Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Infectious Disease Testing

About the role

This position is a 10-hour shift role, with assignments on either the first or second shift scheduling contingent upon departmental needs and candidate discussion. Flexibility is necessary to accommodate departmental needs.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for performing laboratory testing, quality control procedures and maintenance of equipment and work area
• Serves as section lead
• Serves as lead on process improvement initiatives
• Responsible for employee training and task assignment
• Affords assistance with work scheduling and personnel management

Requirements

• Advanced 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, overseeing designated testing areas and providing technical guidance with at least two years of expertise in infectious disease testing
• 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
• Affords assistance with personnel management as designated, including but not limited to, one-on-one meetings, performance evaluation, coaching, and disciplinary actions
• Affords assistance 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
• Serve as on-call off-hours technical consultant for laboratory employees
• 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.
• Afford assistance with preparation for all internal and external audits and inspections; assist with follow-up as needed, including responses and corrective actions
• Complete continuing education

Qualifications

• 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

Skills

• 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
• Capacity to learn and apply new laboratory testing methods, processes, and equipment
• Capacity to manage and perform 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

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance options for full-time employees
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) plan
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement up to the IRS-allowed maximum
• Personalized learning and educational development opportunities
• Monthly cell phone and internet stipends
• Paid Parental Leave
• Annual Employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Accounts to support wellness needs
• Support and counseling for personal, work financial or family needs through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and our partnership with Critical Incident Stress Consultants (CISC)

Pay

Starting compensation range for this position $85,126 - $95,757

Schedule

This position is a 10-hour shift role, with assignments on either the first or second shift scheduling contingent upon departmental needs and candidate discussion. Flexibility is necessary to accommodate departmental needs.