Lead MLS Core Lab

Yale New Haven Health•Bridgeport, CT

About The Position

The Lead MLS Core Lab assists with oversight of Bridgeport Hospital’s Core Laboratory under the direction of the Laboratory Managers. The role monitors day-to-day operations, schedules or edits work assignments, resolves advanced technical problems, and supervises technical staff in routine operations, special projects, and regulatory tasks. The Lead Technologist trains staff on new and revised methodologies and workflows, monitors technical competency, participates in validation and implementation of tests and equipment, and writes or revises procedures. The role also participates in Quality Control and Quality Assurance programs, oversees proficiency testing, monitors CAP and other regulatory compliance, and serves as a lead for IT changes and upgrades. The position performs and oversees Core Laboratory testing, including routine and STAT testing in Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, and may assist on the bench across all shifts as needed. It supports timely and accurate results, quality management, regulatory inspections, staffing and work scheduling, instrument and LIS troubleshooting, staff communication, and continuous operational improvement. In the absence of department managers, the Lead provides general supervision of the Core Lab. The role requires ongoing communication with managers and staff and a commitment to patient-centered, high-quality care and professional growth.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science, or equivalent, with MLS/MT (ASCP) certification or equivalent.
Two to three years of core laboratory experience as a medical technologist.
MLS/MT (ASCP) licensure or equivalent.
Working knowledge of and experience with instrumentation used in the Core Laboratory.
Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
Ability to instruct and coordinate the activities of assigned staff.
Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate effectively and professionally with hospital staff.
Ability to work as a member of a team.
Commitment to completing at least 24 Continuing Education Units during the review year.

Nice To Haves

High level of knowledge of laboratory information systems.

Responsibilities

Oversee Core Lab testing and procedures, including specimen workflow, assay procedures, personnel competency, and instrument function.
Maintain responsibility for routine and STAT testing, follow special requests through completion, and communicate testing delays or problems to clinicians.
Check quality control requirements, reagents, controls, supplies, and documentation; ensure results meet designated turnaround times.
Participate in validation of new tests and prepare for and participate in regulatory inspections.
Oversee Core Lab quality management and technical competency programs, including keeping QC and QA procedures current and aligned with applicable guidelines.
Assist with selecting, monitoring, and reporting quality indicators; review QC records for shifts and trends and suggest corrective actions when needed.
Monitor staff training and competency, prepare competency materials, and report unsatisfactory competency issues to the department manager.
Schedule and distribute proficiency testing samples, monitor completion and documentation, and submit survey results within required timeframes.
Monitor schedules for regulatory tasks such as linearities, correlations, and competencies, and oversee testing and documentation for LIS upgrades.
Perform Core Laboratory testing and related calculations, evaluate and report results, organize workload, and respond to changes in work demands.
Communicate critical results, corrections, and testing problems to appropriate hospital personnel; follow QC protocols and document results appropriately.
Troubleshoot technical problems with assays, procedures, instruments, LIS, and middleware systems.
Provide general supervision of the Core Lab when department managers are absent; enforce policies and procedures and prepare work schedules for all shifts.
Monitor laboratory personnel performance, maintain records of issues or achievements, and assist with developing and reviewing procedures and workflows.
Assess specimen acceptability and troubleshoot underperforming assays, procedures, or instruments, documenting information in troubleshooting logs.
Report required significant findings to state and local Departments of Health and maintain communication with department managers and staff.
Communicate updates to staff through email or huddles and document safety events and other required quality assurance reports.
Maintain professional conduct, coordinate coverage with colleagues, contribute to teamwork and process improvement, and complete at least 24 continuing education units during the review year.