Certifying Scientist, Split Shift (10:30AM-7:00PM)

Ethos Laboratories•Newport, KY

83d•Onsite

About The Position

JOB OVERVIEW NOTE: This opening is for a split shift position, Monday-Friday. Ideal schedule would be 10:30AM-7:00PM, but alternative schedules could be 11:30AM-8:00PM or 12:30-9:00PM. The Certifying Scientist is responsible for the quantitation of MS data and the final review of patient data and patient reports and interacting with clients to assist with report issues, such as issuing new reports, updating patient demographic information, and similar concerns. Ethos manages clinical samples for diagnostic drug and metabolite confirmation analysis, and this candidate will engage in professional work in conducting toxicological examinations to identify and quantify target compounds. In addition, they will participate in validation studies, proficiency testing programs, method development, and other programs at the direction of the Confirmation Supervisor.

Requirements

Regular and prompt attendance
An advanced understanding of drug metabolism, toxicology, forensic testing, P450 enzymes, or testing principles specifically related to urine and oral fluid metabolism
An advanced understanding of LC-MS/MS systems and data interpretation
High level of attention to detail
Proficient in operating complex laboratory instrumentation and computers with scientific software
Ability to participate in method development, validation or research with Technical Supervision preferred
Able and willing to follow established protocols employing acceptable forensic standards of analysis and the use of judgment in searching for solutions or new applications within one’s own experience
Must be able to work with limited supervision where the work assignments are subject to established procedures, practices, precedents, methods, techniques, standards, and/or well-defined policies
Must be able to achieve superior results when work is reviewed in terms of quality, volume, timeliness, and adherence to established methods, standards and policies
Participate in ongoing training and continuing education courses related to drug metabolism, toxicology, and LC-MS/MS systems
Responsible for promoting a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment
Must be able and willing to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications
Master’s Degree in Life Science, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biology, Physics, or similar analytical science field or Bachelor of Science in similar field with 1 year of related experience

Nice To Haves

Preference for candidates with familiarity with LC-MS/MS instruments (other experience in instrumental analysis of HPLC or LC-MS/MS of drugs in biological tissues may be acceptable)
Preference for candidates with familiarity with Agilent MS and LC systems – specifically MassHunter Acquisition and Quantitation programs
Previous work with bodily fluids – such as urine and oral fluid is preferred
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
Ability to coordinate laboratory functions and represent the toxicology laboratory professionally
Excellent time management, documentation, and organizational skills
Demonstrated troubleshooting abilities
Must be flexible, innovative, and self-motivated
Ability to plan and organize his/her work
Ability to function independently and in a team environment
Ability to listen, learn, and promote accountability and responsibility related to all processes

Responsibilities

Final review and certification of patient reports following established protocols – specifically for urine and oral fluid testing – utilizing and reporting point of care testing, EIA screening, and LC-MS/MS confirmation testing results
Transcribe data from first review onto final review list
Review reports individually, checking for completion of all demographic information, all ordered tests, and that results correspond to established norms
Identify and confirm prescribed medication vs. inconsistent reports – either due to the presence of non-prescribed medications or illicit drugs
Add comments to reports as needed
Document completed reports and items for further review
Collaborate and communicate with other departments to maintain the highest quality standards for testing procedures
Answer incoming phone calls to the Confirmation department from customers, including questions regarding basic toxicology, basic drug metabolism, assistance with report issues, and sending reports
Complete internal and external rerun requests
Final review of internal rerun requests
Review calibration and quality control data for each batch of patient samples
Perform data analysis on patient samples for multiple analytes using mass spec software programs
Utilize established protocols to confirm retention time, precursor and product ions, and qualifier ions are within established ranges for peak qualification and note any discrepancies
Identify patient samples requiring reinjections or re-extractions following established protocols
Program reinjections to run on the mass spec instruments
Document data analysis completed and items for further review
Transmit completed data analysis to the Laboratory Information System (LIS)
Assist in proficiency testing, monitoring of daily controls, and be responsible for operating within the established quality controls parameters; including the recognition of invalid data and bringing all errors to the supervisor’s attention
Complete updated reports as needed
Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements
Other duties as assigned