Sr Medical Lab Scientist - Laboratory Medicine

About the role

The Senior Medical Lab Scientist (Sr. MLS) provides oversight of all diagnostic tests in the medical laboratory to ensure validity and accuracy of test results, in compliance with federal and state accreditation agencies. This role supports a no-harm, high-quality, consumer-centric experience and stewardship as part of the Health First laboratory leadership team.

Responsibilities

• Performs oversight tasks, in lieu of supervisor, on all clinical laboratory testing of various complexities, ensuring compliance with Health First policies and federal/state accreditation requirements.
• Provides daily oversight of clinical chemistry, toxicology, transfusion services, urinalysis, hemostasis, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and point of care, as assigned by lab leadership.
• Performs and assigns quality control tasks, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory tests and equipment to ensure accuracy and validity.
• Assists the lab supervisor in validating new tests, equipment, or methodologies, including coordination of instruments, processes, correlations, and test method verification studies.
• Provides accurate and timely written communication to facilitate project completion and supports continuous quality improvement through evidence-based medicine and benchmarking.
• Manages electronic medical record (EMR) applications, ensures departmental competency of EMR users, and provides actionable recommendations based on data analysis.
• Communicates effectively with laboratory staff, external clinical departments, healthcare professionals, clients, and customers using AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You) principles.
• Reports issues and departmental needs to the supervisor and assists in maintaining quality control, improvement, and assurance programs, including policy writing and revision.
• Coordinates accreditation inspections, peer inspections, corrective action responses, root-cause analyses, and lab safety initiatives.
• Demonstrates effective communication with co-workers and management, including proper escalation when necessary.
• Meets laboratory staffing demands as assigned by the supervisor and may be appointed as the lab’s Safety Officer.
• Performs other duties related to healthcare operations as delegated by laboratory or Health First leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field, as outlined by CLIA.
• Two (2) years of experience as MLS(ASCP), MT(ASCP), MT (AAB), or MT (AMT).
• Medical Technologist licensure by the State of Florida in accordance with CLIA.
• Proficiency in required computer applications.
• Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Strong critical thinking, prioritization, organization, and communication skills (written and verbal in English).

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience as a Medical Lab Scientist.
• Lab Supervisor’s License through the State of Florida.
• Certification: MLS(ASCP) (formerly MT(ASCP)), MT (AAB), MT (AMT), or Specialist Certification by ASCP (e.g., SBB, SC, SH, SM).

Physical Requirements

• Able to endure an >8-hour workday during periods of high demand.
• Must pass a color blindness test.
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity to perform clinical/technical tasks.
• Must be able to lift 10-20 lbs. unassisted.
• Required travel to various facilities within and beyond the county perimeter; may require use of a personal vehicle.

Benefits

At Health First, diversity and inclusion are essential for continued growth and evolution. The organization fosters a culture that recognizes, encourages, and respects diverse voices, perspectives, and backgrounds to create a stronger, more collaborative work environment.

Schedule

Full-Time, days.

Pay

Paygrade: PG-40.