Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Flow Cytometry

Responsibilities

• Advance Gift of Hope's mission, vision and core values: providing compassionate service, contributing to outstanding teams and engaging as one of our passionate people committed to a positive culture that respects the dignity and worth of each individual.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.
• Perform high-complexity laboratory testing using established methodologies, including molecular HLA typing, flow-cytometry, genetic analysis, HLA antibody screening (if applicable), ABO typing, and infectious disease testing.
• Serve as section lead, providing oversight and guidance for designated laboratory areas.
• Serve as the final reviewer to sign off clinical cases in all aspects of testing including technical, quality, billing, etc., as designated by laboratory management.
• Document test results and all pertinent information; interpret different and complex reaction patterns; identify probable causes for any irregular or atypical test results.
• Serve as lead on process improvement initiatives.
• Accurately communicate results to internal and external customers including clinicians, transplant coordinators, and other OPO personnel.
• Accurately enter, retrieve, and transmit test data into laboratory information systems.
• Assist laboratory staff in testing procedures, quality controls and standard operating protocols.
• Provide instruction and guidance to new employees in testing procedures, quality controls and standard operating protocols.
• Perform laboratory employee competency assessment, as required.
• Provide laboratory employee support, direction and management, as requested by laboratory management.
• Assist with personnel management as designated, including but not limited to, one-on-one meetings, performance evaluation, coaching, and disciplinary actions.
• Assist with development, validation and implementation of new and/or revised procedures and protocols.
• Preserve donor cells and serum samples for potential future testing, if needed.
• Process blood samples received from patients waiting for a transplant.
• Prepare reagents required to perform analysis and ensure reagents are available and usable.
• Set up and monitor equipment required to perform tests.
• Maintain established preventive maintenance schedules for assigned equipment.
• Perform minor equipment repairs such as adjustments and calibration of equipment.
• Maintain quality control records and logs; prepare, record and store data for future reference.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work area in accordance with safety standards.
• Work with laboratory leadership to develop, plan, implement, monitor and assess the laboratory quality assurance and performance improvement programs.
• Identify non-conformances and deficiencies and manage the corrective action process.
• Promote the culture of quality assurance and performance improvement throughout the laboratory.
• Work with laboratory leadership to ensure compliance with all pertinent regulatory agencies, such as CMS/CLIA, FDA, UNOS, ASHI, and CAP.
• Determine, track, trend and report of relevant quality metrics, including, but not limited to, turnaround times, error rates, customer satisfaction score, etc.
• Absorb and respond to all internal and external audits and inspections.
• Complete continuing education.

Qualifications

• Education and Training Required: Bachelor's degree in one of the biological, chemical or medical sciences; Certification as a Certified Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT) or Certified Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS) issued by the American College of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ACHI), or the ability to obtain certification within 18 months of hire or promotion.
• Experience and Skills Required: Minimum 2 years’ experience in high complexity testing in histocompatibility, immunology, infectious disease or virology; Technical competency in a minimum of three clinical testing areas specific to the Gift of Hope Laboratory including infectious disease, HLA typing, crossmatching, and HLA antibody testing; Critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision; Basic skills in Excel and Word; Proficient with laboratory software systems; Familiarity with procedures for quality control of reagents and maintenance of equipment; Demonstrated capacity to learn and apply new laboratory testing methods, processes, and equipment; Capable of managing and performing multiple tests simultaneously in a timely and organized manner; Attention to detail to conduct and interpret laboratory tests; Analytical ability to evaluate test results and identify atypical results.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift and move 30 lbs.; Ability to position self to file documents at varying height levels; Ability to communicate information effectively, clearly, and accurately; Ability to perform tasks requiring precision, such as conducting tests and repair equipment; Visual acuity to read and record test results and conduct equipment maintenance.