Lab Technical Specialist Microbiology

Mass General Brigham•Newton, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham. Job Summary Free Parking and benefits from Day ONE! GENERAL SUMMARY: The technical specialist's role includes all aspects of the Medical Laboratory Technologist (MT I, MT II); he/she performs a variety of laboratory tests for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. As a medical laboratory technologist s/he may perform laboratory procedures across Microbiology as described in the attached addendum. In addition to standard technologist duties, the Technical Specialist assumes additional responsibility for various tasks to assist in the day-to-day functioning of the department, including, but not limited to: ordering supplies and reagents, writing, reviewing, and/or revising policies and procedures, quality control and assurance oversight, and any other duties as appropriate and requested by the manager/supervisor. Assumes responsibility for the assigned department in the absence of the supervisor.

Requirements

Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Familiar with typical laboratory operations including use of computer systems.
Can prioritize work to achieve established turn-around times while maintaining operational efficiency.
Experienced with a wide range of instruments and/or testing techniques.
Capable of following written procedures, both technical and administrative.
Adept at troubleshooting instrument problems and knowing when to escalate problems to the next level.
Can recognize problems with samples that could impact test results.
Communicates effectively with both internal and external customers.
Functions as a team player at all times.
Able to act as trainer/mentor to coworkers, new employees and/or students.
Qualified under CLIA as High complexity Testing personnel (42.CFR 493 1489)
Associates degree in laboratory science.
Specialized knowledge/skill in a specific discipline acquired through advanced training or previous work experience of at least two years (full-time).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or related science from an accredited school preferred.
Specialized knowledge/skill in a specific laboratory discipline acquired through advanced training desirable.
Previous experience as a lead technologist preferred.
Nationally recognized certification as a medical technologist preferred.
Certification in a specialty category may be acceptable in lieu of medical technologist certification.

Responsibilities

Coordinates technical functions and activities in designated department of the clinical laboratory in cooperation with the supervisor/clinical manager.
Acts as a technical resource for the laboratory and other hospital staff.
Assumes responsibility for the section/shift in the absence of the supervisor.
Takes responsibility for timely communication of any problems/issues with equipment, supplies, or personnel to the supervisor/clinical manager.
Ensures that department staff is kept informed of operational issues/concerns.
Reviews periodic reports to ensure that: established turn-around time qualifiers are met; outliers are addressed as needed; missing samples are tracked.
Monitors department/shift workflow to accomplish daily objectives according to established schedules.
Complies with, and assists others in complying with, established standards and practices/procedures.
Initiates service calls; follows through on return/replacement for defective supplies.
Uses supply ordering system and/or obtains purchase orders as applicable.
Ensures adequate levels of supplies/reagents.
Monitors physical environment to ensure that any issues with temperature, humidity, or laboratory condition are addressed; may require submission of work orders for correction.
Performs, documents, and/or assigns quality control and proficiency testing, and maintains accurate records.
Maintains all required records, reports, statistics, logs, files, and slides. Assists supervisor/clinical manager in preparing and maintaining department in a ready-state for unannounced inspections that may include (but are not limited to) CAP, Joint Commission, FDA, DPH.
May be responsible for the training, supervision and evaluation of students and others during their clinical rotation.
Participates in competency assessment of department staff that may include: initial competency evaluation of new hires, annual competency assessment of incumbent staff, and remedial competency assessment for performance issues.
Participates in week-end and holiday rotations; may be required to cover evening and night shifts to support operational needs of the department.
Prepares and/or monitors department schedule to ensure adequate department/shift coverage.
Demonstrates knowledge of applicable regulatory standards that may pertain to the department that may include: CAP, FDA, DPH, and Joint Commission. Reports problems or situations that may be contrary to prevailing compliance requirements.
Responds to physician/patient/customer/staff inquiries or needs promptly and thoroughly.
Responsible for complying with hospital’s employee health requirements.
Maintains professional growth through attending seminars, workshops, conferences or other activity; provides documentation/certificate of attendance.
Attends mandatory in-service education offerings, and completes assigned course-work or competency assessments within established time frames.
Adheres to CareFirst Standards for Performance Excellence when dealing with coworkers, physicians, nurses and all others within and outside of the laboratory and hospital; demonstrates professional behavior at all times.
Supports department/hospital goals and mission.
Serves as acting supervisor of staff in absence of supervisor/clinical manager. May be required to carry a pager and respond when called.
Monitors department/shift operation and staff schedule to minimize use of overtime and/or premium labor. Where applicable, uses preferred or contracted vendors to obtain better pricing for goods or services. Assists with selection of products/vendors to ensure the most financially responsible selection of necessary supplies and reagents. Ensures that reagents/products are utilized appropriately to avoid outdates and discards. Assists with purchase orders and budget preparation.