Medical Lab Scientist / Generalist

Emory Healthcare•Atlanta, GA

13h•$36 - $42•Onsite

About The Position

Emory Medical Laboratory seeks an experienced, certified Medical Lab Scientist II / Medical Technologist II with a Core Lab background. The laboratory’s mission is to provide high-quality, cost-effective, innovative services that enhance patient health. This onsite role works from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with rotating weekends and holidays. Travel is listed as none, although the physical and environmental requirements note that travel may be required depending on the assigned work area and tasks. The Medical Lab Scientist II operates laboratory equipment, conducts complex tests, interprets results, and follows quality-control procedures to support accurate diagnoses. The role analyzes blood, tissue, and body fluids, including work involving specialized laboratory areas such as blood banking, hematology, immunology, microbiology, chemistry, and molecular diagnostics. It uses sophisticated instruments such as automated analyzers and microscopes. The position requires independent handling of day-to-day and complicated work, maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, and accurate documentation of patient information, equipment, and test results. The scientist may contribute to procedure improvements, quality-improvement projects, procedure development or revision, and assay or instrument validation. The role also includes regular interaction with healthcare professionals about results and diagnostics, and may involve educating staff and students, supporting orientation and continuing education, and guiding lower-level technologists and students.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or a chemical, physical, or biological science.
Applicants with another bachelor’s degree may qualify if they graduated from an accredited school and their science and math coursework meets the certifying agency’s requirements.
A bachelor’s degree may be waived for a medical technologist certified by ASCP BOC before ASCP’s bachelor’s-degree requirement, or for an HEW/HHS technologist certified by Health and Human Services (formerly Health Education and Welfare).
At least 18 months of experience is required.
Certification by one of the following: MT (ASCP), MLS (ASCP), MT (American Medical Technologists/AMT), MT (HHS or HEW), or MT (American Association of Bioanalysts/AAB), generalist or categorical if applicable.
Promotion criteria review and approval is required.
In-depth knowledge of laboratory instruments and common and complex diagnostic tests.
Solid understanding of laboratory safety, quality control, and regulatory standards.
Ability to work autonomously, manage complicated cases, and carry out specialized tests and complex sample processing.
Ability to maintain accurate documentation and identify, confirm, and report critical values according to standard operating procedures.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds; occasional to frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting, and close eye work such as computer use, typing, reading, and writing.
Ability to work in conditions that may involve blood-borne pathogens, biohazardous waste, chemicals, gases, fumes or vapors, communicable diseases, electrical shock, varied floor surfaces, hot or cold temperatures, indoor or outdoor conditions, latex, lighting, patient-care or handling injuries, radiation, and shift work; personal protective equipment, including respirators, may be required.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience preferred.
Core Lab background.

Responsibilities

Analyze blood, urine, spinal fluid, tissue, and other specimens for pathogens, chemical abnormalities, disease markers, abnormal cells, bacteria, and chemical imbalances.
Operate sophisticated laboratory instruments, including automated analyzers and microscopes, and perform routine and specialized tests.
Calibrate equipment, validate results, run routine quality controls, and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory testing.
Review test findings for validity and communicate results, including critical values, to physicians and other appropriate individuals according to standard operating procedures.
Compare specimens and results with previous results and other laboratory data; assess specimen and result validity and refer abnormal or unexpected findings as appropriate.
Perform equipment maintenance and troubleshooting procedures and document corrective actions for out-of-range test values.
Maintain accurate and complete documentation of patient information, equipment, and test results in compliance with regulations.
Perform complex tasks, including specialized testing, complex sample processing, and identification of abnormalities.
Provide input on procedure improvements and operational changes; may assist with writing, reviewing, and revising procedures and with assay and instrument validation.
Interact with healthcare professionals to discuss test results and support diagnostic decisions.
Educate staff and students through demonstrations, orientation, and continuing education; may teach laboratory techniques or theory, guide junior technologists and students, and develop teaching plans, assessment tools, and written examinations.
May participate in quality-improvement projects and key performance monitoring.