Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

Job Summary National Jewish Health is seeking a detail-oriented and quality-driven Medical Laboratory Scientist to join the Core Laboratory Services team. This role performs high complexity testing and plays a critical part in delivering accurate, timely diagnostic results that support patient care. This position offers a consistent Monday through Friday schedule, providing work-life balance within a collaborative, mission-driven environment. National Jewish Health is the nation’s leading respiratory hospital, recognized for excellence in patient care, research and education. The Core Laboratory Services team plays a vital role in advancing diagnostic precision and supporting innovative care. In this role, the Medical Laboratory Scientist contributes directly to accurate diagnoses and improved outcomes for patients with complex conditions, while benefiting from a stable schedule and a supportive, team-oriented culture. Key Responsibilities Performs high complexity laboratory testing, ensuring accuracy, quality and timely reporting of patient results. Adheres to quality control standards, performs instrument maintenance and troubleshoots assay and equipment issues. Documents testing, maintenance and corrective actions in accordance with laboratory policies and regulatory requirements. Utilizes laboratory information systems to manage orders, results and communication effectively. Collaborates with team members to support workflow, training and continuous improvement initiatives. Position Summary The Medical Laboratory Scientist, under the direction of the Medical Laboratories Supervisor, performs analysis of specimens, performs quality control testing, troubleshoots equipment problems, performs instrument maintenance and prepares patient data for reporting to produce accurate test results for all patients. Essential Duties Performs high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory supervisor, manager or director and reviews testing performance as applicable. Follows the laboratory’s and NJH established policies and procedure manuals. Reviews and signs laboratory and personnel SOPs. Is responsible for completing NetLearning in a timely manner. Participates and maintains records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens. Adheres to the laboratory’s quality control policies, documenting all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed. May perform QC review as necessary. Follows set guidelines to troubleshoot/correct assay problems or instrument malfunctions. Performs maintenance and works with supervisor/manager in troubleshooting QC or instrument problems. Identifies and assists in troubleshooting with peers. Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications. Appropriately uses the computer systems in the department, including proper use of order/reports/charging, and maximizes personal proficiency. Responds appropriately to email and other forms of communication. 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. Participates in preparation for inspections where required including revision of laboratory manuals and procedures. Applies their knowledge and expertise toward critically evaluating assays and assay results. Transmits knowledge, best practices and key techniques to colleagues by being an active participant in training and developing training materials. Other Duties Performs as a back‑up to staff absences and vacancies, as necessary. Performs all other duties as assigned. Competencies 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. Customer Focus: Proactively shares new knowledge with appropriate constituents; looks at processes and results with the laboratory in mind, and with the customer or patient in the forefront; brokers customer and physician relationships with other complementary service providers or departments; shares new knowledge with appropriate colleagues, clients and physicians as necessary. Decision Quality: Solutions prove to be correct and accurate when judged over time; understands and makes decisions that benefit the laboratory and the patient. Drive for Results: Productivity is above expectations; balances achieving individual goals with providing value to laboratory; volunteers for additional projects and identifies new initiatives and fills in for staff absences. Informing and Communicating: 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. Adaptability: Balances competing demands of multiple projects by setting priorities, communicating change, and meeting deadlines; recovers quickly from setbacks and maintains focus under stress; can handle multiple changes in direction or assignments; consistently learns quickly when facing new problems; embraces change and unfamiliar tasks; consistently analyzes both success and failure to determine how to improve; maintains open mind and willingness to try new ideas or approaches; has a desire to learn. Professional Relationships: Coaches others to appreciate workforce diversity; seeks value in diversity and differences; encourages positive attitude in others. Core Values Be available to work as scheduled and report to work on time. Be willing to accept supervision and work well with others. Be well groomed, appropriately for your role and wear ID Badge visibly. Be in compliance with all departmental and institutional policies, the Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct and completes NetLearning by due date annually. 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. Adheres to safe working practices and at all times follows all institutional and departmental safety policies and procedures. Wears appropriate PPE as outlined by the infection control policies and procedures. Demonstrates compliance with all state, federal and all other regulatory agency requirements. Minimum Qualifications Education: BS in Biology, Chemistry or a related scientific field required. Work Experience: One year of recent and relevant experience preferred. Special Training, Certification or Licensure: Registered Medical Technologist (Generalist), Medical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist), or Medical Laboratory Technician (Generalist) with American Society of Clinical Pathologists required. For graduates 2004 and forward, re‑certification with ASCP must occur every third year. Salary Range $33.02 - $44.07 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 other 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr