Clinical Laboratory Scientist

About the role

The clinical laboratory shall employ a sufficient number of properly qualified technical personnel, including a sufficient number of technicians and technologists (10 NYCRR Subpart 58-1.5, MA 105 CMR 180.180) to meet the workload demands of the laboratory. Clinical laboratory scientists shall be present in sufficient number to adequately supervise the work of technicians and trainees.

Responsibilities

• Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, and maintaining records of test examinations.
• Perform ancillary tasks to ensure a smooth operation, including but not limited to preparation and qualification of reagents and materials required for test processes, as well as label, retrieve, re-file, and properly store specimens for testing/repeat testing/long term storage.
• Take an active role in cleaning, organizing, and restocking duties.
• Operate, calibrate and maintain all laboratory equipment and instruments according to standard operating procedures to ensure quality results.
• Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
• Follow the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either immediately correct the problems or notify the supervisor, manager, director or designee.
• Adhere to established processing timelines.
• Ensures follow-up and demonstrates an understanding of actions taken to resolve problems.
• Demonstrate strong teamwork skills by effectively communicating, knowledge sharing and adequately prioritizing tasks to efficiently complete daily activities.
• Maintain adequate inventory of supplies, reagents and material – notify supervisor, manager or director immediately when faced with shortage of supplies.
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Participate on special projects or assignments as requested by management.
• Trains other technicians on key aspects of the laboratory assay(s), proficient with the performance of competency assessments.
• Plays an active role in process improvement projects with potential for significant improvement in quality, efficiency, and/or reduction in cost of testing.
• Possess critical thinking skills and is able to actively troubleshoot when even the slightest deviations are observed.

Requirements

• New York definition of Medical Technologists: Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or Bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical or biological science plus 1 year experience in specialty.
• Level I – Minimum: Successful completion in an accredited college or university of a full course of study which meets all academic requirements for a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science; the degree program shall have included a one year structured clinical laboratory experience in either (a) the general areas of a clinical laboratory, or (b) in a specialty area; or
• Successful completion of three academic years of study (a minimum of 90 semester hours or equivalent) in an accredited college or university which met the specific requirements for entrance into a school of medical laboratory science and the successful completion of a course of training of at least 12 months in a school of medical technology approved by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association; or
• Successful completion in an accredited college or university of a course of study which meets all academic requirements for a bachelor’s degree in one of the chemical, physical or biological sciences and, in addition, at least one year of full-time laboratory experience and/or training subsequent to graduation covering the specialty(ies) or subspecialty(ies) in which the individual performs tests; or
• Successful completion of three years (90 semester hours or equivalent) in an accredited college or university with a distribution of courses as shown below, and, in addition, successful experience and/or training covering several fields of medical laboratory work of such length (not less than one year), and of such quality that this experience or training, when combined with the education, will have provided the individual with education and training in medical technology equivalent to that described in paragraph (1) or (2) above. Distribution of course work: (Where semester hours are stated, it is understood that the equivalent in quarter hours is equally acceptable. The specified courses must have included lecture and laboratory work. Survey courses are not acceptable.)

Qualifications

• Level I – Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or Bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical or biological science plus 1 year experience in specialty.
• Willingness to work with potentially infectious human blood and bodily fluids.
• Ability to work with automated and manual platforms.
• Strong computer, scientific and organizational skills, strong sense of personal accountability and responsibility.
• Demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty in performing tests, documenting test results and maintaining patient, client, employee and laboratory business confidentiality.
• Analytical judgement, problem solving skills, accuracy and strong detail-oriented approach to performing tasks.

Level II – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I plus the following:

• Minimum of 2 years of clinical laboratory experience at CLS I level work.
• Possess the required skills to perform the additional level requirements above.

Level III – Fully meets the qualifications of Level II plus the following:

• BS or BA in biological, chemical, or clinical laboratory science.
• Minimum of 6 years of clinical laboratory experience, inclusive of Viracor tenure as a Laboratory Technician.
• Completed train-the-trainer program and possess the skillset to be a trainer and Qualified Personnel.
• Possess advanced knowledge and troubleshooting capability.
• Has demonstrated achievement in advancing laboratory improvements, including participation in committees, panels, process improvement teams, or other related activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in the specific departmental specialty
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Medical Technologist ASCP certified
• Previous experience in GCMS and/or LCMSMS
• Strong understanding of Good Documentation/Laboratory Practices
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Word
• Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate manual and automated single and multichannel pipettes.
• Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably with sufficient volume to ensure an accurate exchange of information in normal conversational distance, over the telephone, and in a group setting.
• Ability to continuously operate a computer, analytical instrument, or liquid handling platform for extended periods of time.
• Mental acuity sufficient to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgements and decisions.

Additional Information

Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, 7:00am - 3:30pm, Full-time, Hourly/Non-Exempt

What we offer: Excellent full-time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options, Life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, Paid vacation and holidays

Eurofins USA Clinical Diagnostics is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Eurofins USA Clinical Diagnostics is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employme