Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

National Jewish Health • Denver, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) plays a crucial role in assisting the Supervisor with the proper operation of the laboratory. This position provides technical direction in analyzing specimens, performing cultures, conducting quality control testing, troubleshooting equipment, performing instrument maintenance, processing patient specimens, and preparing patient data for reporting to ensure accurate test results. The Lead MLS demonstrates advanced technical skills and leads the work of co-workers, providing guidance and resources. They are responsible for the implementation and validation of new procedures and regulations, performing high-complexity tests, and reviewing testing performance. This role involves writing and reviewing procedure manuals, ensuring compliance with CLIA personnel requirements, and leading proficiency testing. The Lead MLS adheres to quality control policies, documents all quality activities, and immediately addresses any significant issues or trends with the supervisor. They are responsible for troubleshooting assay problems and instrument malfunctions, identifying and leading peer troubleshooting efforts, and monitoring data for trends. The role includes performing root cause analysis, observing and reviewing competencies, and taking initiative to improve laboratory operations through complex projects. The Lead MLS also attends continuing education programs, maintains reagent and consumable levels, and participates in preparing for inspections. They function as a technical or general supervisor as applicable, provide direction in testing operations, and critically evaluate assays and results. This position is also responsible for transmitting knowledge and best practices to colleagues through training and developing training materials. Additionally, the Lead MLS serves as a backup for staff absences and performs other assigned duties.

Requirements

• BS in Biology, Chemistry or related field required.
• A minimum of 4 years of recent and relevant experience required.
• Registered Medical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist) with American Society of Clinical Pathologists required.
• For graduates 2004 and forward, re-certification with ASCP must occur every third year.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrates technical skills above that of a Senior Medical Lab Scientist.
• Functions as technical supervisor or general supervisor (per CLIA and CAP) as applicable.
• Attends continuing education programs sponsored by National Jewish, manufacturer in-services and/or professional society programs.
• Obtains at least 12 approved CEU credits per year including but not limited to the following: webinars, lunch and learn seminars, seminars, etc.
• Participates in preparation for inspections where required including revision of laboratory manuals and procedures.
• Identifies areas of risk in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• Applies their knowledge and expertise toward critically evaluating assays and assay results.
• Transmits knowledge, best practices and key techniques to colleagues by being an active participant in training and developing training materials.

Responsibilities

• Assisting the Supervisor in the proper operation of the laboratory.
• Providing technical direction in analyzing specimens, performing cultures, and performing quality control testing.
• Troubleshooting equipment problems and performing instrument maintenance.
• Processing patient specimens and preparing patient data for reporting.
• Leading the work of co-workers, providing communication, direction, guidance, and resources.
• Implementing and validating new procedures and regulations.
• Performing high complexity tests and reviewing testing performance.
• Writing and reviewing procedure manuals and documents.
• Reviewing the work of peers to ensure compliance with CLIA personnel requirements.
• Leading and maintaining records for proficiency testing.
• Coordinating proficiency testing and conducting staff re-education.
• Adhering to quality control policies, documenting all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance.
• Performing QC review and immediately addressing significant issues or trends with the supervisor.
• Troubleshooting/correcting assay problems or instrument malfunctions.
• Performing maintenance and working with the supervisor in troubleshooting QC or instrument problems.
• Identifying and leading troubleshooting with peers, serving as a resource.
• Monitoring data for trends and reporting them to the supervisor.
• Documenting corrective actions for test systems deviating from performance specifications.
• Performing root cause analysis of events as directed.
• Performing, observing, and reviewing competencies.
• Leading competency performance and tracking of peers.
• Taking initiative to improve laboratory operations and performing extra projects.
• Attending continuing education programs and obtaining CEU credits.
• Maintaining and ordering appropriate levels of reagents and consumables.
• Participating in preparation for inspections.
• Identifying areas of risk in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• Functioning as technical supervisor or general supervisor (per CLIA and CAP) as applicable.
• Providing direction and guidance in testing operations.
• Critically evaluating assays and assay results.
• Transmitting knowledge, best practices, and key techniques to colleagues.
• Performing as a back-up to staff absences and vacancies.
• Performing all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Multiple Cigna health plans for Colorado, regional office and remote employees.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) available to pair with some plans.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO accruals to use for vacation and sick days, and six paid holidays, all compliant with Colorado state sick leave regulations.
• Dental & Vision Plans: Coverage effective the first of the month after hire.
• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with employer contributions after two years.
• Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $200 annually for preventive health activities.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually for full-time and part-time employees.
• Child Care Assistance: Childcare Flex Spending Account (FSA) with annual employer contribution.
• Loan Forgiveness: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• Disability & Life Insurance: Employer-paid plans and optional buy-up choices.
• Voluntary Benefits: Full suite of coverage options such as Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Plan
• Exclusive Discounts: Savings on local services, insurance, and RTD bus passes.

What This Job Offers

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