Lead Medical Lab Scientist - FT/Evenings/Core Lab

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an established industry player as a Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist, where your leadership and analytical skills will shine. This dynamic role involves overseeing laboratory operations, mentoring staff, and ensuring the highest standards of patient care and safety. You'll collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance service quality and drive innovation in laboratory practices. If you're passionate about making a difference in healthcare and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity is perfect for you. Be part of a mission-driven organization that values your contributions and supports your professional growth.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a clinical lab as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required for CLIA General Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory teams and ensure quality patient care.
• Conduct quality assurance audits and mentor staff.
• Oversee workflow and resolve routine issues in the lab.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data Analysis

Quality Assurance

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's in laboratory science or medical technology

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist position is responsible for serving as the lead person for the assigned section(s) within Laboratory Services and in this capacity performs lead job duties and/or regularly leads projects or performs specialized responsibilities as a regular part of normal job responsibilities. This position serves as the liaison between management, staff, and physicians for routine matters, resolving questions and issues. This position supports staff in ensuring the delivery of exceptional patient care and adherence to standards of practice for optimal patient safety, quality outcomes, and customer service. Duties may include:

1. Organizing work schedules
2. Creating work assignments
3. Reviewing timecards for accuracy
4. Conducting quality assurance audits of staff performance
5. Developing and implementing quality improvement activities
6. Training and mentoring staff
7. Providing feedback on staff performance and developmental needs
8. Collecting, analyzing, and reporting on data
9. Preparing reports on performance and metrics

This position performs Medical Laboratory Scientist/Specialist functions, such as performing both routine and complex analyses and ensuring that specimens are accessioned and processed expeditiously in order to deliver quality laboratory results in an effective and cost-efficient manner. This position also fulfills the duties of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) General Supervisor when required.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and focused, actively helping one another to achieve optimal department results.
• Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data.
• Role models effective communication skills, assisting in the development of such skills among team members.
• Implements protocols and objectives with team members to optimize staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service.
• Provides feedback to management on team member performance and conduct.
• Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance, and outcomes.
• Interviews applicants and provides input into hiring of new staff.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinates the workflow, processes, staff assignments, and services provided for assigned laboratory section(s), adjusting as needed, to ensure optimum patient care and experiences.
• Ensures turnaround time expectations as defined by management are met by the section teams.
• Serves as liaison between team members, management, and physicians, resolving routine matters for the shift and sections.
• Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examinations using various analyzers and/or manual methods.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all areas assigned to work.
• Recognizes, investigates, and resolves test discrepancies, taking appropriate action to investigate and notify management for follow-up.
• Develops plans, leads implementation, and performs data analysis of validations.
• Coordinates instrument maintenance and repairs and assists with policy review and submission.
• Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues for the section.
• Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff.
• Oversees section compliance by reviewing and responding to College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation Checklists questions/findings.
• Completes online CAP Inspector Training and investigates reports on patient safety matters.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Self-motivated to manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.
• Provides leadership to staff on efficient utilization of time according to budgetary guidelines.
• Accurately reviews and edits team members' timecards for management approval.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies for self and others with a focus on continual development.
• Gains and utilizes knowledge of new technologies that are emerging for the laboratory.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree
• If fulfilling the duties of CLIA General Supervisor - Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Three years of experience in a clinical laboratory as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist or comparable role.