Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist III

Bloodworks NW • Seattle, WA

46d • $41 - $64 • Onsite

About The Position

Bloodworks Northwest is seeking an Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist III for its Immunohematology Reference Lab, which performs clinical laboratory testing under routine and emergency protocols. The position is in training for the Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist IV role. The scientist performs complex red-cell reference testing and antibody workups, supports blood orders and rare-donor activities, provides technical consultation, and contributes to the laboratory’s quality, accreditation, documentation, and operational functions.

The schedule is four 10-hour shifts, 8:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Tuesday through Friday. Telecommuting is not offered. The position is highly regulated and includes direct exposure to bloodborne pathogens, work in cold rooms and walk-in freezers, scheduled on-call shifts, and the ability to work holidays and weekends. As an essential role, it may require extended or consecutive shifts and work at another location during emergencies or inclement weather.

Requirements

• Qualify as Testing Personnel for High Complexity Testing under CLIA personnel requirements in Subpart M of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, another biological science, or equivalent.
• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Blood Bank Technologist (BB), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), or equivalent.
• At least 2–3 years of experience in an Immunohematology Laboratory.
• Ability to comply with Bloodworks' Mandatory Vaccinations policy.
• Understand the criticality of testing as it relates to blood components prepared for transfusion or organs transplanted, the financial value of testing reagents and blood components, and the need to comply with regulatory requirements, including AABB, CFR, EU, CLIA, HIPAA, Washington State requirements, and FDA Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Ability to perform independent work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Functional proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to push, pull, and lift an average of 40 pounds throughout the day and carry an average of 20 pounds.
• Significant manual dexterity to operate instruments and perform data entry.
• Ability to work scheduled holidays and weekends and scheduled on-call duty.
• Ability to work in cold rooms (1–6 °C) and walk-in freezers; tolerate extensive computer and close work, standing, and occasional heavy lifting.
• Ability to work extended and/or consecutive shifts, potentially at another location during inclement weather or other emergencies.

Nice To Haves

• Certification as a Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB).

Responsibilities

• Perform daily workups of complex antibody problems and other red-cell reference testing, and fill blood orders promptly.
• Perform antibody identification using tube, gel, and solid-phase methods.
• Perform warm autoantibody evaluations using matched cells and adsorption-elution techniques.
• Use enhancing reagents and enzymes to evaluate complex antibody problems.
• Perform extended transfusion-reaction evaluations, neonatal evaluations, and antibody titers.
• Provide technical consultation and customer service to internal and external laboratory professionals and physicians, including on the clinical significance of results and billing or logistical issues.
• Maintain and track inventory of antigen-typed units and testing supplies.
• Maintain proficiency in thawing rare units through the American Rare Donor Program (ARDP).
• Type, pack, and send rare units provided to the national exchange of rare units.
• Participate in initiatives to meet American Rare Donor Program requirements and maintain AABB IRL accreditation.
• Prepare and quality-control reagents and serum for daily operations.
• Review workup documentation and final reports, and coordinate billing for testing performed.
• Encourage cooperation among staff and maintain a professional, productive working environment.
• Troubleshoot equipment and transportation problems.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation of testing, research, and validation; perform and document equipment quality control and maintenance.
• Work with laboratory staff to develop clear, concise, up-to-date standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Understand and participate in laboratory quality assurance functions, and report incidents involving unusual circumstances or failure to follow written SOPs.
• Complete CAP/AABB survey assignments within the allotted timeframe.
• Coordinate direct observations for competency assessments.
• Keep current with emerging technologies and trends in red-cell reference testing.
• Participate in at least six contact hours of continuing education per year.
• Comply with applicable SOPs and perform other duties as assigned.
• Work scheduled on-call shifts for up to 12 days each month and scheduled holidays and weekends.
• Be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts and possibly at a different location during inclement weather or other emergencies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees regularly scheduled for 24 or more hours per week; family coverage is also available.
• Eligibility to participate in retirement plans (401a and 403b).
• Consolidated paid leave program, with 4.8–6.8 weeks accrued per year based on length of service.
• Subsidized transit program.
• Educational reimbursement.
• Relocation assistance bonus may be available to candidates hired from outside the service area, subject to conditions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level