Public Health Laboratory Scientist I

Fairfax County • Fairfax (Fj15), VA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position performs Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulated clinical testing using approved methodologies to ensure quality control and compliance with regulatory standards. Performs moderate to high complexity testing in all areas of the FCHD laboratory. Assesses and verifies specimen integrity and suitability for laboratory testing. Operates laboratory instrumentation and testing systems to generate accurate and timely results for patient specimens, quality control, and proficiency testing samples. Conducts and documents quality control testing to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory authority, including CLIA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Reports data accurately and efficiently to healthcare providers/environmental health specialists utilizing laboratory information system (LIS). Demonstrates knowledge of operational procedures and regulatory standards. May perform on site testing at FCHD clinics in support of STI program. May assist in training and orientation of new staff of laboratory techniques and methods. Participates in professional growth opportunities to enhance personal and team development. This position requires active participation in one of the laboratory's internal Quality Assurance and Safety Committees. Participation in agency-wide committees is highly recommended.

Requirements

• Knowledge of basic principles of biology, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry or organic chemistry methods and techniques in a clinical laboratory.
• Knowledge and application of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use and its limitations for duties assigned.
• Skill in the care and use of laboratory equipment including microscopes and accessory equipment.
• Ability to perform technical laboratory procedures in a precise and accurate manner.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and part of a team.
• Ability to comprehend and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to communicate technical information to internal and external customers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to interpret and follow standard technical instructions.
• Knowledge of laboratory hazards and procedures.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in medical/clinical laboratory science, microbiology, or chemistry, or a degree in a directly related field of study.
• 1 year of recent relevant experience performing CLIA non-waived or environmental testing in a clinical or public health laboratory.
• Valid driver's license.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification (Required within 60 days).
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification (Required within 60 days).
• Must complete a criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, and driving record check.
• Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.
• May be required to provide after-hours, weekend or holiday coverage.
• May be required to serve as health department emergency responder.

Nice To Haves

• Self-motivated, results-oriented individual with more than one year of experience performing clinical testing in a clinical or public health laboratory setting.
• Bachelor's degree or higher degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology.
• At least one year of knowledge and experience working in a clinical lab setting in hematology, chemistry, immunology, and/or toxicology department, with a preference of more than one year of experience in hematology, immunology, and chemistry.
• Working knowledge of and experience in any of the following: Quality Control, OSHA Safety Regulations, Bloodborne Pathogen Standards, BioSafety Level 2 Protocols, BioSafety Level 3 Protocols, and/or Unidirectional workflow.
• Performed laboratory testing under laboratory regulatory authority, such as CLIA, CAP (College of American Pathologists), COLA (Commission on Laboratory Accreditation), EPA, etc.
• At least one of year of experience with a Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Experience and ability to read, analyze, interpret and effectively communicate complex scientific, technical, administrative and educational materials.
• Ability to respond professionally and effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints from both internal and external clients.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) board certification as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or equivalent.
• Bilingual in English and another language.

Responsibilities

• Performs moderate to high complexity testing in all areas of the FCHD laboratory.
• Assesses and verifies specimen integrity and suitability for laboratory testing.
• Operates laboratory instrumentation and testing systems to generate accurate and timely results for patient specimens, quality control, and proficiency testing samples.
• Conducts and documents quality control testing to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory authority, including CLIA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Reports data accurately and efficiently to healthcare providers/environmental health specialists utilizing laboratory information system (LIS).
• Demonstrates knowledge of operational procedures and regulatory standards.
• May perform on site testing at FCHD clinics in support of STI program.
• May assist in training and orientation of new staff of laboratory techniques and methods.
• Participates in professional growth opportunities to enhance personal and team development.
• Requires active participation in one of the laboratory's internal Quality Assurance and Safety Committees.
• Participation in agency-wide committees is highly recommended.

Benefits

• Opportunity to make a difference by serving those most in need
• Work collaboratively with community partners to address public health priorities.
• A learning culture
• Work life balance
• Supportive team environment
• Amazing benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level