Clinical Laboratory Scientist III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Enzyme & Immunoassay (EIA) Screening Group Manager, this role uses considerable knowledge to independently perform highly complex immunofluorometric testing. This includes analysis of Immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and galactose 1-phospate uridyl transferace (GALT) on high volume neonatal screening specimens. The position serves as an authority on test procedures in the EIA laboratory and participates in maintaining analytic accuracy. Responsibilities include specimen preparation and analysis, quality control and assay acceptability, data and work list evaluation, result entry, release of final results, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, and training of personnel. The role involves making significant decisions on the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens and independently determining and releasing complex results based on Standard Operating Protocols (SOP). Active participation in the safety program is required. The supervisor will assign a small portion of daily work, providing general instruction for routine tasks and detailed instructions for non-routine tasks. Duties are performed independently with considerable latitude, adherence to standard protocol, and with the use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment. Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary, and all staff members will be required to work on Saturdays and some holidays as part of a rotating schedule.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; or Associate degree in a laboratory science (chemical or biological science); or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of general laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, immunofluorometric principles, techniques, and terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use and troubleshoot various items of laboratory equipment associated with work area.
• Ability to use a computer.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff.
• Ability to work in harmony with other team members.
• Ability to work as part of a team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures that are performed in high volume.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Ability to keep accurate, detailed records.
• Ability to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious material.
• Ability to complete tasks without close supervision and use mature judgment in test interpretation.
• Ability to prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required team timeframes.
• Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.
• Ability to maintain work area instruments and automated testing equipment.
• Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.
• Must be able to pass a functional color vision assessment in order to carry out essential job functions.
• Must wear provided personal protective equipment (including: face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, safety glasses) as required by testing/safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Clinical laboratory testing including procedures in newborn screening or clinical chemistry or high volume workload or complex analysis or complex laboratory instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Performs highly complex immunofluorometric IRT, 17-OHP, T4 and TSH, and Galt analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens.
• Completes all documentation with required information.
• Recognizes delays in completion of specimen testing, result reporting, and other essential functions and notifies the supervisor immediately.
• Identifies problems with atypical test results, consulting with upper-level personnel.
• Performs high volume sampling (punching) of filter paper specimens for all newborn screening tests and standards and controls for IRT, 17-OHP, T4 and TSH, and Galt tests.
• Uses technical knowledge to determine specimen acceptability and assign thyroid unsatisfactory codes.
• Evaluates and interprets highly complex data.
• Reviews and releases final results.
• Processes reports that are associated with worklist duties.
• Uses the Newborn Screening Laboratory Information computer system.
• Actively participates in quality control review, proficiency testing, equipment performance documentation, specimen workload tallies and supply inventory to ensure consistently acceptable quality assurance and test performance.
• Performs routine and specialized preventive maintenance of highly complex equipment.
• Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting and makes routine adjustments as indicated.
• Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction, reassignment of duties, and teamwork with supervisors, co-workers, and internal and external customers.
• Initiates rapid communication of abnormal test results by informing upper-level technicians of panic level results so Clinical Care Coordination can complete same day follow-up.
• Conducts training of staff.
• Complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.
• Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree