Hematology Section Lead (MLT/MLS)

DeKalb Health; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with generous company match

Short Term and Long Term Disability

Job summary

Palmetto Primary Care seeks an experienced Hematology Section Lead for its outpatient laboratory in North Charleston, SC. You will oversee daily hematology operations while performing hands-on bench work and mentoring MLS/MLT staff.

Responsibilities include validating test results, maintaining QC, and ensuring regulatory compliance under CLIA/CAP standards in a high-volume setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in MLS/Clinical Laboratory Science (MLS/ASCP or MLT/ASCP) or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of clinical hematology experience; lead or supervisory experience preferred.
• Certification as MLS/ASCP or MLT/ASCP or equivalent is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee routine hematology testing, including CBCs, differentials, reticulocyte counts, ESR, and coagulation testing.
• Review and verify results, flag critical values, and escalate abnormal findings per protocol.
• Serve as technical lead for hematology, mentoring MLS/MLT staff.
• Calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and validate hematology analyzers and equipment.
• Monitor QC, document results, and participate in PT activities and accreditation processes.
• Develop and update SOPs for the hematology section.
• Assist with staff scheduling and workflow to meet turnaround goals.
• Ensure safety, proper specimen handling, biohazards disposal, and HIPAA compliance.

Skills

Hematology testing

Leadership

Quality control

LIS/EHR

Education

Bachelor's degree in MLS/CLMLS

Associate's degree in Medical Laboratory Science

Tools

Hematology analyzers

LIS/EHR systems

Job description

• Location 2500 Elms Center Rd,North Charleston, SC, 29406,United States
• Employee Type Full Time
• Manage Others Yes

Description

Our outpatient clinic laboratory is seeking an experienced Hematology Section Lead to oversee daily operations of our hematology department while continuing to perform hands‑on bench work.
To learn more about PPCP, visit www.PalmettoPrimaryCare.com

• Offer 401K with generous company match
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Offered

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee routine hematology testing, including CBCs, differentials, reticulocyte counts, ESR, and coagulation testing (PT/INR).
• Hemoglobin A1C, urinalysis, manual kit testing, and Cepheid GeneXpert Molecular testing.
• Review and verify test results for accuracy, flagging critical values and escalating abnormal findings per laboratory protocol.
• Serve as the technical lead for the hematology section, providing guidance, mentorship, and on-the-job training to MLS/MLT staff.
• Perform instrument calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and validation for hematology analyzers and related equipment.
• Monitor and document daily quality control (QC), identify QC failures, and implement corrective action in accordance with CLIA, CAP,and other applicable regulatory standards.
• Participate in proficiency testing (PT) activities and ensure timely, accurate submission of results.
• Develop, review, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the hematology section.
• Assist the Laboratory Supervisor/Director with staff scheduling, workflow coordination, and workload distribution to meet turnaround time goals.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, including proper specimen handling, biohazard disposal, and infection control practices.
• Investigate and resolve discrepant results, instrument errors, and specimen quality issues.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with physicians, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers regarding test results and specimen requirements.
• Participate in internal and external audits, inspections, and accreditation surveys (e.g., CAP, CLIA, Joint Commission).
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, QC, competency assessments, and corrective actions.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with general laboratory duties outside of hematology (e.g., specimen processing, chemistry, or urinalysis) during staffing shortages.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives, or special projects as assigned.
• Assist with inventory management and ordering of hematology reagents and supplies.
• Provide input on the evaluation and validation of new instrumentation or testing methodologies.
• Assist with onboarding and orientation of new employees outside the hematology section.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of hematology and coagulation testing principles, methodologies, and instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of CLIA, CAP, and other applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Understanding of quality control/quality assurance principles and laboratory safety standards.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and electronic health records (EHR).

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting instrumentation and discrepant results.
• Proficient in peripheral blood smear review and morphological identification of normal and abnormal cell types.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage competing priorities in a high-volume outpatient setting.
• Proficiency with laboratory software, Microsoft Office, and data entry systems.

Abilities:

• Ability to lead, train, and mentor laboratory staff in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment under time constraints.
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when handling critical results or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to adapt to evolving technology, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related field or Associate's degree in Medical LaboratoryScience, Clinical Laboratory Science or related field.
• Current certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS/ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT/ASCP), or equivalent (AMT, AAB).
• Minimum of 3–5 years of clinical hematology experience; prior lead or supervisory experience preferred.

Mental Requirements

• Ability to concentrate for extended periods while performing detailed, precision-based testing.
• Strong attention to detail to identify subtle abnormalities in test results and blood smears.
• Ability to make sound, timely decisions regarding critical values and quality control issues.
• Capacity to manage multiple tasks and interruptions while maintaining accuracy.
• Emotional resilience when communicating abnormal or critical results to clinical staff.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods (up to 8-hour shifts).
• Manual dexterity to operate laboratory instruments, pipettes, and computer equipment.
• Visual acuity, including the ability to distinguish colors, sufficient for microscopic examination and reading of test results.
• Ability to lift and carry laboratory supplies and specimen containers (up to 25 lbs).
• Ability to perform repetitive motions, including pipetting and keyboard use.
• Occasional bending, reaching, and walking within the laboratory environment.
• Exposure to biohazardous materials, requiring adherence to Standard Precautions and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Outpatient clinical laboratory setting with a fast-paced, professional atmosphere.
• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; no weekend or holiday shifts required.
• Exposure to biological specimens, chemicals, and laboratory reagents; adherence to OSHA safety standards is required.
• Climate-controlled laboratory environment with standard laboratory lighting, noise from equipment, and shared workspace with other laboratory sections.
• Collaborative environment requiring regular interaction with laboratory staff, providers, and outpatient clinic personnel.

Summary

A non exempt position, the Hematology Lead provides technical leadership and day-to-day operational oversight of the hematology section within an outpatient clinical laboratory. This individual performs and supervises hematology and coagulation testing, ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, and serves as the primary technical resource for staff performing hematology testing. The Lead balances hands‑on bench work with leadership responsibilities, including staff training, quality assurance, workflow optimization, and troubleshooting, to ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality patient results in a fast‑paced outpatient setting.