Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist III

Bloodworks NW•Seattle, WA

5d•$41 - $64•Onsite

About The Position

Bloodworks Northwest is seeking an Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist III for their Immunohematology Reference Lab. This role involves performing clinical laboratory testing under routine and emergency protocols, with a focus on complex antibody problems and red cell reference testing. The position also includes training for the Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist IV role. The lab plays a critical role in transfusion medicine, serving over 90 hospitals and supporting patients with various medical conditions. Bloodworks Northwest is a local, nonprofit, volunteer-supported organization with a history of over 70 years.

Requirements

Must qualify as Testing Personnel, High Complexity Testing, under CLIA personnel requirements found in Subpart M of the Code of Federal Regulations.
A Bachelor of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or other Biological Science or equivalent is required.
Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Blood Bank Technologist (BB), or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or equivalent is required.
A minimum of 2-3 years of Immunohematology Laboratory experience is required.
Ability to comply with Bloodworks' Mandatory Vaccinations policy.
Requires the ability to comprehend the criticality of the testing being performed, as it relates to the blood components being prepared for transfusion, or organs being transplanted.
Includes a fundamental understanding of the financial value of the testing reagents, blood components being prepared, and the necessity to follow all regulatory rules and regulations (AABB, CFR, EU, CLIA, HIPAA, and WA State), including the FDA's "Good Manufacturing Practices".
Required mental activities involve continuous use of teamwork.
Required mental activities used less frequently include interpersonal skills, and the ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English (all used frequently); decision making, creativity, customer service, independent judgment and/or independent action, the performance of basic mathematics, and the performance of accurate proofreading and correct spelling (all used occasionally); and the use of discretion, presentations/teaching, problem analysis, negotiation, mentoring, the performance of basic mathematics and programming, and the performance of advanced programming (all used rarely).
Required physical activities include frequent standing, walking, talking, reaching, feeling, hearing, handling, and repetitive hand and wrist motions.
Required physical activities used less frequently include stooping, sitting, bending, and repetitive foot motions (all used occasionally); and kneeling, crawling, and climbing (all used rarely).
The ability to push, pull, and lift an average of 40 pounds throughout the day is required, as is the ability to carry an average of 20 pounds.
Significant manual dexterity is required to operate various instruments and to perform the required data entry.
Must be capable of performing independent work with a high degree of accuracy.
Functional proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform daily workups of complex antibody problems and other red cell reference testing.
Fill blood orders promptly.
Perform antibody ID 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.
Perform neonatal evaluations and antibody titers.
Foster good customer service by acting as a technical resource and consultant to internal and external laboratory professionals and physicians.
Maintain and track inventory levels of antigen-typed units and testing supplies.
Maintain proficiency in the thawing of rare units (ARDP).
Type, pack, and send rare units provided to the national exchange of rare units.
Participate in initiatives to meet requirements for the American Rare Donor Program for the laboratory to maintain AABB IRL accreditation.
Prepare and QC reagents and serum for use during daily operations.
Review workup documentation, final reports, and coordinate billing for testing performed.
Encourage cooperation among all staff and maintain a professional, productive working environment.
Troubleshoot equipment and transportation problems.
Maintain complete and accurate documentation of all testing, research, and validation.
Perform and document equipment Quality Control (QC) and maintenance.
Work with laboratory staff to develop clear, concise, and up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Understand and participate in the laboratory's Quality Assurance (QA) functions.
Report incidents involving unusual circumstances or failure to follow the written standard operating procedure.
Complete CAP/AABB Survey Assignments within the allotted timeframe.
Coordinate direct observations for competency assessments.
Keep current with emerging technologies and trends within the field of red cell reference.
Participate in continuing education activities totaling at least 6 contact hours per year.
Comply with all applicable SOPs as written.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Comply with all applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as written.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Family coverage
Retirement plans (401a & 403b)
Consolidated paid leave program (4.8 – 6.8 weeks of time off accrued per year, based on length of service)
Subsidized transit program
Educational reimbursement
Relocation assistance bonus (for candidates hired from outside of our service area)