Medical Lab Scientist I

Natera • Austin, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Natera is currently seeking a licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist to analyze specimens and maintain equipment in good operating condition. This role involves verifying specimens, performing tests efficiently with minimal errors, and staying updated on laboratory methods. The Medical Laboratory Scientist will provide general oversight of personnel and daily operations, meet performance metrics, and maintain a clean and organized workspace following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). They will also complete training on time, provide guidance to new personnel, and train on specialized instrument protocols as a super user. Responsibilities include recognizing and escalating equipment malfunctions and protocol deviations, assisting with nonconformance reports, and participating in updating standard operating procedures. The role also involves conducting independent continuous improvement projects and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements through proper documentation. Quality control procedures will be performed to ensure accuracy, and equipment will be maintained in good operating condition, including calibration and expiration date checks. Inventory management of supplies and equipment is also a key duty. Communication with team members and other departments via various platforms, including email, is expected. Feedback on daily schedules and tasks will be provided to the lead/supervisor, along with suggestions for improvement. Teammate assistance and facilitation of workflow are also part of the role, as is acting as a professional role model and mentor. Adherence to Departmental Expectations is required. This role regularly involves working with Protected Health Information (PHI) in both paper and electronic forms, with access to various technologies to perform job duties. Employees must complete mandatory training related to HIPAA/PHI privacy, General Policies and Procedure Compliance, and security training within the first 30 days of hire, and maintain current training requirements. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in Medical Technology, Biological Sciences, or a related field
• Current MT/MLS/CLS/MB certification preferable from ASCP, AMT, or AAB
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, computer, troubleshooting, and pipetting skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Word processing and data management skills.
• Ability to work well in a group
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Molecular Biology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Verify the proper specimen being analyzed and perform tests that need to be completed
• Proficient at analyzing clinical laboratory specimens following the standard methods and procedures in an efficient manner with little to no errors
• Responsible for maintaining updated understanding and knowledge of methods performed in the lab
• Provides general oversight of personnel and the daily operations in the lab.
• Meet expected performance metrics within role as applicable.
• Follows GLP (good laboratory practice): maintain clean and organized workspace
• Completes training and other deadlines on time.
• Provide guidance for new Clinical Laboratory Operator and/or Medical Laboratory Scientists.
• Train on specialized instructions for instruments/protocols (super users)
• Recognizes and escalates equipment malfunctions; troubleshoots common analytical and processing errors according to the laboratory’s standard operating procedure
• Recognizes, documents, and escalates protocol deviations in lab to lead/supervisor
• Assists with documentation for nonconformance reports.
• Participates in the updating of departmental standard operating procedures and database to accurately reflect the current practices.
• Conducts independent continuous improvement projects
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory agency requirements through proper documentation (example maintenance logs, bench worksheet)
• Performs quality control procedures to ensure accuracy of clinical data (if applicable)
• Maintains equipment and instruments in good operating condition (such as calibration and expiration date)
• Maintain inventory of material, supplies and equipment in the laboratory for performance of duties.
• Communicates with team and other departments on various platforms (including via e-mail)
• Provides feedback on day-to-day schedule and tasks to lead/supervisor; offers suggestions/ideas for improvement
• Assists teammates in completing daily tasks and facilitate workflow as needed
• Conducts himself/herself in a professional manner; acts as a role model/mentor to others
• Adheres to Departmental Expectations
• This role works with PHI on a regular basis both in paper and electronic form and have access to various technologies to access PHI (paper and electronic) in order to perform the job
• Employee must complete training relating to HIPAA/PHI privacy, General Policies and Procedure Compliance training and security training as soon as possible but not later than the first 30 days of hire.
• Must maintain a current status on Natera training requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents
• free testing for employees and their immediate families
• fertility care benefits
• pregnancy and baby bonding leave
• 401k benefits
• commuter benefits
• generous employee referral program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level