Technical Specialist - Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Sutter Health•Sacramento, CA

1d•$69 - $97

About The Position

This limited-term, fixed-term position is anticipated to last approximately one year. The Technical Specialist functions as a technical and clinical subject matter expert in one or more laboratory areas and routinely performs Clinical Laboratory Scientist duties in those areas. The role evaluates Quality Control (QC) and Proficiency Testing (PT), takes corrective action when needed, and periodically summarizes results for Medical Director review. It also performs Quality Assurance (QA) activities, including reviewing patient-testing, instrument-maintenance, and temperature records and addressing issues as needed. The specialist maintains knowledge of technological advances and accreditation requirements, supports laboratory accreditation readiness, and participates in accreditation surveys and regulatory inspections. The role provides technical and clinical troubleshooting guidance, advises on technical aspects of policies and procedures, and develops and coordinates validation and verification plans for new procedures and equipment. It also develops training materials and competency assessments, trains coworkers, and assesses their competency. The position requires adherence to applicable regulations, codes, policies, and procedures to protect patient privacy and support safe, reliable testing.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field.
California Licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS).
Five years of recent relevant experience.
Demonstrated knowledge and technical competence in routine specimen collection, preparation, testing applications, laboratory operations, and quality assurance in one or more assigned clinical specialty areas.
Subject matter expertise in one or more technical laboratory areas and knowledge of regulatory and accreditation requirements.
Skill in QC/QA, equipment troubleshooting, training, competency assessment, procedure development, and technical problem-solving.
Ability to organize and prioritize duties and tasks for completion within expected time frames.
Ability to perform duties accurately, precisely, and reliably, with sound judgment and problem-solving relevant to assigned duties.
Ability to interact compassionately and effectively with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs, and behaviors.
Ability to manage workflow, including fluctuations in volume, equipment or information-system problems, shift handoffs, STAT orders, specimen-integrity issues, pending-log reviews, and priority assignments.
Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence.
Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures intended to ensure patient privacy and safety.

Responsibilities

Evaluate QC and PT results, take corrective action when needed, and periodically summarize results in reports or graphs for Medical Director review.
Perform QA duties, including reviewing patient-testing, instrument-maintenance, and temperature records, and take corrective action when needed.
Maintain current knowledge of technological advances and accreditation requirements in assigned laboratory areas.
Support accreditation readiness and participate in accreditation surveys and regulatory agency inspections.
Advise and provide guidance on technical and clinical problem-solving and troubleshooting to ensure accurate, actionable test results.
Advise on technical aspects of new policies, procedures, and protocols as they are developed and implemented.
Develop and coordinate validation and verification plans for new procedures and equipment.
Develop training materials and competency assessments for new procedures and equipment.
Train coworkers and assess their competency.
Perform Clinical Laboratory Scientist duties in one or more laboratory areas.
Follow applicable local, state, and federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures to protect patient privacy and maintain safety and reliability in testing.