Certifying Scientist

About the Role

Review and interpret screening and confirmation results for donor specimens to ensure accuracy and forensic defensibility of results, working towards a team goal of timely release of result reports.

Responsibilities

• Review and process screening batches, including:
  • Review of chain of custody
  • Review of screening batch data for error flags and acceptability
  • Review and completion of Custody and Control forms for negative and negative dilute samples
  • Organize data and file for storage/further review
• Recognize the importance of turnaround time and work toward the timely release of specimens
• Interface cooperatively and clearly with all departments to direct corrective action in the event of batch failures, incomplete/improper chain of custody documentation, or computer-related reporting issues
• Answer incoming phone calls/emails and assist clients and Medical Review Officers regarding the status and analysis of results
• Communicate clearly as an “expert” to explain aspects of accessioning, screening, review of screening, and/or LC/MS/MS data during inspections or legal challenges
• Maintain and protect the confidentiality of all CRL, CRL subsidiaries, legal entities, and client information
• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local safety and health regulations
• Keep work area neat and clean
• Review and process Specimen Validity Testing (SVT) results, including:
  • Review of chain of custody
  • Review and interpretation of SVT data
  • Request follow-up testing as appropriate
  • Completion of Custody and Control forms for negative, negative dilute, invalid, adulterated, and substituted DOT samples
  • Organize data and file for further review and storage
• Review LC-MS/MS data for Non-Regulated confirmation batches, including:
  • Review of chain of custody
  • Review of raw data for acceptability
  • Review and certification of results
  • Release of samples with completed testing
• Review all batches associated with a donor sample before release, including screening, LC-MS/MS, and SVT batches
• Perform screening certification and confirmation certification procedures for Hair Lab specimens
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Education: A doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, or associate degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory, chemical, or biological science
• For High Complexity Testing (Bachelor’s Degree or higher): Training/experience as specified in 42 CFR 493.1489
• For Acting Technical Supervisor:
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in a chemical or biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution or equivalent
  • Experience: 4 years of pertinent laboratory experience
• Prior experience as a certifying scientist highly desirable
• LC/MS experience highly desirable
• Experience with screening operations highly desirable
• Experience with automated analyzers desirable

Skills & Abilities

• Familiarity with PC
• Ability to read, understand, and develop strong working knowledge of appropriate SOPs and other relevant information services
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational skills
• Good communication skills and ability to work under pressure
• Ability to be at work and on time
• Judgment to interact and communicate appropriately with other employees, clients, and management

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended lengths of time
• Close vision requirements due to computer work
• Repetitive use of hands, fingers, wrists, and elbows for operating a computer and telephone
• Light lifting, up to 10 pounds
• Ability to visually discriminate between different colors (essential function for the position)

Equipment

• PC
• Calculator

Pay

$25.00 - $47.00 per hour

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life/AD&D and Supplemental Life/AD&D
• Section 125 FSA Plan
• 401(k)
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off
• Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement

Schedule

Overtime, weekends, and nights as required