Medical Laboratory Scientist

Oregon Health & Science University • Portland, OR

13d

About The Position

This position provides technical support for laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and clinic patients. The Medical Laboratory Scientist supports clinicians in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease by accurately testing patient microbiology specimens, correlating data, and reporting results promptly to support quality patient care. Duties include specimen processing, culture reading from different sources, organism identification and susceptibility testing, and result reporting. These tasks are performed independently after appropriate training, with supervisor or director review when required by policy or procedure. The role requires general knowledge of laboratory microbiology, terminology, equipment, materials, techniques, and safety procedures, along with a professional demeanor and a service-oriented approach.

The position also supports laboratory quality control and quality assurance programs, including point-of-care testing. It uses EPIC for computer functions and involves responding to telephone requests for laboratory information. OHSU describes itself as Oregon's only public academic health center, where employees may have opportunities to learn and advance across hospitals and clinics in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Requirements

• One of the following qualification pathways: a bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Lab Science, Medical Laboratory Science, or a chemical or biological field, plus current MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) certification within 90 days of hire; completion of a two-year accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 90 days of hire, and four years of clinical laboratory experience; or a bachelor's degree in a chemical or biological field and four years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory performing testing and related tasks.
• Maintain current certification and credentials if certified after January 1, 2004.
• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials, techniques, regulations, and safety.
• Skill in handling laboratory specimens, keeping records, and using laboratory equipment.
• Skill in identifying cells and cell morphology.
• Ability to use several computer systems, including word processing and dedicated LIS/HIS systems.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately and operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines, adapt to rapidly changing priorities, and apply problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate job duties to trainees.
• Ability to demonstrate personal integrity and efficiency and adapt to rapidly changing testing priorities.
• Ability to work in a multitasking environment and display technical skills at multiple laboratory workstations.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of experience with microbiology testing.
• Certification as MT (ASCP), MLS (ASCP), or by AMT.

Responsibilities

• Accurately test patient microbiology specimens to aid in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
• Handle and store samples to prevent contamination or mislabeling.
• Prepare samples for testing and determine the acceptability of microbiology and molecular specimens and results.
• Read and interpret cultures, perform organism identification and susceptibility testing, and report results according to M100 guidelines and CAP requirements.
• Report test results through computer systems and by telephone in a timely manner.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly quality control procedures and document them in accordance with CAP requirements.
• Take corrective action to resolve quality control problems and review unresolved problems with the manager and technical coordinator.
• Report action-limit results according to standard procedures.
• Perform proficiency testing and report results.
• Perform computer functions using EPIC software.
• Answer telephone requests for laboratory information.
• Demonstrate job duties to trainees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Healthcare options covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
• $25,000 of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
• Two above-market pension plans to choose from.
• Up to 200 hours of vacation per year, depending on length of service.
• Up to 96 hours of sick leave per year.
• Eight paid holidays per year.
• TriMet and C-Tran discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time