Lead Medical Lab Scientist - Microbiology

Tenet•Detroit, MI

About The Position

Under minimal supervision, the Lead Medical Lab Scientist processes and tests specimens, reviews and reports laboratory results, and performs operational duties, maintenance, and advanced troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation 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 employee provides input on staff evaluations as requested, maintains complete and current procedure manuals, and achieves ongoing compliance with regulatory agencies. In high-volume core laboratories, the employee may work across multiple departments or sections, or at multiple facilities within a market, as requested. The position may also serve as point-of-care coordinator for non-laboratory tests and completes other duties assigned by the laboratory supervisor or director. The role assists department management with employee coaching and corrective action, performance and competency evaluations, interviewing, policy and procedure review, and oversight of laboratory equipment and supplies. It supports effective operations and a safe, engaged, quality-driven work environment through collaboration, communication, leadership, data collection, and advanced data analysis. DMC University Laboratories is a regional integrated laboratory system serving eight Detroit Medical Center hospitals and the broader Southeast Michigan market. Its operations include core and specialty laboratories, rapid-response hospital laboratories, centralized stat and blood bank laboratories, and outreach services.

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 under 42 CFR 493.1489, or qualifying as a Medical Technologist through a satisfactory HHS examination before February 28, 1992 under 42 CFR 493.1491.
Meet CLIA requirements for high-complexity testing under 42 CFR 493.1489 and 42 CFR 493.1491.
Be registered or registry-eligible through an approved certifying agency (ASCP, NCA, AMT, or CSMLS) within 12 months of hire.
For personnel trained outside the United States, complete an equivalency evaluation by ECE, NACES, or AICE 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, seek advice when precedents are unclear, and determine methods for ensuring policy and procedure compliance.
Communication and interpersonal skills, including courtesy and effective listening with internal and some external customers or stakeholders.
Sound discretion and conflict-resolution skills when making decisions.
Ability to read and understand procedures and technical literature in the relevant functional area.
Leadership skills, including coaching, teaching, counseling, decision-making, willingness to take on increasing accountability, and ability to inspire and build confidence in others and garner support.

Responsibilities

Process and test specimens; review and report laboratory results.
Perform laboratory operational duties, maintenance, and advanced troubleshooting of instrumentation and equipment.
Act as a resource to laboratory personnel and provide direction to staff, including medical laboratory technicians and technologists.
Provide input on staff evaluations as requested; assist with performance and competency evaluations, coaching, corrective action, and interviewing.
Maintain complete and current procedure manuals and ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory agencies.
Work across multiple departments, sections, or facilities within a market when requested.
Serve as point-of-care coordinator for non-laboratory tests when requested.
Complete other duties assigned by the laboratory supervisor or director.
Ensure department employees have the ability and knowledge to provide age-appropriate care as required by DMC and department policies.
Assist department management in reviewing and evaluating policies, procedures, equipment, and supplies.
Collaborate with DMC personnel and departments to support effective laboratory operations and customer-oriented relationships.
Help promote an engaged, safe, and quality-driven work environment; monitor and notify the supervisor of issues that could negatively affect staff.
Oversee maintenance, operation, cleanliness, and functioning of laboratory equipment and supplies in the area of responsibility.
Collect data, perform advanced data analysis, and complete special projects as assigned.