Technical Specialist (MT/MLS) - Microbiology | 40 hours per week | Laboratory

Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center•West Burlington, IA

About The Position

The Technical Specialist is responsible for directing, reviewing, and overseeing operations for assigned laboratory departments. The role includes evaluating, selecting, and implementing test methods; designing and maintaining policies and procedures; controlling inventory; and ensuring regulatory compliance. The specialist also performs tests and procedures, including work requiring independent judgment, and independently conducts qualitative and quantitative tests according to established guidelines and criteria. They identify issues that could affect test performance or results and use critical thinking and judgment to troubleshoot and resolve them. The position performs competency assessments for moderate- and/or high-complexity testing, depending on the department, and may test in other departments as needed. The role provides bench coverage and oversees department quality control, proficiency testing, workflow, inventory, and monthly maintenance logs. It reviews laboratory results for accuracy, writes and reviews SOPs, coordinates and performs new test method validations, and helps ensure staff follow procedures and quality standards. The specialist also participates in staff training, education, quality assurance, and department meetings; investigates service and equipment complaints and takes corrective action; coordinates with other departments; recommends operational improvements; and attends continuing education and workshops. The position is scheduled for a day shift with 8- or 10-hour shifts, including rotating weekends and holidays. The minimum hiring wage is $35.79 per hour. A $15,000 sign-on bonus is available for eligible candidates.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or a chemical, physical, or biological science.
Maintain current and active status on all training and education required by corporate policy.
One to three years of clinical internship in a NAACLS-accredited clinical laboratory science program, or an approved alternate career path meeting certification eligibility requirements.
Medical Laboratory Scientist certification within 180 days or Medical Technologist certification within 180 days.
Certification through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or an equivalent certification.
Four to six years of clinical laboratory experience is listed as preferred.

Nice To Haves

Four to six years of clinical laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

Provide bench coverage as needed.
Review quality control for assigned department(s).
Oversee the proficiency testing program for assigned department(s).
Maintain sufficient inventory of materials and supplies for assigned department(s) to avoid interruptions in patient testing.
Review laboratory test results for accuracy.
Write and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for assigned department(s).
Coordinate and perform new test method validations.
Oversee department workflow, communicate standards, and ensure staff follow procedures and quality standards.
Review monthly maintenance logs for assigned department(s).
Participate in training and orientation of new staff and provide ongoing education.
Investigate service and equipment complaints and take corrective action.
Coordinate activities with other departments to provide services efficiently and on time.
Participate in department meetings and quality assurance programs.
Recommend changes to improve service and operational efficiency.
Participate in continuing education and attend workshops to learn about clinical laboratory best practices.
Direct, review, and oversee operations for assigned department(s).
Evaluate, select, and implement test methods; maintain policies and procedures; manage inventory; and ensure regulatory compliance.
Perform qualitative and quantitative tests and procedures, including work requiring independent judgment.
Identify and troubleshoot problems that may adversely affect test performance or results.
Perform competency assessments for moderate- and/or high-complexity testing, depending on the department.
Perform testing in other departments as needed.

Benefits

Competitive base pay.
Matching retirement programs.
Health, dental, and vision plans.
Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts.
Employee discounts, including car rental and cell-phone plans.
Employer-paid long-term disability, life, and AD&D coverage.
Paid time off (PTO).
Education Assistance Program.
Employee Assistance Program.
Employee Referral Bonus Program.
Discounted cafeteria meals.
Paid Parental Leave.
Employee Service Recognition program.
Voluntary life, AD&D, short-term disability, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity plans.
$15,000 sign-on bonus for eligible candidates.