Immunohematology Reference Lab CLS II

San Diego Blood Bank • San Diego, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The IRL Clinical Laboratory Scientist II performs Immunohematology Reference Laboratory processes under department leadership, following cGMP-compliant policies and San Diego Blood Bank (SDBB) Standard Operating Procedures. This is a highly regulated laboratory role requiring successful completion of initial training and periodic competency assessments. The position performs complex immunohematology testing and provides technical assistance and consultation to customers. It also supports quality, safety, training, process development, documentation, and compliance activities. The role participates in the IRL on-call rotation and may cross-train in the Quality Control Laboratory.

The position is based at San Diego Blood Bank Headquarters and works Monday through Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with occasional weekend on-call. The work takes place in a normal laboratory environment using biohazard precautions, with potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids and hazardous chemicals. Employees may be asked to work or attend meetings outside routinely scheduled hours.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• MLS/MT(ASCP)CM or equivalent experience.
• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license.
• California Clinical Immunohematologist Scientist (CIS) license.
• More than three years of laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of the application of AABB Standards, FDA, CLIA, and other regulations applicable to blood banking.
• Moderate to advanced understanding of laboratory technical aspects, blood banking concepts, molecular methods, hematology, and blood group antigens and antibodies.
• Ability to read and interpret SOPs, safety rules, and equipment operating and maintenance instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including with limited direct supervision.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks efficiently to maintain productive workflow.
• Ability to apply judgment to written or oral instructions.
• Above-average attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Clear and effective oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain professional relationships; decision-making skills; organization and time-management skills; self-motivation; integrity and discretion in maintaining confidentiality; ability to work under pressure and in stressful situations; team orientation; and teaching and training abilities.
• Ability to stand or sit for long hours and work on a computer for 4–8 hours per day.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• May be required to lift up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned duties in compliance with internal SOPs and external regulations, including applicable cGMP guidelines and the SDBB Compliance Program.
• Provide laboratory guidance and expertise to meet customer needs in accordance with accepted standards and regulations.
• Support the SDBB safety, GMP, and Quality Plan.
• Assist with training new personnel and other staff, including staff training and competency activities when applicable.
• Assist with equipment and supply care, maintenance, and quality control.
• Maintain department records, reports, and statistical data.
• Assist in developing laboratory processes and procedures, and perform validations and new process development.
• Assist with laboratory quality and variance programs; investigate and review non-conformances through quality incident reporting.
• Participate in department meetings and educational programs.
• Participate in the IRL on-call rotation.
• Perform red cell blood grouping and antibody identification on donor and referred patient samples.
• Determine suitability for transfusion of donor units with discrepant ABO or Rh groups and unexpected red cell antibodies.
• Perform pre-transfusion compatibility testing as needed and platelet crossmatching.
• Perform adsorptions, elutions, enzyme treatment of red blood cells, use of reducing agents, removal of immunoglobulin from red cells, inhibition/neutralization testing, and titrations as needed.
• Identify antibodies to high- and low-prevalence antigens and cold-reactive antibodies.
• Perform donor and patient red cell antigen typing.
• Provide verbal and written reports, technical assistance, and consultation to customers.
• Perform DNA extractions and Next Generation Sequencing.
• Perform supervisory reviews and tasks as needed.
• Write and revise controlled documents.
• May cross-train in the Quality Control Laboratory.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Benefits

• Employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision plans for employees working 30 or more hours per week.
• Up to 120 hours of paid vacation in the first year.
• Seven paid holidays and one personal holiday annually.
• 40 hours of paid sick time annually.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match starting on the first day.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families.
• Service awards and recognition.

What This Job Offers

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