Clinical Laboratory Senior Scientist

The Tatitlek Corporation; Joint Base Lewis-McChord (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tatitlek Corporation seeks a Clinical Laboratory Senior Scientist to provide on-site leadership in high-complexity microbiology testing, including virology subspecialties, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The role requires selecting appropriate test methods, overseeing quality control, and mentoring laboratory staff in accordance with CLIP standards.

You will collaborate with the Clinical Lab Director, report performance metrics, verify test procedures, and ensure timely, accurate results.

Qualifications

• Must meet one of the six educational options listed.
• At least 1 year of high-complexity lab testing experience in microbiology with 6 months in virology.
• ASCP/AMT or equivalent certification is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Clinical Laboratory Senior Scientist for high-complexity labs in microbiology and virology.
• Provide on-site support and oversight to the laboratory.
• Select test methodologies appropriate for clinical use of results.
• Establish quality control and performance parameters across the testing process.
• Mentor staff and provide regular in-service training and feedback.

Education

Option 1 – Clinical Lab Consultant under section 1.2.4.1

Option 2 – MD/DO/Pod Med with high complexity microbiology & virology

Option 3 – Doctoral degree with high complexity microbiology experience

Option 4 – Master’s degree with high complexity microbiology experience

Option 5 – Bachelor’s degree with high complexity microbiology experience

Option 6 – Commissioned Officer with lab training

ASCP/AMT or equivalent MT/MLS certification

Commissioned lab officer with degree and 3+ years experience, ASCP/AMT certified

Job description

Overview

Job specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees. This list of essential functions is not intended to reflect every duty that may be performed within the job.

• Serves as the Clinical Laboratory Senior Scientist for high-complexity labs analyzing samples under the specialty of Microbiology/subspecialty-Virology accredited under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program (CLIP).

• Provide full time on-site support to be available to the laboratory and provide oversight and recommendations/guidance as specified in this PWS.

• The Clinical Laboratory Senior Scientist is responsible for the selection of the test methodology that is appropriate for the clinical use of the test results.

• Establish a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed and establish the parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance and ensuring that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process from the initial receipt of the specimen, through sample analysis and reporting of test results.

• Identify training needs and assure that each individual performing tests receives regular in-service training and education appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed.

• Provide feedback to the Government on the performance of individuals responsible for high complexity testing at least semiannually during the first year the individual tests patient specimens. Thereafter, feedback must be provided to the Government at least annually unless test methodology or instrumentation changes, in which case, prior to reporting sample results, the individual’s performance must be reevaluated by the Government to include the use of the new test methodology or instrumentation.

• Provide information to the Clinical Lab Director as requested

• As requested, produce/compile/present data from samples analyzed by the lab to answer questions being put forward to support DA and DoD guidance and Senior Leader needs

• Maintain direct mentorship and provide daily feedback to the technical individuals conducting the tests

• The Clinical Laboratory Senior Scientist is responsible for the technical and scientific oversight of the laboratory through feedback provided to the Government.

• Responsible for the validation or verification of the test procedures performed and establishment of the laboratory’s test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system.

• Resolving technical problems and ensuring that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.

• Ensuring that sample results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly.

• Verifying the competency of all testing personnel and assuring that the staff maintain their competency to perform test procedures and report test results promptly, accurately and proficiently. The procedures for evaluation of the competency of the staff must include, but are not limited to—

• Direct observations of routine patient test performance, including patient preparation, if applicable, specimen handling, processing and testing;

• Monitoring the recording and re- porting of test results;

• Review of intermediate test results or worksheets, quality control records, proficiency testing results, and preventive maintenance records;

• Direct observation of performance of instrument maintenance and function checks;

• Assessment of test performance through testing previously analyzed specimens, internal blind testing samples or external proficiency testing samples; and

• Assessment of problem-solving skills.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The Clincial Laboratory Senior Scientist must qualify under one of the following options:

• Option 1: Meet the requirements of the Clinical Lab Consultant under section 1.2.4.1.

• Option 2: Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located and have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of virology.

• Option 3: Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution and have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of virology.

• Option 4: Have earned a master’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution and have at least 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of virology.

• Option 5: Have earned a bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution and have at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of virology.

• Option 6: Commissioned Officer with at least 3 years laboratory training or experience.

• In addition to meeting the above requirements to qualify as the Clinical Laboratory Senior Scientist must also meet one of the following:

  • Certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), American Medical Technologists (AMT) or other board of registry deemed comparable by CCML as a medical technologist (MT) or medical laboratory scientist (MLS).

  • A commissioned lab officer in the Military Service, earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, at least 3 years of lab experience in high complexity testing, and certified by the ASCP, AMT, or other board of registry deemed comparable by CCLM as a MT or MLS.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

Whileperforming the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand;walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally liftand/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability toadjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be borne by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job is performed in an office setting with exposure to computer screens and requires extensive use of a computer, keyboard, mouse and multi-line telephone system.

ADDITONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS

Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. In addition, a satisfactory background screening, negative drug test, positive references and proof of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States are required.As an equal opportunity employer, The Tatitlek Corporation recognizes that our strength lies in our people. Discrimination and all unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilitieswithout regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected Veteran’s status or employment.

BENEFITS:

For more information please visit https://careers-tatitlek.icims.com/