Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist - UPMC Harrisburg Microbiology

UPMC•Harrisburg, PA

About The Position

The Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist assists the Laboratory Supervisor by monitoring the work of technical and ancillary employees, supporting test development, gathering data for management reports, and performing the duties of a Medical Laboratory Scientist, including accurate routine and advanced testing. The role functions as Laboratory Supervisor during the Supervisor’s absence and supports compliance with UPMC’s mission and values for service excellence. The Lead MLS may assume supervisory and in-charge duties, help monitor and document staff competency, support laboratory operations and quality assurance, and assist with scheduling, purchasing, training, and procedure development. The position also serves as a role model for professional conduct, confidentiality, safety, and compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university and successful completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist program; OR a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biological, chemical, or clinical laboratory science and ASCP or equivalent categorical or MLT certification; OR a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biological, chemical, physical, or clinical laboratory science and at least three years of experience in a role equivalent to Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory.
Act 34 clearance.

Nice To Haves

ASCP or equivalent certification in medical technology (MT) or categorical certification.
For the HLA Laboratory only: Certification as a Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT) by the American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI).

Responsibilities

Assume supervisory and in-charge duties as needed, resolve problems when possible during the Supervisor’s absence, and communicate issues to the Laboratory Supervisor, Manager, or Director.
Participate in an extensive administrative call rotation with other supervisory staff, only for the Tissue Typing Laboratory.
Assist supervisory personnel with observing and documenting laboratory staff competency, and complete assigned duties within required time frames.
Perform all duties of a Medical Technologist, including routine and advanced testing.
Ensure instrument maintenance and function checks are performed and documented accurately; troubleshoot instrument malfunctions and report problems.
Review quality control logs and report errors, omissions, or discrepancies.
Compile quality assurance data and prepare reports as directed.
Monitor proficiency testing and assist the Director with evaluating results and documenting responses to deficiencies.
Assist with staff scheduling as directed.
Maintain patient, hospital, and laboratory confidentiality; interact professionally with other departments and represent the Laboratory on hospital committees as needed.
Follow policies for critical and abnormal results reporting, turnaround times, appearance, identification badges, telephone and internet privileges, attendance, compliance, and safety.
Help monitor subordinate attendance and tardiness and serve as a resource for compliance questions.
Monitor laboratory inventory levels and take action to prevent shortages or overages; purchase supplies in the absence of the Laboratory Supervisor or Manager as directed.
Master new procedures within established time frames and stay informed about changes to procedures and protocols.
Conduct orientation and training assignments, share procedural and testing knowledge, and develop, perform, or evaluate special projects.
Perform test evaluations and validations of new procedures or reagent systems.
Formulate, author, or revise procedures according to CLSI guidelines.
Prepare and deliver student lectures and bench instruction where relevant.