MLS Technical Specialist, Chemistry

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

18d•$39 - $50•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Specialist is a highly specialized role in a specialty laboratory area requiring a high level of skill. As CLIA-defined Testing Personnel, the specialist may perform waived and non-waived testing. Under general supervision, the specialist follows department policies and standard operating procedures, works independently and efficiently, and produces accurate results and records. The role requires professional knowledge to interpret test results used by providers to diagnose and treat disease. The specialist may also serve as a CLIA-defined Technical Supervisor or General Supervisor, with delegated responsibility for technical oversight of training areas and day-to-day laboratory operations involving personnel in training, testing, and reporting results. Under the general supervision of the Technical Director and Clinical Supervisors, the specialist supervises trainees at assigned workstations, including quality-control review, training, and competency assessment. The position is responsible for specimen processing, test performance, and reporting results, and for following procedures concerning testing, records, quality control, calibration, maintenance, and corrective action. It also develops and manages training programs and competency assessments, reviews training documentation and materials, helps develop procedures and SOPs for new processes, and supports training for technical staff and students. Patient care is not required. The role is onsite at 75 Francis Street, with a 40-hour workweek on the day shift.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or Laboratory Sciences.
Medical Technologist (ASCP) certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC).
Four years of experience in a Specialty Laboratory.
Practical and theoretical knowledge of tests and procedures sufficient to review findings and advise and direct subordinates.
Advanced analytical skills and judgment.
Understanding of computer technology and its application to analytical procedures and quality control.
Comprehensive understanding of laboratory equipment, including its operation, maintenance, and repair, and of analytical techniques.
Ability to work independently, evaluate situations, and act appropriately.
Detailed knowledge of applicable federal, state, and accreditation requirements.
Ability to multitask and manage validations and projects in a fast-paced environment.
Advanced computer skills and comprehensive understanding of test principles, equipment operation, and computer-system operations.
Ability to make appropriate decisions and develop and complete follow-up actions with laboratory leadership.
Ability to perform as a senior team member, providing direction and guidance to less experienced technologists.
Attention to detail and ability to adhere to written protocols, including communicating identified issues to supervisors.
Ability to work as a team member.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally and effectively with physicians, hospital personnel, employees, and patients.
Experience cannot substitute for the required degree.

Responsibilities

Process specimens, perform tests, and report test results in accordance with laboratory procedures and authorized testing responsibilities.
Follow procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining patient test-result records.
Maintain records showing proficiency-testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples.
Document quality-control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance in accordance with laboratory policy.
Follow established corrective-action policies when test systems do not meet acceptable performance levels.
Identify problems that may affect test performance or result reporting, correct them when appropriate, or promptly notify the appropriate supervisor or director.
Document corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from established performance specifications.
Create, document, maintain, plan, and implement training programs, including competency assessments for new procedures adopted into the Specialty Labs.
Manage competency reviews with Supervisors and the Technical Director, involving the Compliance Officer as needed.
Review and approve training paperwork and documentation, ensuring records and signoffs are maintained in the MediaLab Compass module, with support from Senior Technologists and administrative staff.
Receive training on new processes and contribute an education and training perspective to developing SOPs for new processes.
Help determine whether new competency assessments are needed.
Review existing training materials for alignment with current laboratory workflows and review and approve required updates to training guidelines.
Develop training procedures for technical staff and students, including students rotating from affiliated programs and those in the MGB MLS Training Program.
Provide technical oversight of training areas and day-to-day supervision or oversight of laboratory operations involving trainees, testing, and reporting results.
Supervise trainees at assigned workstations, including quality-control review, training, and competency assessment.