Medical Laboratory Scientist, Sr.
About The Position
The Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist performs quality control and complex patient testing in routine, special, and assigned laboratory areas. The role reports test results in accordance with departmental policies, reports and documents critical values, incorporates clinical correlation into result verification, and manages workload to meet expected turnaround times. The incumbent maintains competency and develops new skills as technologies change. The position includes inventory and reagent management, advanced equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, and documentation of maintenance and instrument problems. The scientist serves as a team leader and may act as Operations Supervisor, assessing workflow and staffing and facilitating smooth transitions between shifts. As directed, the role coordinates product, method, or new-test development; restocks workstations; identifies specimen-status issues; and participates in peer interviewing. The scientist leads or participates in quality assurance, safety, compliance, process improvement, and technical or operational projects. The role serves as an expert resource for technical questions, assists with problem resolution and customer complaints, and trains, mentors, and supports staff, students, and healthcare professionals. Trainees are supervised during testing and result reporting, and training documentation is maintained. The position also requires professional communication, customer service, privacy protection, teamwork, accountability, and ongoing participation in performance-improvement activities. Patient-care duties include collecting, labeling, and preparing specimens; maintaining laboratory documentation; processing test requisitions; and preparing and distributing reports. Additional duties may be assigned. The position may require use of infection-prevention safety equipment, on-call responsibilities, and travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, or out of town as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or a chemical, physical, or biological science, or equivalent, and successful completion of a NAACLS-accredited Medical Laboratory Science program; alternatively, the posting specifies qualifying bachelor’s-degree coursework and experience pathways.
- Three years of experience as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.
- Technologist/Scientist certification from ASCP or AMT-MT.
- Required licensure/certification category: BB, C, H, MT/MLS, M, or MB.
- ASCP-certified individuals beginning January 1, 2004 must participate in and maintain ASCP Board of Certification through the Certification Maintenance Program; AMT-certified individuals beginning January 1, 2006 must participate in and maintain the AMT Certification Continuation Program.
- Knowledge of current medical terminology, laboratory equipment and testing, quality control, and instrumentation troubleshooting.
- Skill in performing a full range of laboratory tests, anticipating and calmly responding to emergencies, developing and maintaining department quality assurance, and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Ability to read and understand laboratory instrumentation information, follow written protocols, work independently, and communicate clearly.
- Adhere to workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices; perform quality-control testing, equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting; and perform duties to satisfy inspection requirements.
- Cooperate with team members, provide information and consultation to requestors, support other staff, communicate professionally, and participate in staff meetings.
- Maintain technical competence through competency and proficiency testing, educational activities, and participation in improving methods and processes.
- Physical ability to stand constantly, walk and bend or stoop frequently, and lift, push, or pull up to 100 pounds; safe-handling equipment is required for weights over 35 pounds.
- Proficient communication, auditory, and visual skills; attention to detail; and ability to write legibly.
Responsibilities
- Perform quality control and complex patient testing in routine, special, and assigned laboratory areas.
- Report patient and quality-control results according to departmental policy; report and document critical values and incorporate clinical correlation into result verification.
- Prioritize and manage workload to meet expected turnaround times while maintaining testing competency and developing skills as technologies change.
- Manage supplies and reagents, including assessing inventory, receiving and storing reagents, verifying quality before use, following usage instructions, and disposing of materials safely.
- Perform and document scheduled routine and complex equipment maintenance; recognize malfunctions, troubleshoot, document and resolve issues, report problems or contact technical service as needed, and complete instrument re-entry processes.
- Serve as a team leader and fill the Operations Supervisor role as needed, assessing workflow and staffing and facilitating shift transitions.
- Coordinate and implement product, method, or new-test development as directed by the Lead Technologist or Manager.
- Restock workstations and identify specimen-status trends or issues, implementing corrective actions consistent with policy.
- Conduct peer interviews fairly and consistently.
- Lead or participate in quality assurance, safety, compliance, and process-improvement activities; investigate and report quality issues and submit improvement suggestions.
- Coordinate or participate in technical and operational studies and projects.
- Serve as an expert resource for analytical and technical questions; assist staff and management with problem investigation and resolution, review problem documentation, and handle customer complaints professionally and promptly.
- Train, mentor, and support staff, students, and healthcare professionals; select appropriate training methods, document training and assessments, and supervise trainees during laboratory testing and result reporting.
- Communicate professionally, maintain privacy, support internal and external customers, foster positive working relationships, and participate in performance-improvement activities.
- Collect, label, and prepare specimens; maintain documentation for laboratory procedures; process testing requisitions; and prepare and distribute reports.
- Use infection-prevention safety equipment when required, fulfill on-call responsibilities as directed, and travel between facilities as needed.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
