyzes bodily fluids, tissues, and other samples using complex instruments to assist forensic pathologists in determining cause and manner of death. Key duties include performing complex tests, operating and maintaining sophisticated laboratory equipment, ensuring quality control and accuracy of results, interpreting data, handling infectious specimens, maintaining safety protocols, and communicating findings to forensic pathologists. Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of a four-year degree in Medical Technology or other science, with successful completion of an internship in Medical Technology or equivalent laboratory experience as deemed appropriate by ASCP. Certification by ASCP at the Technologist level. Valid Ohio driver’s license. Three or more years of experience in a toxicology laboratory is preferred. Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) is required.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Performing complex tests: conducting intricate chemical tests on blood, urine, tissue, and other bodily fluids. Operating & maintaining equipment: setting up, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting advanced laboratory instruments and analyzers. Ensuring quality control: performing quality control checks, monitoring equipment, and validating new methodologies to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of test results. Analyzing & interpreting data: evaluating test data, understanding medical correlations, and interpreting findings to assist forensic pathologists. Specimen handling: safely collecting, processing, and handling various biological specimens, some of which may contain infectious agents. Documentation & communication: recording test data, maintaining accurate records, and communicating laboratory findings to forensic pathologists. Adhering to protocols: following safety, infection control, and regulatory guidelines to ensure a secure and compliant laboratory environment. Court proceedings: providing testimony as required in civil and criminal court cases.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Advanced knowledge and strong understanding of medical correlation, laboratory parameters, and physiology to interpret test results accurately. Knowledge and application of safety and infection control practices when handling infectious samples. Abilties include using academic theory, critical thinking, exercise of discretion, and advanced customer service skills to resolve complex problems and make judgmental decisions. Ability to manage many variables, determine specific action, understand various communication forms, recognize unusual or threatening conditions, define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions. Exercise independent judgment and discretion; develop and maintain effective working relationships. Skills: utilization of automated equipment, manual testing techniques, and computer systems.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working conditions are in a laboratory environment with complex equipment and exposure to biological specimens. The employee will be required to go into the morgue area to retrieve samples from the refrigerator and will be exposed to temperature variations, damp-wet surfaces, decomposing decedents, infectious diseases, and unfavorable odors. Work is performed in an office environment, and the employee will regularly be exposed to normal hazards associated with an office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical requirements include hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity. Subject to smelling, handling, walking, sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and twisting to perform essential functions. Work Schedule: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Work Location: 85 North Summit Street, Akron, OH 44308 Pre-Employment Testing: Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol Testing, Criminal Background Check, Driving Record Check. #J-18808-Ljbffr County of Summit, OH