Technical Specialist

About the role

Under the direction of DL Leadership, this position provides guidance on technical issues to staff, leads quality and project initiatives, assists with technical and equipment troubleshooting, and manages the development and implementation of new tests. It supports DL Hematology (Hemostasis Reference Lab, Molecular Oncology Genetics Lab, and Platelet & Neutrophil Immunology Lab), DL Histocompatibility, or DL Immunohematology labs by analyzing and interpreting complex test results, consulting with clinical and research customers, and training staff. The role operates with a high degree of independence, handles complex technical issues, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Assists with test selection, analysis, review, and interpretation for clinical and VCT patients.
• Leads assay, sample, result, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Performs testing on clinical and/or clinical/contract research samples as needed.
• Performs management final review of result review and release in Histocompatibility and Immunohematology; part of the management on-call rotation for results review and release.
• Serves as a technical resource and/or provides clinical consultation to laboratory staff, other labs/departments, and/or external customers.
• Trains and assesses competence of clinical diagnostic lab staff; provides orientation to testing personnel; assists in creating training materials for staff and students.
• Monitors test analysis and specimen examinations to ensure acceptable levels of analytic performance; takes remedial actions when deviations occur; ensures patient test results are not reported until corrective actions are complete.
• Serves as an internal resource on quality testing and reporting requirements of CAP, AABB, FDA, and CLIA regulations.
• Promotes and maintains compliance of lab operations with applicable policies, standards, and regulations; supports the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Provides support during internal and external audits/assessments.
• Manages specific projects such as test enhancements, continuous improvement projects, or new equipment implementations; evaluates needs, plans, facilitates, delegates, and ensures project completion within designated timeframes.
• Remains current on trends in lab practices, regulations, and technology; identifies innovative product and service ideas to improve patient care.
• Accountable for equipment, technology, reagent, and software improvements and/or implementations; works with internal and external resources to enhance patient services.
• Provides on-site, telephone, or electronic consultation and day-to-day supervision of high-complexity test performance.
• Evaluates, qualifies, and recommends suppliers for equipment, software, and/or reagent purchasing; collaborates with other laboratories for supplier leverage; performs cost analysis of current tests and procedures.
• Partners with the leadership team in technology, compliance, customer service, and process control.
• Establishes educational partnerships with local institutions to increase Versiti visibility and enhance recruitment; attends and presents at relevant meetings.
• Serves as a technical and clinical education resource and liaison for customers; may provide scientific support to the Business Development team.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned within the scope of this classification.
• Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements; complies with standard operating policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or one of the chemical, physical, or biological sciences from an accredited college or university required. Master’s Degree from an accredited institution with a major in one of the chemical, physical or biological sciences may substitute for the required degree.
• Experience: Four to six years of related clinical laboratory experience, including at least two years under a director at the doctoral level required.

• Histocompatibility specialization: Three years of laboratory training or experience in human immunogenetics, human histocompatibility and/or human transplantation immunology under the supervision of a director and/or technical supervisor of an ASHI-accredited or equivalent ARB-approved laboratory required.

• Immunohematology specialization: Four to six years working in an Immunohematology Reference Laboratory or Transfusion Service required.

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of good laboratory practices and quality systems required.
  • Working knowledge of and experience with regulations related to CLIA, serologic and molecular testing, and quality assurance concepts/practices required.
  • Experience serving as a subject matter expert (SME) to laboratory staff, other labs/departments, regulatory agencies, and/or external customers required.
  • Strong planning, organizing, and management skills; ability to influence and motivate others to implement process changes required.
  • Strong detail orientation and analytical ability required.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills required.
  • Computer skills including word processing, electronic spreadsheets, and other database software programs required.
• Licenses and Certifications:
  • Histocompatibility: Certified Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS) or Technologist (CHT) within 1 year required.
  • Immunohematology: MLS (ASCP) and SBB certifications or equivalents within 1 year required.
• Tools and Technology: Personal computer, Microsoft Suite, laboratory information system, specialized software programs, and various lab instrumentation required.

Benefits

• Full-time regular employees are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays.
• Short- and Long-term disability and life insurance.
• 7% match dollar-for-dollar 401(k).
• Voluntary programs and discount programs.