Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist - UPMC Lititz

UPMC•Lititz, 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 routine and advanced testing. The Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist functions as the Laboratory Supervisor when the Supervisor is absent and supports compliance with UPMC’s mission and values for service excellence. The role includes supervisory coverage, staff competency observation and documentation, instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, quality-control and quality-assurance activities, proficiency-testing support, staff scheduling assistance, inventory monitoring, purchasing when directed, and training and orientation. The Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist may also perform or evaluate projects, validate new procedures or reagent systems, revise procedures according to CLSI guidelines, and provide student lectures and bench instruction where relevant.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university and successful completion of an accredited Medical Lab 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 that of a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory.
Act 34 clearance.
Ability to perform routine and advanced laboratory testing and the duties of a Medical Technologist.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Assume supervisory and in-charge duties as needed; evaluate and resolve problems when the Supervisor is absent and communicate issues to the Laboratory Supervisor, Manager, or Director as appropriate.
Participate in an extensive administrative call rotation with other supervisory staff, only for the Tissue Typing Laboratory.
Assist supervisory personnel in 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 according to procedure; troubleshoot 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 activity and assist the Director with evaluating results and documenting responses to deficiencies.
Assist with staff scheduling as directed by the Laboratory Supervisor or Manager.
Maintain confidentiality; interact professionally with other departments; represent the Laboratory on Hospital committees as needed.
Follow abnormal and critical results reporting and turnaround-time policies; participate in and monitor quality-assurance indicators.
Follow appearance, identification badge, telephone and internet use, attendance, compliance, and safety policies; help monitor subordinate attendance and tardiness and serve as a resource for compliance questions.
Monitor inventory levels and take action to prevent supply shortages or overages; purchase supplies in the absence of the Laboratory Supervisor or Manager as directed.
Master new procedures within established time frames and remain aware of procedure and protocol changes.
Conduct orientation and training assignments; share procedural and testing knowledge with other employees when consulted.
Develop, perform, or evaluate special projects; perform test evaluations and validate new procedures or reagent systems.
Formulate, author, or revise procedures according to CLSI guidelines.
Prepare and deliver student lectures and bench instruction where relevant.