Medical Laboratory Scientist II - Spec Chem General

Quest Diagnostics • Chantilly, VA

1d • $36 - $48 • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Scientist II performs moderate- to high-complexity clinical laboratory testing, exercising independent judgment and responsibility in specialties for which they are qualified through education, training, and experience. This position is in the Spec Chem - General department in Chantilly, Virginia, and is scheduled Tuesday through Saturday, 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

The scientist performs and reports assigned analytical tests according to applicable standard operating procedures, maintains quality control and accurate patient-result records, and supports reliable turnaround times, including STAT and critical results. The role also supports troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, customer service, training, process improvement, and special projects. The scientist must follow laboratory safety and regulatory requirements and may assume delegated lead responsibilities when a supervisor is absent.

The position requires a qualifying science or medical technology education, including the specified certification or clinical laboratory experience pathways, and at least one year of laboratory experience or training in high-complexity testing in the relevant specialties. The work involves handling biological samples and potentially hazardous chemicals, standing and walking frequently, and using manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments.

Requirements

• Meet one of the stated education and qualification pathways for chemistry-focused laboratory areas: a Bachelor of Science with qualifying Medical Laboratory Scientist certification from ASCP, NRCC, AMT (dated after 1/1/2014), or AAB; a BSMT degree from an accredited U.S. college or university; a BS or BA in Chemistry or Biochemistry from an accredited institution plus one year of full-time clinical laboratory testing experience and/or training; or a BS or BA in Biological Science from an accredited institution with 25 semester units in Chemistry, including Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation, plus one year of full-time clinical laboratory testing experience and/or training. Chemistry courses count toward the 25-credit minimum.
• At least one year of laboratory experience and/or training in high-complexity testing in the specialties or subspecialties in which testing will be performed.
• Theoretical and operational job knowledge in the designated specialty and knowledge of organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Proven problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented, able to work independently, establish priorities, and handle several 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.
• Ability to plan, organize, and complete work assignments under stressful conditions.
• Ability to stand and work at a bench for long periods and walk and/or stand frequently.
• 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.
• Manual dexterity to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes, laboratory instruments, and apparatuses.
• Ability to handle biological samples and potentially hazardous chemicals.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology.
• ASCP certification.
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist licensing or certification, such as California.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate proficiency in all areas of testing and troubleshoot applicable instruments and procedures in the department.
• Support quality control, complex problem troubleshooting, customer support, instrument and equipment maintenance, staff training, process improvement, and assigned special projects.
• Perform and report assigned analytical tests according to applicable Standard Operating Procedures and meet quality control requirements.
• Follow laboratory policies and procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting, and maintenance of patient-result records.
• Follow analytical schedules and maintain turnaround times, including for STAT and critical results.
• Ensure reagents and test kits have received dates, expiration dates, and, when applicable, opened dates.
• Perform and document quality-control analysis, assess clinical data and instrument function, and make quality-control decisions about assay or test disposition.
• Inform supervisory personnel of problems affecting proper test performance; report actual or potential deviations from accepted procedures and cooperate with investigations.
• Enter test results into the Laboratory Information System for standardized reports for physician review and interpretation.
• Release California results when qualified.
• Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in safe, functional, and sanitary condition.
• Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate and, when needed, assist with training other laboratory personnel.
• Comply with CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, laboratory safety requirements, and management-directed use of personal protective equipment and engineering or work-practice controls.
• Answer questions from clients or other laboratory personnel, when applicable.
• Participate in government or regulatory agency inspections when needed.
• Assume delegated lead responsibilities in the absence of a supervisor when qualified.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees working 30 or more hours.
• Well-being programs.
• Annual no-cost Blueprint for Wellness health assessment program.
• healthyMINDS mental health program.
• Vacation and Health/Flex Time.
• Six holidays plus one MyDay off.
• FinFit financial coaching and services.
• 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Life and disability insurance, with a buy-up option.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Annual incentive plans.
• Matching gifts program.
• Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Potential annual performance bonus compensation.
• Potential shift differential of 10% for some or all second-shift hours and 15% for some or all third-shift hours.

What This Job Offers

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