Certified Lab Scientist - Clinical Lab

Mercy Medical Center • Aurora, IL

7d • $28 - $38 • Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Lab Scientist performs waived, moderate, or highly complex laboratory tests authorized by CLIA, with responsibilities described under CFR § 493.1425 and § 493.1495. The role requires a level of skill commensurate with the employee’s education, training, experience, and technical abilities. The scientist performs a wide variety of laboratory procedures using independent judgment and manual and automated methods across Hematology, Blood Bank, Chemistry, Urinalysis, Coagulation, Microbiology, Immunology, and other disciplines as introduced into the laboratory.

The position follows laboratory procedures for collecting, processing, analyzing, and reporting patient test results; documents corrective actions when test systems deviate from established performance specifications; identifies problems affecting test performance and corrects them or promptly notifies a supervisor or medical director; and reviews patient result accuracy before release. The scientist also maintains instruments and equipment, recognizes age-specific differences in expected results, and tests proficiency-testing samples in the same manner as patient samples without prohibited collaboration.

The role may include venipuncture or capillary puncture across age groups, assisting with laboratory policy and procedure development, and responsibilities related to the laboratory information system (LIS) and/or point-of-care testing (POCT). In a supervisor’s absence, the scientist may be assigned as Lead Tech and be responsible for a section or department during the shift. The position also follows department and hospital policies related to safety, infection control, emergency preparedness, and human resources, and may be assigned other tasks by the department manager or director.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in chemical, physical, or biological health science, or Medical Laboratory Technology from an accredited institution, or other educational requirements stated in CLIA (42 CFR 493.1423).
• Current and valid state license if required in the state where the laboratory is located.

Nice To Haves

• ASCP certification or equivalent preferred.
• One year of hospital laboratory work experience preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform waived, moderate, or highly complex tests authorized by CLIA in accordance with applicable responsibilities under CFR § 493.1425 and § 493.1495.
• Follow laboratory procedures for collecting, processing, analyzing, and reporting patient test results.
• Follow quality control policies and document corrective actions when test systems deviate from established performance specifications.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance, correct them when possible, or promptly notify the immediate supervisor, Director, or Medical Director.
• Perform laboratory procedures using independent judgment and manual and automated methods in Hematology, Blood Bank, Chemistry, Urinalysis, Coagulation, Microbiology, Immunology, and other laboratory disciplines as introduced.
• Perform and document instrument and equipment maintenance daily, weekly, monthly, or as needed.
• Review patient result accuracy before releasing or reporting results.
• Recognize age-specific differences in expected results, from newborns through geriatric patients.
• Test proficiency-testing samples in the same manner as patient samples and avoid collaboration with other laboratories before reporting results to the appropriate agencies.
• Perform venipuncture or capillary puncture on patients of various age groups when required.
• Assist in developing and maintaining laboratory policies and procedures.
• Follow department and hospital policies and procedures related to safety, infection control, emergency preparedness, and human resources.
• When assigned in the absence of a supervisor, serve as Lead Tech with responsibility for the section or department during the shift.
• Perform responsibilities related to LIS and/or POCT when assigned.
• Perform other tasks or responsibilities assigned by the department manager or director.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Paid time off
• 401K retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Continuing education opportunities
• Specialized training through the PrimE-Academy professional development platform
• Voluntary benefit options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time