Lead Clinical Lab Scientist

About the role

The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist identifies, distributes, balances work, coaches, and facilitates with problem solving methods. The Lead CLS prepares reports and maintains records of work status; resolves simple, informal complaints; reports performance, progress, and training needs of the team and on behavioral problems; and provides information on promotions, reassignment, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs.

Responsibilities

• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation.
• Accurately performs pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases of testing and analyze and interpret laboratory tests.
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Diagnostics deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
• Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge.
• Interprets findings and makes recommendations. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
• Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others).
• Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
• Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable.
• Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of routine, non-routine, and specialized test procedures using manual techniques and/or instruments in accordance with the established protocol.
• Correlates quantitative, biochemical, physiologic, and morphologic, and morphologic data with other laboratory data and/or other patient data to verify results.
• Correlates quantitative data with patient (i.e., history medications) to verify results.
• Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly.
• Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system.
• Reviews test results to detect clerical errors, significant analytical errors, and unusual laboratory results. Assists in training new personnel, lower graded personnel, and students from appropriate training programs.
• Maintains appropriate levels of supplies and reagents for the efficient operation of the clinical laboratory. Notifies supervisor when supply levels are low or outdated.
• Works with management to assure laboratory is compliant with the regularity agency requirements and guidelines. Maintains appropriate professional credentials.
• Fulfills other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Open to all U.S. citizens.

Note: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
• Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation. Ability to develop procedures for new tests, and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations. Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section. Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to a wide variety of individuals including physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff regarding technical aspects of testing, specimen requirements and results.
• Preferred Experience: 1 year of general chemistry experience. 1 year experience evaluating quality control metrics for chemistry. 1 year experience with inventory management.

Benefits

Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid time off, parental leave, and retirement benefits are provided.