Medical Laboratory Scientist - Per Diem

New York Oncology Hematology • Albany, NY

4d • $32 - $40

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Scientist performs moderate- and high-complexity laboratory testing, including accurate specimen analysis, instrument maintenance, and quality control. The role follows laboratory quality assurance and safety procedures, performs and monitors specialized diagnostic tests, and uses clinical judgment to assess results and determine whether retesting or equipment recalibration is needed. The position works within established procedures and quality guidelines, performs testing with minimal supervision, and may collect specimens, train employees, serve as a primary operator for a laboratory instrument, act as a laboratory science resource, or oversee daily activities when a supervisor is absent.

Work is performed in an office or laboratory setting, with interaction among staff, management, and clients. The position may require travel for approximately 70% of the workweek. It is a per-diem position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related health care field; alternatively, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a biological science or chemistry major and 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, completed within or in addition to the degree.
• Except for grandfathered situations, a bachelor’s degree in medical technology is required.
• Current state license if required; licensure requirements depend on the state.
• Four-year degree candidates are required to take a Hematology and/or Chemistry exam after one year of training completion.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of the job, including extensive sitting or standing, manual and finger dexterity, eye-hand coordination, and occasional lifting and carrying of items up to 40 lbs.
• Corrected vision, color perception, and hearing within the normal range, and legible handwriting.

Nice To Haves

• AMT, ASCP, or equivalent certification.
• Laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with phlebotomy and collect appropriate patient specimens as ordered; obtain required pre-authorization and consent forms before collecting limited-coverage tests.
• Assist with special procedures, such as bone marrow procedures in the room.
• Follow laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, result reporting, and recordkeeping.
• Analyze Chemistry, Hematology, and Immunology specimens and perform CLIA-classified moderate- and high-complexity testing with minimal supervision.
• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment, including scheduled daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance.
• Follow quality control policies and document quality control activities, calibrations, instrument maintenance, and reagent, control, and calibrator lot numbers.
• Participate in proficiency testing by analyzing samples and reporting results at least once a year.
• Prepare peripheral blood smears and perform complete WBC differentials on normal and abnormal smears; microscopically examine urinary sediment.
• Record results in worksheets and computer systems, maintain files, process specimens for send-out testing, and process incoming orders and results for charting.
• Follow procedures when test systems fall outside acceptable performance levels; identify and correct problems or notify a supervisor, and document corrective actions.
• Maintain quality assurance documentation, including accessioning and test report logs, quality control logs, equipment records, and checklists; verify critical results and document follow-up.
• Maintain supply inventory, ensure supplies are viable before patient testing, prepare reagents, stains, and chemical solutions as needed, and restock the laboratory.
• Send specimens to reference laboratories for testing not performed in-house.
• Identify and band patients for blood product transfusion and process labeled specimens according to local blood bank policy.
• Train employees in laboratory procedures and, as needed, act as a primary operator for an instrument, participate in developing instruments and procedures, provide laboratory science information, or oversee daily laboratory activities in the supervisor’s absence.
• Comply with quality assurance standards, OSHA requirements, Universal Precaution procedures, and applicable regulatory standards; properly dispose of hazardous materials and maintain a clean work environment.
• Maintain confidentiality of information related to patients and medical staff.

Benefits

• Professional growth and continuing education opportunities.
• Opportunity to work with a collaborative and compassionate team and contribute to clinical trials and advanced cancer care.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level