Medical Lab Scientist 2

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Clarksville, TN

About The Position

The Medical Lab Scientist performs and evaluates laboratory test results, develops and modifies procedures, and works with the laboratory director to establish programs that ensure result accuracy. The role performs laboratory testing in accordance with turnaround-time policy to support timely patient treatment. The position performs quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, instrument maintenance, and troubleshooting within areas of demonstrated competency. It helps maintain specimen integrity, reports verified critical values to appropriate physician or nursing services, and considers patient age and other factors that may affect results. The scientist also updates procedure manuals, supports compliance, manages inventory and workflow, and identifies opportunities to reduce reagent waste and unnecessary test repeats. The role includes coaching, mentoring, and educating colleagues and learners across laboratory disciplines, supporting continuing education and community initiatives, and promoting the clinical laboratory profession. The scientist is expected to collaborate with co-workers and hospital departments, take initiative in problem solving and learning new procedures or laboratory areas, and maintain a positive attitude.

Requirements

Certification as a Medical Technologist through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is required.
Graduate of an approved discipline-specific program is required.
Relevant work experience is listed as a qualification; the stated experience level is less than one year.

Responsibilities

Perform and evaluate laboratory test results and conduct testing in accordance with turnaround-time policy.
Develop and modify procedures and work with the laboratory director to establish programs that ensure test-result accuracy.
Perform general housekeeping duties to keep work areas safe from contamination and physical hazards.
Cooperate with co-workers and other hospital departments to support customer satisfaction.
Perform instrument maintenance and troubleshooting within areas of demonstrated competency.
Update procedure manuals when changes are required.
Coach, mentor, and educate medical technologists, medical laboratory technicians, medical students, phlebotomists, and laboratory assistants.
Support co-workers participating in Community Cares initiatives and work with students and other interested people to promote the clinical laboratory profession.
Perform daily quality control activities, participate in quality assurance programs, and perform proficiency testing within areas of demonstrated competency.
Report verified critical values to the appropriate physician or nursing service.
Recognize and maintain specimen integrity from receipt through testing and storage, and consider patient age and other factors that may affect results.
Participate in continuing education and take initiative in problem solving and learning new procedures or laboratory areas, including the LIS.
Identify opportunities to reduce reagent waste and unnecessary test repeats.
Manage inventory, time, and workflow efficiently.
Recognize and report laboratory compliance issues, including potential fraud, billing concerns, CPT coding changes or discrepancies, and questionable medical necessity.
Maintain a positive attitude and collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.