Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

About the role

The Lead Medical Technologist reports to the Pathology Manager. Under general supervision and in accordance with established policies and procedures, performs independently in various laboratory sections of Pathology. Is assigned individually for overseeing the operations and the personnel performing testing in a specific laboratory section or shift. Performs non-routine and/or specialized tests and analyses requiring advanced problem solving and research skills due to their complex nature. Individuals will be assigned to a specific laboratory section or discipline.

Responsibilities

• Performs the necessary investigations to identify probable causes and suggest potential resolutions to incidents or issues raised by staff or clients (e.g., Outreach clients, physicians).
• Prepares and determines suitability of solutions, reagents, and stains following standard laboratory formulas and procedures; may prepare variations for special tests.
• Applies advanced knowledge and experience in a specific laboratory section to conduct and interpret routine, specialized, and innovative tests and analyses.
• Participates in research projects within assigned laboratory section, including review, analysis, development, and implementation of new and improved clinical laboratory procedures and techniques.
• Performs complex clinical laboratory tests requiring professional-level knowledge to monitor testing procedures, parameters, and interpretation of results.
• Records and reviews test results for accuracy; prepares test reports and relays results to authorized physicians or others.
• Discusses findings with physicians when necessary.
• Functions as a technical resource for other personnel, providing guidance on resolving difficult problems (e.g., unusual reactions, complex testing procedures, equipment malfunctions).
• Provides clinical instruction to students and residents within areas of specialization; may conduct formal classroom sessions.
• Participates in the orientation and training of new employees in their assigned laboratory section.
• Reviews QC and maintenance records, providing recommendations as needed; may participate in writing laboratory procedures.
• Monitors equipment operation, including setup, calibration, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs.
• Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment, glassware, instruments, and work benches.
• Performs duties of a Medical Technologist or other assigned responsibilities in the area of responsibility.
• In concert with the Manager, provides oversight of daily testing performance in section or on shift, resolves technical or procedural issues, and submits policy/procedure revisions for approval.
• Participates in employee interviews and provides hiring recommendations; handles employee scheduling and evaluations.
• Communicates relevant changes to procedures/policies to employees and assists with conflict resolution.
• Provides recommendations for disciplinary action.
• Fosters patient and family-centered care and laboratory services in alignment with Brown University Health and Rhode Island Hospital’s mission, vision, and values.
• Performs all essential functions with consideration of age-specific needs of geriatric, adult, and adolescent patients.
• If performing HLA testing, evaluates immune status of transplant patient candidates before and after transplantation to match donor organs and recipients.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or a closely related field (or equivalent education and experience as defined by CLIA standards).
• National certification (or eligible) in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology by ASCP or equivalent.
• Advanced or Master’s degree in area of specialization is desired, though specialized knowledge may also be obtained through equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns.
• Two years of experience in a clinical laboratory as a Medical Technologist Specialist or equivalent, demonstrating technical expertise and problem resolution in a specialized area or shift.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Provides technical supervision for Specialists, Technologists, Technicians, or students performing Stat and routine testing, including training, guidance, problem resolution, and review of laboratory documentation.
• In concert with the Manager, provides functional supervisory responsibility for laboratory staff, including interviewing prospective employees, scheduling, task assignment, training, performance evaluation, and disciplinary recommendations.

Skills

• Ability to operate equipment and instruments and perform all procedures and tests within assigned laboratory section, interpreting results for accuracy.
• Physical and visual dexterity necessary to conduct and interpret tests.
• Physical ability to stand and work at benches for extended periods.
• Exposure to odors, infectious materials, toxins, and other hazardous substances.
• Visual strain may be encountered while closely examining specimens.
• Regularly required to stand, lift, and carry supplies.
• Rotational on-call assignment required.

Pay

$35.90–$59.23 per hour.

Schedule

• Work Type: Monday–Friday
• Shift: Day (6:30 AM–3:00 PM)
• Daily Hours: 8 hours