Medical Laboratory Scientist-Diagnostic Immunology

FLSA status: Non-exempt

About the role

The Medical Laboratory Scientist performs both routine and complex analyses, requiring knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, and equipment. This role exercises good judgment using critical thinking skills to resolve day-to-day technical laboratory issues. The scientist ensures specimens are accessioned and processed efficiently to deliver quality laboratory results in a cost-effective manner.

Responsibilities

People

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit.
• Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating pertinent patient care information.
• Teaches students, new employees, and others as assigned by the manager.
• Participates in laboratory and organization-wide initiatives.

Service

• Performs qualitative and quantitative tests using various analyzers and/or manual methods.
• Organizes workload and sets priorities to meet turnaround time expectations.
• Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.

Quality/Safety

• Demonstrates competency in all test systems used to generate patient results.
• Recognizes, investigates, and helps resolve test discrepancies.
• Performs instrument calibrations, validations, quality control testing, maintenance, and function checks.
• Takes appropriate action to address problems and notifies management and medical directors for follow-up.

Finance

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs.
• Uses resources efficiently and restocks section inventory as needed.

Growth/Innovation

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies.
• Reviews and utilizes Standard Operating Procedures and offers suggestions for improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• One year of work or training experience in a hospital laboratory preferred.
• Must meet certification eligibility upon entry into this role and obtain one of the following 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).
• Specialty-specific certifications:
  • HLA: Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification, or Certified by American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI).
  • Microbiology: Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification, Microbiology, M(ASCP) certification, or Clinical Microbiology Registry from American Society for Microbiology, RM(AAM).

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English to ensure patient and employee safety.
• Effectively communicates with patients, physicians, family members, and coworkers in a customer-focused manner.
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities, organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy.
• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize and resolve problems.
• Basic computer knowledge; operates multiple systems including Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software.
• Ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision.
• Recognizes changes critical to patient care.

Supplemental Requirements

• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: Yes (where applicable)
• On-call: Yes (required during emergencies such as disasters or severe weather events).
• Travel: May require travel within or outside the Houston Metropolitan area.