Medical Laboratory Scientist

Quest Diagnosticsorporated•Clifton, NJ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Scientist performs clinical laboratory testing and related quality, documentation, safety, and customer-service activities. The role handles and processes specimens, performs analyses using approved procedures, reviews and releases results, maintains complete testing and quality records, and responds to issues that could affect test performance or result reporting. The scientist follows applicable laboratory procedures and CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, and safety guidelines; reports STAT or critical results according to department procedures; and may support training, inspections, and customer or staff inquiries. The position requires a solid understanding of basic laboratory testing, quality control and quality assurance, and laboratory operations. The successful candidate must have good computer skills and be able to work across multiple computer systems. A relevant laboratory or science degree, qualifying prior technologist status, and national certification or eligibility for certification are specified. One year of clinical experience in high-complexity testing is preferred, with a minimum of one year required for candidates with a BS/BA in Chemistry or Biology. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern, with weekend rotations. Remote work is not available.

Requirements

Solid understanding of basic laboratory testing.
Good computer skills and ability to adapt to working in multiple computer systems.
Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance and of all areas of the laboratory.
One year of clinical laboratory experience in high-complexity testing is required for candidates with a BS/BA in Chemistry or Biology.
National and state licensure as required.
Ability to establish work priorities and handle several procedures simultaneously.
Ability to interact with other departments.
Good customer-service skills, as contact with clients may be required.
Ability to protect patient confidentiality at all times.
Foreign-educated candidates must provide a detailed credential evaluation from IERF (International Education Research Foundation).
U.S.-educated candidates must provide a detailed original transcript.

Nice To Haves

One year of clinical experience in high-complexity testing is preferred.
BS in Medical Technology preferred.
Possess or be eligible for national certification as an MT/MLT from a recognized organization such as ASCP or AMT.

Responsibilities

Follow laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, result reporting, and patient-result recordkeeping.
Maintain records demonstrating that proficiency-testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
Analyze specimens using approved testing procedures and department SOPs.
Review and release test results.
Follow applicable CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, and safety guidelines.
Adhere to quality-control policies and document quality-control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed.
Follow established laboratory policies and procedures when test systems are outside acceptable performance levels.
Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or result reporting, correct them when possible, or promptly notify the senior technologist or supervisor.
Document corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from established performance specifications.
Report STAT or critical results to clients according to department procedures.
Answer questions from customers or other laboratory personnel when applicable.
Maintain complete records of all testing performed on-site.
Maintain the general appearance of the department.
Ensure reagents and test kits have received dates and expiration dates recorded, and opened dates when applicable.
Review and train on new procedures.
Attend monthly department meetings and other training or educational meetings.
Participate in applicable safety training and know the location and contents of the safety manual and the location and use of applicable safety equipment.
Participate in government or regulatory agency inspections when needed.
Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor.