Medical Laboratory Scientist (Special Testing Lab)

About the role

Do you have a passion for making an impact on patient care behind the scenes? Thrive when solving complex problems? Value a lab culture that encourages communication, learning, and shared expertise? LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is currently seeking a skilled and highly motivated individual for a Medical Laboratory Scientist position in our Special Testing Laboratory in Gainesville, FL. Our Special Testing Laboratory offers exposure to a diverse range of testing methodologies, including flow cytometry, molecular biology, hematology, serology, cellular therapies, histocompatibility (HLA), chemistry, and coagulation. In this role, you will perform and interpret high‑complexity clinical laboratory testing while exercising independent judgment to ensure accurate and reliable results. Have questions about the position? Our hiring manager would be happy to provide additional information and can be contacted at klanderson@lifesouth.org.

Responsibilities

• Perform and interpret a diverse range of high‑complexity clinical laboratory testing while exercising independent professional judgment to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• Perform specialized testing in support of cellular therapies, including quality control testing of cellular therapy products and blood components.
• Perform specialized molecular testing, including RBC and HPA genotyping, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), and DNA extraction.
• Perform platelet refractory workups, including HLA typing and HLA/HPA antibody identification.
• Evaluate specimen integrity, test results, and inter‑result validity, using critical thinking and professional judgment to identify discrepancies and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Troubleshoot testing, instrumentation, and quality issues that may affect test performance or result reporting, taking appropriate corrective action or escalating concerns when necessary.
• Perform testing in accordance with established laboratory procedures and quality standards, including requirements for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, result reporting, quality control, calibration, maintenance, and documentation.
• Participate in proficiency testing and other quality activities to support the accuracy, reliability, and regulatory compliance of laboratory testing.
• Maintain accurate and complete testing, quality control, corrective action, and patient result records.
• Collaborate with laboratory leadership and team members to resolve complex testing issues and support a culture of communication, learning, and shared technical expertise.

Requirements

• National certification such as MLS (ASCP), MLS (AMT), or MT (AAB); or eligibility to sit for an applicable certification exam.
• Florida Technologist license or eligibility to obtain licensure.
• Blood Banking, Molecular, Flow Cytometry, and/or Histocompatibility experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States is required; visa sponsorship is not provided.
• New graduates are accepted.

Benefits

• Career development opportunities
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurances available to full‑time employees the first of the month after 60 days
• Supplemental insurances including life, cancer, accident, and disability
• Access to mental wellness resources and counseling through telehealth
• Free basic life insurance for full‑time employees
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match each pay period
• Employer funded retirement plan for vested employees & 403b offered
• Access to wages prior to pay day