Clinical/Medical Laboratory Scientist

About the Role

This position involves receiving and preparing specimens according to standard protocols and procedures, performing laboratory tests and calculations to provide data for diagnosis and treatment of disease, conducting quality control procedures, evaluating test performance and results, calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment, performing phlebotomy procedures as needed, and maintaining confidentiality of patient-related information.

Responsibilities

• Performs, develops, and interprets routine and/or specialized laboratory testing independently without error, within established time frames.
• Performs, analyzes, and records quality control and instrument maintenance/troubleshooting, making judgments concerning results, and takes appropriate action to maintain accuracy and precision. Escalates appropriately when results are out of control and ensures adequate documentation of corrective action.
• Adheres to regulatory compliance guidelines and maintains awareness of accreditation standards for laboratories by reviewing the most current checklist/standards. Follows safety guidelines, OIG compliance requirements, and protocols for proficiency testing of samples.
• Participates in performance improvement opportunities by assisting in the collection and analysis of data and supports business development and cost reduction initiatives by managing supply and reagent inventory.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including respect for privacy, method of introduction, adapting explanations of services or procedures, requesting permissions, and communication style.
• Performs other duties as assigned and complies with all policies and standards.
• Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory science, or a chemical, physical, or biological science. Copy of transcript required.
• Current Clinical Lab Scientist Generalist license in the state of practice (if applicable) or within 180 days of hire.
• ASCP, AMT, or AAB generalist certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist must be obtained within 90 days of hire. ASCP categorical or AAB individual discipline certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist ONLY if working in a designated Academic Medical Center facility.
• Any incumbents certified by ASCP on or after January 1, 2004, must successfully complete the requirements of the ASCP’s Certification Maintenance Program.

Skills

• Computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information, including proficiency with Windows-style applications and keyboard.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrates good judgment in performing duties and conflict resolution.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Heavy Work - Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid, and tissue.
• Works in a patient care area, directly with patients, and/or with specimens that could contain communicable diseases, posing an occupational risk for exposure to all communicable diseases.
• May be exposed to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning, and/or disposal of contaminated waste.