Medical Lab Scientist

Astera Cancer Care; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennessee Oncology seeks a Medical Laboratory Scientist to process and analyze patient specimens in a community-based cancer care setting. You will perform diagnostic testing, maintain instruments, and document results following regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities include quality control, data recording, and collaborating with clinicians to ensure accurate test interpretation. MLS license and experience are preferred; training and mentoring may be provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or life sciences.
• MLS/MT certification preferred or obtained within 1 year of hire.
• Minimum 2 years of laboratory training/experience at a clinical institution.
• Phlebotomy skills preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform, validate, interpret, document and report laboratory test results.
• May collect and process specimens.
• Perform instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Execute and evaluate quality control and quality assurance procedures.
• Document and report as required by regulatory agencies.
• Understand and participate in all aspects of clinical laboratory testing; pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Quality control procedures

LIS familiarity

Data entry / Excel

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Job description

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation’s largest, community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology’s mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.

Why Join Us?

We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.

Job Description

Medical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for the processing of patient specimens for laboratory testing as ordered by Tennessee Oncology physicians. This position may be the sole MLS located at the clinical lab site and must perform routine diagnostic and analytic testing of laboratory specimens independently. Follows proper guidelines for safe handling of blood, body fluids and hazardous chemicals, properly recording lab testing, quality control and assurance, maintaining appropriate inventory levels of reagents and supplies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform, validate, interpret, document and report laboratory test results.
• May collect and process specimens.
• Perform instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Execute and evaluate quality control and quality assurance procedures.
• Document and report as required by regulatory agencies.
• Understand and participate in all aspects of clinical laboratory testing; pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical.
• Anticipate and maintain required supplies for uninterrupted testing.
• Assist with data collection or special projects as assigned.
• Assist in documentation, evaluation and submission of all required laboratory, departmental and staff statistics/reports.
• Assist in training and mentoring MLTs, new associates and students.
• Understanding of LIS utilized in laboratory testing including ordering test, rejecting test, reviewing and approving results.
• Ensures all manufacturer required maintenance is performed as designated.
• Assist with data collection or special projects as assigned.
• Assist in documentation, evaluation and submission of all required laboratory, departmental and staff statistics/reports.
• Assist in training and mentoring MLTs, new associates and students.
• Performs all other related duties as needed and deemed by supervisor/manager.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to make independent decisions, process information accurately, manage multiple projects simultaneously and be organized.
• Ability to accurately pipette and maintain sterile conditions as required.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance as defined by the manufacturer on equipment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills required.
• Strong computer skills especially with Excel and Word spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of laboratory testing procedures and practice.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Demonstrates understanding of proper quality control procedures, use of control materials, and documentation of QC results and corrective actions.
• Must be able to operate independently with minimal supervision.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Current State of Tennessee Medical Laboratory Technologist License preferred but not required
• Maintains appropriate continuing education for certification and licensure.
• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or Bachelor’s degree in one of the life sciences (Chemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, etc)
• Minimum (2) years of laboratory training/experience at a clinical institution.
• Phlebotomy skills are preferred but not required
• Current certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT) from ASCP, AMA, ABB, or obtained within 1 year of hire.

GEORGIA REQUIREMENTS

• Current certification from ASCP, AMA, ABB, or obtained within 1 year of hire. (Required to meet eligibility to sit for exam upon hire)
• Minimum (2) years of laboratory training/experience at a clinical institution.
• Hematology experience with a minimum (1) year experience preferred
• Phlebotomy skills are preferred but not required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Activity Required Amount of time None Less than 1/3 (Occasionally) 1/3 to 2/3 (Frequently) More than 2/3 (Regularly) Standing X Walking X Sitting X Fingering or manual dexterity X Repetitive finger motion X Lifting or exerting force Up to 10 pounds Up to 25 pounds X Up to 50 pounds Up to 100 pounds Over 100 pounds Reaching or stretching X Climbing or balancing X Crouching or stooping X Speaking X Hearing X Seeing (with correction) X

Thank you for your interest in Tennessee Oncology. People like yourself have helped us grow into one of the largest and most influential oncology practices in the country. Our front line heroes are beloved by our patients and their families. Caring for cancer patients is a privilege.