Medical Laboratory Scientist, Sr.

Texas Oncology is the largest community oncology provider in the country, with approximately 600+ providers across 220+ sites in Texas and southeastern Oklahoma. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, high-touch, evidence-based cancer care, helping patients achieve “More breakthroughs. More victories.” in their fight against cancer. Today, Texas Oncology treats half of all Texans diagnosed with cancer annually.

About the role

This position supports the San Antonio, TX location. Hours are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Responsibilities

• Accurately perform specimen analysis, instrument maintenance, and quality control procedures, including moderate and high complexity laboratory tests.
• Initiate and follow quality assurance and safety policies and procedures.
• Perform specimen collection and assist with patient flow as needed.
• Assist with performing phlebotomy and collecting appropriate specimens from patients as ordered.
• Ensure pre-authorization and complete appropriate consent forms (ABN) prior to collection of limited coverage tests.
• Assist with special procedures as needed (e.g., bone marrows in the room).
• Follow the laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling, processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining records of patient results.
• Send specimens to reference laboratories for any testing not performed in-house.
• Process incoming orders for lab testing, including reference laboratory specimens.
• Perform specimen analysis of all Chemistry, Hematology, and Immunology specimens.
• Maintain and operate all laboratory equipment.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly instrument maintenance as indicated.
• Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies and document all QC activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and instrument maintenance.
• Record proper lot numbers of all controls, calibrators, and reagents.
• Participate in proficiency testing by performing sample analysis and reporting results at least once a year.
• Prepare peripheral blood smear and perform complete WBC differential.
• Perform microscopic examination of urinary sediment.
• Record results on appropriate worksheets and computer systems and perform file maintenance.
• Process specimens for send-out testing.
• Follow the laboratory’s policies whenever test systems are not within established acceptable levels of performance.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either correct the problem or notify supervisor.
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
• Maintain proper documentation as described by the quality assurance program, including accessioning logs, test report logs, quality control logs, equipment records, and checklists.
• Verify all critical results and document with accurate follow-up.
• Maintain adequate inventory of supplies and ensure all supplies are viable before using in patient testing.
• Prepare reagents, stains, and other chemical solutions as needed.
• Restock the laboratory area as needed.
• Process in-house and incoming results for charting.
• Chart patient results in a timely manner as needed.
• Properly identify and band patients for blood product transfusion.
• Process properly labeled specimens according to local blood bank policy.
• Adhere to all OSHA compliance laws and Universal Precaution procedures.
• Comply with applicable regulatory agency standards.
• Properly dispose of hazardous materials.
• Maintain a clean working environment.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information related to patients and medical staff.
• Perform CLIA-classified Waived and Moderately Complexity testing.
• May be under the supervision of a Medical Technologist (MT)/Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS).

Qualifications

• Level 1: Associate’s degree in medical technology, laboratory science, or a related science field. Current state license if required. AMT, ASCP, or equivalent certification preferred but not required. Position is entry-level and requires no experience.
• Level 2 (in addition to Level 1 qualifications): Three years of experience.
• Level Sr (in addition to Level 1 and 2 qualifications): Five years of experience.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Life Insurance, Short-term and Long-term disability coverage.
• Generous PTO program.
• 401k plan with company match.
• Wellness program that rewards healthy lifestyle practices.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounts on favorite retailers.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Full range of body motion, including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination for operation and manipulation of complex laboratory equipment.
• Requires sitting/standing for extensive periods, using hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reaching or carrying with arms.
• Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Requires corrected vision, color perception, and hearing to normal range.
• Requires legible handwriting.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Work is performed in an office/laboratory environment with significant interaction with management, staff, and external auditors/clients.
• Frequent travel by air or automobile, approximately 70% of the workweek on average.