Lead Medical Lab Scientist - Microbiology

Tenet Healthcare•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Lead Medical Lab Scientist in Microbiology works under minimal supervision to process and test specimens, review and report laboratory results, and perform operational duties, maintenance, and advanced troubleshooting of laboratory instruments and equipment. The role serves as a resource to other laboratory personnel and provides direction to laboratory staff, which may include medical laboratory technicians and technologists. The Lead Medical Lab Scientist may provide input on staff evaluations and assist management with employee coaching, corrective action, interviewing, and performance and competency evaluations. The position maintains complete and up-to-date procedure manuals and supports ongoing compliance with regulatory agencies. In high-volume core laboratories, the employee may work across multiple departments, sections, or facilities within a market as requested. The role may also serve as point-of-care coordinator for non-laboratory tests. Other duties may be assigned by the laboratory supervisor or director. DMC University Laboratories, Inc. is a regional, integrated laboratory system serving the eight hospitals of Detroit Medical Center. Its services include core and specialty laboratories, rapid-response hospital laboratories, centralized stat and blood bank laboratories, and an outreach infrastructure. The laboratory system offers a test menu of more than 1,000 tests and provides reference laboratory services to other healthcare systems in Southeastern Michigan and out-of-state facilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an approved college or university and/or graduation from an accredited school of medical technology, or an accepted equivalent such as qualifying military training or qualifying through the specified HHS examination before February 28, 1992, consistent with CLIA requirements for high-complexity testing.
Registered or registry-eligible with an approved certifying agency: ASCP, NCA, AMT, or CSMLS. Registry eligibility must be completed within 12 months of hire.
For personnel trained outside the United States, an equivalency evaluation by ECE, NACES, or AICE must be completed within 30 days of hire.
Ability to perform all duties required of a Medical Technologist.
Analytical ability to gather and interpret data, identify discrepancies and issues, and determine methods for ensuring compliance.
Communication and interpersonal skills, including courtesy, effective listening, discretion, and conflict resolution.
Ability to read and comprehend procedures and technical literature in the relevant functional area.
Leadership skills, including decision-making, coaching, teaching, counseling, inspiring confidence, and building alliances and support.
Knowledge and ability to oversee laboratory equipment and supplies in the area of responsibility.

Responsibilities

Process and test specimens; review and report laboratory results.
Perform laboratory operational duties, equipment maintenance, and advanced troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
Serve as a resource to laboratory personnel and provide direction to staff, including medical laboratory technicians and technologists.
Provide input on staff evaluations as requested.
Maintain complete and current procedure manuals and support compliance with regulatory agencies.
Work in multiple departments, sections, or facilities within a market when requested in high-volume core laboratories.
Complete other duties assigned by the laboratory supervisor or director.
Serve as point-of-care coordinator for non-laboratory tests when requested.
Assist department management and human resources with employee corrective action and coaching.
Provide input on performance and competency evaluations and assist with interviewing new employees.
Ensure department employees have the ability and knowledge to provide age-appropriate care in accordance with DMC and department policies.
Gather and interpret data, identify discrepancies or problems, and determine methods for ensuring compliance with policies and procedures; seek advice when precedents are unclear or unavailable.
Assist department management in reviewing and evaluating department policies, procedures, equipment, and supplies.
Collaborate with DMC personnel and departments to support effective laboratory operations and customer-oriented relationships.
Communicate pertinent information to internal and some external customers and stakeholders; use discretion and conflict-resolution skills, and read and comprehend relevant procedures and technical literature.
Support an engaged, safe, and quality-driven work environment; act as a bridge between staff and the supervisor and notify the supervisor of work environment issues.
Provide leadership through decision-making, coaching, teaching, counseling, building confidence, and fostering alliances and support.
Oversee maintenance, operation, cleanliness, and functioning of laboratory equipment and supplies within the area of responsibility.
Collect data, conduct advanced data analysis, and perform special projects as assigned.