Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist, Full-Time, Nights

Memorial Hermann Health System•Forrest City, AR

About The Position

Memorial Hermann Memorial City seeks a Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist to evaluate, perform, and oversee assigned laboratory tests and procedures, assist in developing new or revised procedures, and serve as the person in charge of the department when the Lab Director, Medical Laboratory Specialist, or Manager is absent. The role manages daily laboratory operations, performs and oversees testing and quality activities, maintains analyzers and inventory, supports point-of-care testing and blood bank operations, and helps ensure regulatory compliance and safe care. The position also provides leadership, training, mentorship, competency assessment, and operational support to laboratory employees and students. The scientist collaborates with hospital personnel, physicians, patients, vendors, and other teams to support accurate and timely testing, effective workflow, quality improvement, and customer service. Schedule: four 10-hour shifts on nights, with rotating weekends.

Requirements

For generalist MLS positions, a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science/Clinical Laboratory Science from an accredited institution, or an associate degree in Medical Laboratory Science and a bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, or clinical/medical laboratory science.
Equivalency is required for foreign education.
For generalist MLS positions, an applicable certification: Medical Technologist (ASCP or ASCP-International), Medical Technologist (AMT), MLS (ASCP or ASCP-International), CLS (ASCP), or MLS (ASCP or ASCP-International)CM; alternatively, be ASCP certification eligible and become certified within one year.
Three years of pertinent experience in a high-complexity laboratory in the assigned or specified area.

Responsibilities

Manage daily laboratory operations, including specimen collection and processing, quality control, testing, result reporting, and distribution.
Interpret, correlate, and verify test results using knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, and instrumentation.
Maintain testing analyzers and take corrective actions according to policy and procedure; troubleshoot instruments as needed.
Maintain reagent inventory and collaborate with Supply Chain partners to ensure supplies are available.
Oversee system pipette calibrations.
Collaborate with vendors on analyzer installations and validations.
Perform clerical duties as needed to maintain efficient workflow.
Maintain ongoing education and testing competencies according to the needs of the patient populations served.
Follow procedures for handling chemicals, biological specimens, and hazardous materials to maintain a safe work environment.
Direct personnel as appropriate and communicate exceptional circumstances to appropriate personnel.
Interact with hospital personnel, volunteers, physicians, and patients regarding laboratory specimens, orders, and reporting results.
Support point-of-care testing throughout the hospital and work with nursing educators and leaders to meet quality metrics and follow procedures.
Assist with Nursing/PCT training for point-of-care testing to maintain regulatory compliance.
Serve on quality teams and system laboratory service technical teams as appropriate.
Evaluate testing, quality control, and maintenance performance for assigned areas.
Evaluate and maintain technical procedures for the assigned department or facility area.
Prepare monthly quality summary reports on instrument performance, quality control, linearity, service visits, and clinical service issues; coordinate service visits.
Participate in peer interviews and discipline-specific technical team meetings.
Support blood bank operations for trauma services, including massive transfusion protocols for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients.
Process reference laboratory specimens, monitor pending results, follow send-out protocols, and ensure timely follow-up; process or perform testing on approved research specimens as assigned.
Maintain functional knowledge of system computers and vendor software as required by the assignment.
Teach, assess competency, mentor, and precept laboratory employees and students in the assigned area.
Serve as an on-call leader for weekends, off-hours, codes, and special events.
Provide input for Medical Laboratory Scientists’ initial, six-month, and annual training, performance appraisals, and competencies; coach employees and provide input to the Lab Director or Manager regarding performance, errors, and recognition.
Support teamwork and effective communication within the department, provide and seek feedback, and accurately document and report issues, observations, and solutions.
Comply with Laboratory Services, hospital, and system policies and with applicable governmental and accrediting standards, including TJC, FDA, CAP, AABB, CMS, HCFA, and CLIA.
Maintain knowledge of regulatory standards and participate in CAP mock inspections and off-site system inspections as needed.
Meet competency requirements for all workstations, write procedures, and demonstrate working knowledge of laboratory equipment and laboratory information systems.
Attend and participate in system laboratory discipline-specific team meetings and events.
Demonstrate leadership and promote quality patient care, customer service, and effective relationships with colleagues and customers.
Ensure safe care for patients, staff, and visitors; follow policies and standards for time management, supply management, productivity, and service quality.
Promote professional growth through mandatory and continuing education and skills competency; serve as a preceptor, resource, and mentor, and perform competency assessments when indicated.
Participate in peer interviews or evaluation of job applicants’ competency as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.