Medical Laboratory Scientist

UPMC•Altoona, PA

About The Position

UPMC Altoona is hiring a full-time Medical Laboratory Scientist to work 40 hours per week on a 12-hour night shift from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with rotation as needed, including rotating weekends and holidays. The position offers a sign-on bonus of up to $15,000; the amount varies based on experience and commitment length. The Medical Laboratory Scientist is accountable for accurately performing routine and advanced laboratory testing used to diagnose and treat patients and evaluate their responses to treatment. The role applies clinical knowledge to support accurate testing and quality patient-care outcomes. The scientist performs high-complexity testing without direct supervision and may temporarily assume delegated first-line supervisory responsibilities. An accredited bachelor's degree and one of the listed education, training, certification, or experience pathways are required. Hospital laboratory experience, knowledge of medical terminology, and laboratory information systems knowledge are preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university and successful completion of an accredited Medical Lab Scientist program; or
Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, chemical, or clinical laboratory science, plus ASCP or equivalent categorical or MLT certification; or
Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, chemical, physical, or clinical laboratory science, plus at least two years of experience in a role equivalent to that of a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory.
New York license is required for locations in New York.
Act 34 clearance.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in a hospital laboratory is preferred.
Knowledge of medical terminology is preferred.
Knowledge of laboratory information systems is preferred.
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) (ASCP) or equivalent certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Communicate courteously and professionally with laboratory customers, respond promptly to telephone inquiries, and maintain effective internal and external communications.
Follow laboratory and hospital policies and established procedures for testing, quality control, quality assurance, safety, compliance, and personnel matters.
Collect and process specimens, including phlebotomy when required, and assess specimen appropriateness and stability.
Perform qualitative and quantitative analytical procedures accurately, precisely, and efficiently according to established protocols.
Identify critical, abnormal, or unacceptable results and follow up according to protocols; recognize factors affecting results and take corrective action as appropriate.
Identify problems involving instrumentation, methodology, specimens, supplies, or results and respond according to predetermined protocols.
Operate and maintain equipment within the scope of training; perform quality-control checks, preventive maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs according to schedules and written instructions.
Use reagents and supplies cost-effectively and monitor and maintain appropriate inventory.
Maintain knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, instruments, their interrelationships, and physiological conditions that affect test results.
Conduct, direct, or assist with test development and the evaluation, selection, and implementation of methodologies and equipment.
Perform high-complexity testing, as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, without direct supervision.
Temporarily assume first-line supervision of the section or department when delegated.
Train and orient new employees, students, and residents as assigned and applicable.