Lead Medical Lab Scientist, Hematology, Full-Time, Evenings

Placement within the salary range is dependent on several factors such as relevant work experience and internal equity. For positions represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range is guided by the rules outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

Pay

$36.67 - $44.01 hourly

Benefits

• $10,000 Tuition Reimbursement per year ($5,700 part-time)
• $10,000 Student Loan Repayment ($5,000 part-time)
• $1,000 Professional Development per year ($500 part-time)
• $250 Wellbeing Fund per year ($125 for part-time)
• Matching 401(k)
• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Annual Employee Salary Increase and Incentive Bonus
• Paid time off and Holiday pay
• Flexible work options
• Reimbursable Well-Being Fund
• Volunteer opportunities in local communities
• Workforce-led resource groups

About the role

The Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical/administrative oversight to and directs the workflow of personnel who perform laboratory tests.
• Assists in performing assay validations, instrument correlations, and calibrations.
• Collects and interprets data for acceptance of new testing protocols or quality control materials.
• Performs IT validations on new or updated testing systems or test codes according to validation protocol.
• Assists the department Coordinator(s) or Manager with regulatory compliance and inspection readiness.
• Reviews and updates department documentation and procedures.
• Reviews proficiency testing documentation and performs investigations as required for follow-up and corrective action.
• Performs all aspects of pre-analytic workflow to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered, and are correctly processed/transported.
• Verifies specimens for add-on tests are available and acceptable and generates add-on test orders.
• Recognizes when fraud and abuse compliance issues require adjustments to the test order.
• Collects, receives, and processes specimens.
• Verifies specimens are correctly and completely labeled upon receipt.
• Evaluates specimens for appropriateness and takes necessary corrective action; documents unacceptable specimens and proper notifications as needed.
• Performs any necessary pretest specimen preparation according to protocols.
• Transfers or ships specimens to approved testing locations according to SOPs.
• Responsible for all aspects of analytical testing appropriate for the laboratory.
• Maintains test system integrity.
• Examines preventative maintenance logs on instruments/equipment in a timely fashion and follows up as needed.
• Verifies reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use; ensures unacceptable items are removed from use.
• Responsible for inventory maintenance and supply ordering in designated section.
• Performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance.
• Reviews and evaluates QC results in designated sections and takes necessary corrective actions according to established protocol.
• Performs evaluations of new lot numbers of QC and calibration material, establishes criteria for acceptance such as normal ranges and SD’s, and Westgard or Sigma rules.
• Performs waived, moderate, and high complexity testing.
• Prioritizes testing based on assignment or established priorities, completes testing within defined turn-around-times.
• Responds effectively to changes in the workflow by coordinating simultaneous series of tests when needed or adjusting work to incorporate STAT tests or fluctuations in work volume.
• Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities.
• Performs technical review and interpretation.
• Develops and maintains a higher level of expertise in the specific areas of responsibility.
• Reviews results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined test system.
• Evaluates test results/reactions and provides accurate interpretations as appropriate, including correlation with and integration of other patient data as necessary.
• Performs visual interpretation/identifications as appropriate.
• Recognizes unusual test results/interpretations and completes indicated reflex testing or other follow-up actions.
• Follows established notification protocols for critical values, phone/fax result requests, and abnormalities.
• Evaluates instruments and test systems and makes recommendations for acquisition to senior management.
• Evaluates and proposes updates to SOPs if necessary.
• Troubleshoots and solves problems; recognizes when unresolved problems need to be escalated and takes necessary follow-up action.
• Reviews pending logs and follows up to ensure pending tests are completed or cancelled when appropriate.
• Performs advanced troubleshooting and repair; calls for field service when necessary and is familiar with contractual terms of maintenance agreements.
• Peer coaches/trains staff on troubleshooting tasks.
• Ensures specimens and related materials (blood, body fluids, slides, etc.) are stored according to protocols for location and duration with necessary documentation.
• Performs all aspects of the post-analytic workflow to ensure accurate results are reported within established time frames, specimens are retained appropriately, test results and/or current status are available upon inquiry, and billed charges are correct.
• Ensures quality of operations; assumes delegated responsibilities in the absence of a coordinator.
• Responsible for regulatory compliance in designated section; performs required Quality systems responsibilities including initiating Quality Investigation Reports.
• Participates in the training of new employees; meets proficiency and competency standards of the department and assists in the competency assessment of technical and support staff.
• Participates in new test development, validations, and implementation; presents continuing education programs.
• Assists the coordinator and manager in monitoring the operations of designated areas to ensure service standards and financial goals are met.
• Contributes to developing and is responsible for implementation of technical goals and standards.
• Ensures integrity of Laboratory Information System by following established protocols and participating in the maintenance and enhancements of the LIS; may oversee instrument computer software updates.
• Demonstrates expertise in Information Technology; uses applications to streamline operations and facilitate service monitoring and data collection.
• Ensures safety of operations; follows all required safety procedures, uses personal protective equipment appropriate for tasks performed, and maintains a clean and organized work area.
• Provides service excellence; answers telephones when needed using AIDET telephone etiquette, maintains patient confidentiality including protected health information (PHI), and assists patients, visitors, and other contacts whenever need occurs.
• Verifies and reports results according to procedure; performs computer functions necessary for releasing results.
• Generates written reports according to established protocol; reviews electronic or printed reports when applicable, recognizes problems, and escalates according to protocol.
• Amends reports: corrects erroneous reports and amends reports according to procedure.
• Responds to inquiries according to established protocol for confidentiality and release of information; recognizes when unresolved inquiries need to be escalated and takes action.
• Stores documents and records according to established protocol.
• Performs billing and/or enters credits for tests and services when applicable; recognizes billing problems and escalates accordingly.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Allied Health qualifying the applicant to take the national ASCP certifying exam.
• If hired after 1/19/2025, must obtain Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) (ASCP), or categorical BB, C, H, or M (ASCP) certifications or equivalent certification within 1 year of hire date.
• 2 years of clinical lab experience in a TJC or CAP accredited laboratory.