Medical Laboratory Scientist II - Microbiology

Quest Diagnostics•Paterson, NJ

13h•$32 - $51•Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Scientist II performs moderate- to high-complexity testing in the Microbiology department, exercising independent judgment and responsibility in areas for which they are qualified by education, training, and experience. The role supports laboratory quality and operations through testing, troubleshooting, quality control, equipment maintenance, customer support, staff training, process improvement, and special projects. The position is based in Paterson, New Jersey, and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM, with rotational weekends. The scientist performs and reports analytical tests according to applicable standard operating procedures, documents quality control, maintains accurate patient-test records, and enters results into the Laboratory Information System. The role requires adherence to laboratory policies and safety and regulatory requirements, timely communication of results, and maintaining laboratory areas and equipment in a safe, functional, and sanitary condition. The employee may help train laboratory personnel and may assume delegated lead responsibilities in a supervisor’s absence if qualified.

Requirements

At least 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.
Qualifying education or status: 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.
Other state-specific requirements may apply depending on state testing certifications.
Proven leadership and problem-solving skills.
Attention to detail and the ability to work independently, establish priorities, and handle multiple tasks for department efficiency.
Interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and clients.
Communication skills to handle client telephone inquiries.
Ability to handle client information confidentially.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and Laboratory Information Systems.
Ability to stand and work at a bench for long periods, walk and/or stand frequently, and use manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments requiring significant manual dexterity.
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.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of clinical experience, with the most current 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

Demonstrate proficiency in all areas of testing and troubleshoot applicable instruments and procedures in the department.
Support quality control, troubleshooting complex problems, customer support, instrument and equipment maintenance, staff training, process improvement, and assigned special projects.
Perform and report assigned analytical tests in accordance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures and quality control requirements.
Comply with laboratory policies and procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting, and maintaining patient test-result records.
Follow analytical schedules to maintain turnaround times, including for STAT or critical results to clients.
Ensure reagents and test kits have received dates, expiration dates, and, where applicable, opened dates.
Perform and document quality-control analysis; make quality-control decisions about the disposition of an assay or test.
Inform supervisory personnel of problems associated with proper test performance and report actual or potential deviations from standard or accepted testing procedures; cooperate with related investigations.
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 applicable training and competency checklists and potentially assist supervisors with training other laboratory personnel.
Follow CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, and laboratory safety requirements, including using personal protective equipment, engineering controls, and work-practice controls as directed by management.
Answer questions from clients or other laboratory personnel, if applicable.
Participate in government or regulatory-agency inspections as needed.
Assume delegated lead responsibilities in a supervisor’s absence if 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 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.