Medical Laboratory Scientist II

Quest Diagnostics • Saint Joseph, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Scientist II performs moderate- and high-complexity test procedures, exercising independent judgment and responsibility in specialties for which they are qualified through education, training, and experience. The role requires proficiency across testing areas and the ability to troubleshoot applicable instruments and procedures. It also supports quality control, complex problem-solving, customer service, equipment maintenance, staff training, process improvement, and assigned projects.

The position performs analytical testing and reporting in accordance with standard operating procedures, meets quality-control requirements, and follows laboratory policies for specimen handling, processing, analysis, reporting, and recordkeeping. It maintains turnaround times, including for STAT and critical results; documents reagent and test-kit dates; performs and documents QC analyses; makes decisions about assay or test disposition; and reports testing issues or deviations to supervisory personnel. Results are entered into the Laboratory Information System for physician review and interpretation.

The employee maintains safe, functional, and sanitary laboratory areas and equipment; completes required training and competency checklists; may assist with training laboratory personnel; and complies with CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, and laboratory safety requirements, including required use of protective equipment and controls. The role may involve answering client or laboratory personnel questions, participating in regulatory inspections, and assuming delegated lead responsibilities when a supervisor is absent and the employee is qualified. Other duties may be assigned. This is an on-call position in Saint Joseph, Michigan. Eligible employees may receive shift differentials for some or all hours worked on second or third shift.

Requirements

• One year of full-time experience or training in high-complexity testing in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Comprehensive theoretical and operational knowledge in the designated specialty.
• Knowledge of organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Proven leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail; ability to work independently, establish priorities, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and clients.
• Communication skills to handle telephone inquiries from clients.
• Ability to handle client information confidentially.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and Laboratory Information Systems.
• Qualifying education or credentials: a BS/BA in Medical Technology, Chemistry, or Biology; an associate degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Technology; or prior qualification as a Technologist under 42 CFR 493.1433, published March 14, 1990.
• Foreign-educated candidates must provide a detailed credential evaluation from IERF; U.S.-educated candidates must provide a detailed original transcript.
• Additional state-specific requirements may apply depending on state testing certifications.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 36–50 pounds seldom; objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
• Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods and to walk and/or stand frequently.
• Manual dexterity to use manual and automated pipettes, laboratory instruments, and apparatus.

Nice To Haves

• At least three years of clinical experience, with the most recent year in the present department.
• Associate degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Technology.
• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Biology, or Chemistry.
• ASCP certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform moderate- and high-complexity laboratory test procedures and demonstrate proficiency in applicable testing and troubleshooting.
• Perform and report analytical tests according to applicable Standard Operating Procedures and quality-control requirements.
• Handle and process specimens, analyze tests, report results, and maintain patient test records in accordance with laboratory policies.
• Meet analytical schedules and turnaround times, including for STAT and critical results.
• Ensure reagents and test kits are labeled with received, expiration, and, when applicable, opened dates.
• Perform and document quality-control analyses and make decisions about assay or test disposition.
• Inform supervisory personnel of problems with test procedures and report actual or potential deviations from accepted procedures.
• Enter test results into the Laboratory Information System for standardized reports for physician review and interpretation.
• Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in a safe, functional, and sanitary condition.
• Complete training and competency checklists and may assist with training other laboratory personnel.
• Comply with CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, laboratory safety requirements, and management-directed use of personal protective equipment and controls.
• Answer questions from clients or other laboratory personnel, when applicable.
• Participate in government or regulatory agency inspections when needed.
• May assume delegated lead responsibilities in the absence of a supervisor, if qualified.
• Support quality control, troubleshooting complex problems, customer support, instrument and equipment maintenance, process improvement, and special projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible employees may participate in a 401(k) plan, with eligibility after one month.
• After one year, the plan provides a fully vested company match of up to 5% of pay.
• On-call employees are eligible for a pre-tax and/or Roth 401(k) with a company match of up to 5% after 12 months of service.
• On-call employees may be eligible for a 10% shift differential for some or all second-shift hours and a 15% shift differential for some or all third-shift hours.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree