Medical Lab Scientist

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Gainesville (VA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia's UVA Community Health is seeking a Medical Lab Scientist to perform patient and QC testing, monitor instrument performance, and ensure timely, accurate results. The role emphasizes quality assurance, proper inventory control, and effective communication with medical staff, with responsibilities aligned to safety guidelines and department policies.

A Bachelor's degree in medical technology or related field and appropriate certification are

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or related field.
• NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Science program or equivalent.
• ASCP or AMT MT certification or eligibility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform patient and QC testing according to departmental policies.
• Monitor instrument performance and troubleshoot issues.
• Maintain supplies and inventories for smooth workflow.
• Ensure results are reported with proper documentation and turnaround time.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and quality assurance procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Quality control

Communication with medical staff

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in medical technology / MLS or related

NAACLS accredited MLS program

ASCP/AMT MT certification or eligible

Job description

Medical Lab Scientist

Job Code: LA3380

ABOUT US

We are ushering in a new era of healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Community Health, part of the world-class UVA Health academic health system, we are committed to caring for the whole person by building meaningful connections with our patients i n the local setting of UVA Health's community hospitals, outpatient locations, and provider offices. By combining our team's talent and expertise, the breadth of capabilities across the entire UVA Health system, and our dedication to community wellness, we are bringing expert care close to home. As a member of the UVA Community Health team, individuals contribute to patient care decisions, support advanced medical technologies, and experience the satisfaction of making a difference in people's lives every day.

JOB TYPE

Classification: Non Exempt

Supervises Positions:

JOB SUMMARY

Performs patient and Quality Control (QC) testing, develops skills and maintains competency in assigned laboratory areas. Patient tests and Quality Control (QC) material tests are preformed and results reported in accordance with departmental policy.Error rate is consistent with established departmental standards.Critical values are reported and documented per medical laboratory policy. Clinical correlation of results with other known patient parameters is incorporated in result verification per department procedure.Workload is prioritized and managed to meet expected Turn-Around-Time (TAT). Competence is maintained, and new skills are added as technologies change. Maintains proper inventories and correctly uses supplies and reagents.Inventory needs are communicated in a timely manner. Reagents are received, stored and quality is verified properly prior to use following departmental policies. Reagents and supplies are utilized according to manufacturer /or procedural instructions. Disposal of reagents and supplies is in accordance with safety guidelines. Monitors equipment performance, diagnoses malfunctions, and makes repairs or initiates service requests. Routine instrument maintenance is performed and documented on a scheduled basis, consistent with departmental policy. Instrument malfunctions are recognized and trouble-shooting procedures are initiated in a timely manner. Manufacturer's Technical Service is contacted for resolution as needed to maintain workflow and to schedule repairs. Processes required for instrument re-entry into use are performed. Ensures a smooth transition to the next shift. Be present at your assigned workstation at your assigned time. Workstations are restocked with supplies to maintain a consistent workflow. Unresolved problems, including pending log, problems, critical values are communicated to the appropriate person(s). Demonstrates knowledge of quality, safety and compliance programs. Quality issues are reported to a supervisor in a timely manner. Suggestions for Process Improvement are submitted for review on a routine basis. Compliance guidelines are applied to all testing and reporting activities. Laboratory operations are conducted to ensure a safe working environment at all times.Investigates, documents and resolves routine problems or complaints. Problems are resolved with proper consultation and follow-up documentation. Customer complaints are handled professionally and in a timely manner. Unresolved problems are communicated to the appropriate person(s).

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's Degree - from an accredited college or university in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or chemical, physical or biological science or equivalent. Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Science program. OR Bachelor's Degree to include 35 semester hours comprised of Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Math AND 1 year fulltime experience in Blood Bank, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Hematology. OR Bachelor's Degree to include 30 semester hours in Biology and Chemistry AND 1 year fulltime experience in categorical exam area

Experience

Experience:1 year of experience preferred not requiredTechnologist/Scientist Cert from ASCP or AMT-MT Required

Licensure

Licensure:(BB, C, H, MT/MLS, M, MB) Required

Additional Skills/Requirements Required

Must obtain certification within 18 months of hire. Failure to do so may result in termination of employment. All individuals who are newly certified ASCP beginning January 1, 2004 must participate and maintain ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) through the Certification Maintenance Program (CMP). All individuals who are newly certified AMT beginning January 1, 2006 must participate and maintain AMT Certification Continuation Program (CCP). Knowledge of current medical terminology to perform full range of laboratory tests. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and testing to perform quality control checks and troubleshooting of instrumentation. Knowledge of medical terminology to communicate with medical staff regarding laboratory procedures and results. Skill in performing a full range of laboratory tests. Skill in anticipating and reacting calmly to emergency situations. Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, hospital staff and the public. Ability to read and understand information about instrumentation in laboratory field. Ability to follow written protocols. Ability to work independently. Ability to communicate clearly.

Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred

Competencies

• Patient Care: Shows a commitment to provide the highest level of patient care.
  • Collects, labels, and prepares specimens for testing.
  • Maintains required documentation for all lab procedures.
  • Processes requisitions for testing.Prepares and distributes reports.
• Teamwork: Cooperates within a team to achieve goals and deliverables.
  • Provides information and consultation to requestors.
  • Recognizes interdependencies with other areas and supports other staff as needed.
  • Shares and initiates regular and professional communication with co-workers.
  • Participates in regular staff meetings.
• Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job.
  • Performs competency and proficiency testing to assure maintenance of skills.
  • Completes educational activities to continually improve skills and assists consultants.
  • Participates in improvement of methods and processes.

The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Demand Code:

Medium to Heavy Physical Demand: The job requires constant standing, frequently walking, and bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull 100 lbs. For any weight over 35 lbs., use Safe Handling Equipment. This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. It may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of UVA Community Health.

OTHER

• May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes

• On call responsibilities as directed: Yes

• Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes

The base compensation range for this role is $31.64 - $46.76 hourly.

Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education. Please note that the pay range does not include any applicable incentive compensation programs such as shift differentials, clinical ladders, and other incentives that may be available for those in eligible positions.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.