Laboratory Scientist Lead - Rust Hospital, (1720)

TriCore Reference Laboratories; Rio Rancho (NM); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Education assistance

Job summary

TriCore Reference Laboratories seeks a Laboratory Scientist Lead at Rust Hospital. The role supervises shifts, coordinates complex lab tests, and ensures high-quality patient care. You will train staff, manage workflow, and support inspections, while collaborating with pathologists and management.

Requires a Lab Scientist II level background with the ability to lead, troubleshoot, and implement procedural improvements in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications mirror the listed degree paths and required experience in the job posting.
• ACLP or related certifications are preferred per the candidate preferences section.
• Experience as Laboratory Scientist II or equivalent is commonly expected for senior roles.

Responsibilities

• Perform Laboratory Scientist II functions with high technical skill and accuracy.
• Coordinate cross-shift processes to ensure quality patient care.
• Lead shift supervision, mentor staff, and maintain workflow efficiency.
• Assist in training staff and evaluating bench rotations.
• Oversee QC/QA tracking and instrument quality checks.
• Prepare for inspections (CAP, safety) and assist mock inspections.
• Consult with pathologists or supervisors on technical issues.
• Maintain clear communication within the department.
• Develop and implement new policies and procedures as needed.
• This description outlines core duties and does not exhaust all responsibilities.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology

Bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry with four years of direct clinical laboratory experience

Associate’s degree in laboratory science with four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience

Military medical laboratory training plus biology or chemistry degree

Bachelor’s degree in biology/chemistry plus prior clinical lab credentials

Job description

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Laboratory Scientist Lead - Rust Hospital, (1720)

Schedule: Monday-Friday 1500-2330 with on-call, rotating holidays, and other shifts as needed.

Location: Rust Hospital

Salary/Hourly: Hourly Position

Job Summary:

Performs all functions of a Laboratory Scientist II with a high degree of proficiency. Coordinates processes across shifts, specialty and support areas to ensure the highest quality of patient care. Independently performs a variety of complex laboratory tests. Assist the manager, technical supervisor, section supervisors or appropriate pathologist in meeting customer expectations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs all functions of a Laboratory Scientist II with a high degree of technical skill, quality and accuracy.

2. Assist in prioritizing work tasks in order to ensure a high degree of efficiency and effectiveness in both technical and support areas of the laboratory as required by site.

a. Serve as shift supervisor as needed and directed.

b. Facilitate workflow processes.

c. Assists staff members with questions and solving problems.

d. Assures staffing is adequate for workload in both technical and support areas of the lab during assigned shifts as required by site.

3. Participate in training new employees, students and existing staff as appropriate to ensure that all employees on shift are trained, competent and understand expectations of each bench rotation and duty.

4. Participate in QC/QA tracking. Follow through on problems and develop appropriate solutions using defined departmental procedures and protocols.

5. Oversees quality control checks of equipment and instruments.

6. Assist in preparation for inspections, including CAP, safety inspections and any other internal inspections.

a. Assist/conduct mock inspections.

b. Prepare checklists for inspection.

7. Consult with pathologists, manager or technical supervisor regarding any technical or workflow issues.

8. Serve as liaison with other departments as appropriate.

9. Assist in writing and implementing new policies and procedures as needed or appropriate.

10. Maintain appropriate channels of communication within the department, providing appropriate information to staff and management.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must meet one of the following:

• Two years of Laboratory Scientist II at TriCore, or
• Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution, AND two years direct clinical laboratory experience, or
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, note- bachelor’s degree in physical science acceptable if completed prior to December 31, 2024, or
• Successful completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course AND bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry AND three years of direct clinical laboratory testing experience, or
• Associate’s degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, or
• Four year’s direct clinical laboratory experience AND have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes - At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either - (1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or (2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include - (i) Six semester hours of chemistry. (ii) Six semester hours of biology; and (iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination.
• Four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience AND have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992

PREFERENCES:

• Lead or supervisory experience.
• ASCP or AMT certification as a BB, C, CG, H, M, MB, MLT, MLS, SBB, SC, SCYM, SH, SM, or SMB, or ADLM Certification in POCT, or ACHI certification as CHA, CHT or CHS, or NRCC Certification as a Toxicological Chemist or Toxicological Technologist.

TriCore is New Mexico’s largest laboratory, employing more than 1,400 individuals who serve in a broad range of positions. We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our communities, and also our employees. We foster a culture of integrity, are dedicated to excellence, and are looking for passionate individuals with a desire to have an impact in patient care, the core of our strategy. We offer excellent benefits including, medical, dental, vision and life insurances, 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, PTO, and paid holidays, as well as opportunities for continuous learning, education assistance, wellness programs, career advancement, and the ability to share in our genuine commitment to the health of our communities. We offer a variety of shifts at multiple locations.