Technical Specialist - Hematology, Coag, UA

About the Organization

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), located in Nashville, Tennessee, operates at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care. VUMC is a community dedicated to changing the world through expertise, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence in health and wellness. Vanderbilt Health values uniqueness, fosters an inclusive environment, and empowers employees to thrive while contributing to something greater than themselves.

About the Role

The Technical Specialist in the CPCLS Core Lab performs a wide variety of duties within their specialty, collaborating closely with the team leader, manager, and laboratory section medical director. Responsibilities include developing and validating new or modified test procedures, coordinating quality control and assurance activities, and serving as a technical consultant and resource for the team. The role may also involve identifying staff training needs and evaluating the competency of testing personnel.

Responsibilities

• Verify test procedures and establish the laboratory's test performance characteristics, including precision and accuracy.
• Evaluate test kits and equipment for potential use in the routine laboratory.
• Collect and analyze data, providing written information for protocol evaluation and test interpretation.
• Compare current methodologies to new or modified test methods to determine appropriateness for routine testing.
• Recommend and develop new test procedures or modify existing ones in collaboration with the Medical Director.
• Develop, review, and update written protocols in the approved VUMC laboratory procedure format.
• Assist in department operations by troubleshooting instruments, performing bench assignments, and serving as a resource to the team.
• Ensure quality control (QC) is performed and reviewed per policy, and assist in troubleshooting out-of-range QC.
• Establish a quality control program in cooperation with the section quality coordinator, team leader, and medical director.
• Define parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance and ensure these are maintained throughout the testing process.
• Review quality control procedures and investigate problems or alternative methods as needed.

Technical Capabilities

• Intermediate: Ensure patient test results are not reported unless test systems are functioning properly.
• Intermediate: Suggest, develop, and implement quality assurance projects and prepare required reports.
• Intermediate: Establish a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed.
• Intermediate: Define acceptable levels of analytic performance and ensure maintenance throughout the testing process.
• Intermediate: Review quality control procedures and investigate problems or alternative methods when necessary.

Core Accountabilities

• Organizational Impact: Independently deliver on objectives with an understanding of their impact on own area/team and related teams.
• Problem Solving/Complexity of Work: Utilize multiple data sources to analyze and resolve complex problems; may propose new perspectives on existing solutions.
• Breadth of Knowledge: Possess advanced knowledge within a professional area and basic knowledge across related areas.
• Team Interaction: Serve as a "go-to" resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small project teams.

Core Capabilities

• Supporting Colleagues:
  • Invest time and energy in developing self and others to improve performance and gain knowledge.
  • Maintain regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders to expand and strengthen relationships.
  • Adapt communication style to suit different situations and audiences.
• Delivering Excellent Services:
  • Understand current and future needs of stakeholders and customize services accordingly.
  • Approach problems from different angles to identify new opportunities and develop concrete solutions.
  • Provide ongoing support and coaching to increase employees' effectiveness.
• Ensuring High Quality:
  • Engage in regular dialogue about quality and address quality issues promptly.
  • Apply learning experiences to uncover root causes of problems and identify ways to resolve them.
  • Understand and fulfill safety and regulatory requirements to maintain a safe environment.
• Managing Resources Effectively:
  • Demonstrate accountability by focusing on and driving critical issues to closure.
  • Apply understanding of departmental work to effectively manage resources.
  • Use data to identify and elevate opportunities.
• Fostering Innovation:
  • Proactively identify new ideas or opportunities from multiple sources to improve processes.
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm for learning new technologies, tools, and procedures.
  • View difficult situations as opportunities for improvement and embrace change.

Requirements

• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
• 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Bachelor's degree (required).

Benefits

This role offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include health, disability, retirement, and wellness offerings to support your well-being and professional growth.