Immunohematology Reference Lab CLS II

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Immunohematology Reference Lab CLS II 

Department:  Immunohematology Reference Laboratory

Reports to:  Manager, Immunohematology Reference Laboratory

Risk of Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens:  Yes

Has Direct Reports:  No

Will be required to drive company vehicle:  No

Job Summary

Under the direction of the department leadership, the IRL Clinical Laboratory Scientist II is responsible for Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (IRL) processes according to cGMP compliant policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) implemented by the San Diego Blood Bank (SDBB). The IRL is a highly regulated laboratory where employees must successfully complete/pass an initial training program and complete competency assessments in intervals defined by SDBB policies.

Responsibilities

• Performs all assigned duties in compliance with internal SOPs and external regulations.
• Provides guidance and expertise for the laboratory to meet the needs of SDBB customers, in accordance with accepted standards and regulations.
• Supports the SDBB safety, GMP and Quality Plan.  Adheres to GMP guidelines.
• Assist in training new personnel and other staff members.
• Assists in the care, maintenance and quality control of equipment and supplies.
• Maintains department records, reports and statistical data as required.
• Assists in developing new lab processes and procedures.
• Assists with laboratory quality and variance programs.
• Participates in department meetings and educational programs.
• Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain professional relationships.
• Decision making skills.
• Professional communication both written and oral, which is clear and precise.
• Must be detail oriented, well organized and display good time management skills.
• Self-motivated and capable of independent work.
• Integrity and discretion – ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to perform under pressure and work under stressful situations.
• Team orientation.
• Teaching and training abilities.
• Understands and adheres to the policies, procedures and standards developed as part of the San Diego Blood Bank Compliance Program.
• Participates in the IRL on call rotation.
• Performs red cell blood grouping and antibody identification on donor and referred patient blood samples.
• Determines suitability for transfusion of donor units with discrepant ABO or Rh groups and unexpected red cell antibodies.
• Performs pre-transfusion compatibility testing as needed.
• Performs platelet crossmatching.
• Performs adsorptions as needed.
• Identifies antibodies to high and low prevalence antigens.
• Performs donor and patient red cell antigen typing.
• Performs elutions as needed.
• Enzyme treats red blood cells as needed.
• Able to use reducing agents.
• Able to remove immunoglobulin from red cells as needed.
• Able to perform inhibition/neutralization testing.
• Able to perform titrations.
• Able to identify cold-reactive antibodies.
• Provides verbal and written reports, technical assistance, and consultation to customers.
• Performs DNA extractions.
• Performs Next Generation Sequencing.
• Investigates and reviews non-conformances through quality incident reporting.
• Performs supervisory reviews and tasks as needed.
• Performs validations and new process development.
• Performs controlled document writing and revisions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
• Assists with staff training and competency when applicable.

• May cross train in the Quality Control Laboratory.

Working Environment

• Normal laboratory environment with biohazard precautions.
• May be exposed to blood or bodily fluids that may be capable of transmitting diseases.
• May be exposed to chemicals that may be hazardous.
• May be called on to work or attend meetings at other than routinely scheduled hours.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand or sit long hours.
• Must be able to work on a computer 4 - 8 hours a day.
• Must be able to communicate clearly.
• May be required to lift up to 40 pounds.

Equipment Used

• Serologic Centrifuges
• Cell Washers
• Heat Blocks/Water Baths
• Thermometers
• Refrigerator/Freezers
• Plate Washers
• KingFisher Flex
• Illumina MiniSeq
• Single and multichannel pipettes
• Vortex
• Mini centrifuge
• Plate Spinner
• Qubit

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Certifications/Licenses

• MLS/MT(ASCP)CM or equivalent experience.
• CA Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS).
• CA Clinical Immunohematologist Scientist (CIS).

Experience:

• Greater than three (3) years of Laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of application of AABB Standards, FDA, CLIA and other regulations that apply to blood banking.
• Moderate to advance understanding of technical aspects of lab department, blood banking concepts, molecular, hematology, and blood group antigens and antibodies.

Skills:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as Standard Operating Procedures, safety rules, and equipment operating and maintenance instructions.
• Flexibility to work independently and with a team.
• Organized and able to efficiently prioritize and handle multiple tasks at one time to provide a productive workflow.
• Ability to work independently with limited direct supervision.
• Ability to apply judgement to written or oral instructions.
• Above average attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Clear and effective communication skills, both oral and written.

Hours & Location

• San Diego Blood Bank Headquarters
• Hours: 10:00pm to 6:30am
• Shift: Mon-Fri; night with occasional weekend on call
• Night shift and weekend shift differentials are available for eligible employees. Earn additional hourly compensation for working designated evening, overnight, and weekend shifts!

BENEFITS FOR YOU

We take care of you, while you take care of others. As a mission-based organization, we believe our team needs great support to do great work. Our comprehensive benefits help you in balancing home and work. With our resources and perks, you have amazing possibilities at the San Diego Blood Bank including:

• Employees working 30 or more hours per week are eligible for employer sponsored health benefits (Medical, Dental, & Vision plans)
• Earn up to 120 hours of paid vacation in your first year.
• 7 paid Holidays + 1 personal holiday provided annually.
• 40 hours of paid sick time provided annually.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match starting on your first day.
• Employee Assistance Program - Free for employees and their families
• Service Awards and recognition.