Medical Laboratory Scientist

About the role

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program.

Responsibilities

• Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examinations using various analyzers and/or manual methods.
• Organizes workload and sets priorities. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.
• Maintains accurate records and reports.
• Participates in laboratory and organization-wide initiatives.
• Recognizes, investigates, and helps resolve test discrepancies.
• Performs instrument calibrations, validations, quality control testing, maintenance, and function checks.
• Works independently with little or no direct supervision.
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervision.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
• Reviews and utilizes Standard Operating Procedures and offers suggestions for improvement.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Experience: One year of work or training experience in a hospital laboratory preferred
• Licenses and Certifications: Required. Must meet certification eligibility upon entry into this role and have one of the following required certifications within 18 months:
• Certified as a Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or categorical certification by Board of Certification (ASCP)
• Certified as a Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist or Molecular Diagnostics Technologist by American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• Certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
• HLA only – One of the following is required:
  • Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification
  • Certified by American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI)
• Microbiology only – One of the following is required:
  • Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification
  • Microbiology, M(ASCP) certification
  • Clinical microbiology registry from American Society for Microbiology, RM(AAM)

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy
• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision
• Ability to recognize changes that are critical to patient care

Supplemental Requirements

• Work Attire: Scrubs
• On Call*: Yes
• Travel**: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area and outside Houston Metropolitan area

Company Profile

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program.