Medical Lab Scientist - Laboratory Medicine

Health First; Palm Bay (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

Health First is seeking a Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) to perform a range of diagnostic tests across several benches, including chemistry and hematology. You will ensure accuracy of results, maintain quality control, and support workflow with EMR systems.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Medical Lab Science and Florida licensure. The position emphasizes autonomy, strong critical thinking, and clear communication with clinical teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Lab Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related field as per CLIA.
• Florida Medical Technologist licensure required.
• Proficient computer applications and EMR familiarity.
• Strong written and verbal communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Performs diagnostic tests across chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, and more.
• Ensures accuracy of test results and adheres to HF policies and regulatory requirements.
• Maintains quality control and participates in validation of new tests/equipment.
• Operates and troubleshoots laboratory analyzers; performs maintenance as needed.
• Works with lab leadership to meet staffing needs and improve performance metrics.
• Communicates results and issues effectively with colleagues and clinicians.

Skills

Computer skills

Autonomous work

Critical thinking

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Medical Lab Science

Job description

The Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) performs diagnostic tests in medical laboratory to provide data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease, ensuring validity and accuracy of test results. Performs clinical laboratory testing of various complexities, while engaging in no harm, high-quality, consumer-centric experience, and stewardship by working as a member of Health First’s clinical team.

Job Requirements

POSITION SUMMARY

The Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) performs diagnostic tests in medical laboratory to provide data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease, ensuring validity and accuracy of test results. Performs clinical laboratory testing of various complexities, while engaging in no harm, high-quality, consumer-centric experience, and stewardship by working as a member of Health First’s clinical team.

Primary Accountabilities

• Performs clinical laboratory testing of various complexities, in a timely and efficient manner using various laboratory equipment, devices or via manual method. The MLS will be assigned on the following bench: clinical chemistry, toxicology, transfusion services, urinalysis, hemostasis, hematology, microbiology, immunology, point of care, and or as assigned by lab leadership; performs lab analyses on body fluids such as urine, blood, and all other body fluids.
• Complies with all Health First, HF Laboratory policies and procedures, along with all pertinent federal and state accreditation agency requirements.
• Performs quality control on various laboratory tests ensuring its accuracy and validity. Assists lab supervisor in performing validation of new tests, equipment, or methodology.
• Performs regular & periodic equipment maintenance on various lab analyzers. Performs calibration and troubleshooting on testing systems and instruments to ensure adherence to established standards of accuracy.
• Shows commitment to meet departmental goals & to continuously improve performance improvement metrics.
• Ability to perform basic computer skills pertinent to job performance. Shows competency in use various electronic medical record (EMR) applications used for patient records & results as established by laboratory procedures.
• Demonstrates the appropriate skill set as determined by the Annual Competency Assessments.
• Availability to meet departmental staffing demands and demonstrates effective time management.
• Communicates effectively within the laboratory, external clinical departments, other healthcare professionals, clients, and customers. Observes AIDET in customer communication. Reports issues & departmental needs supervisor.
• May be required to obtain laboratory specimens by venipuncture and capillary puncture if needed.
• Cross trains in other departments within the laboratory or performs other lab-related tasks as directed by supervisor.
• Complies with the Health First I-Care values and demonstrates effective communication with co-workers and management to include proper escalation when necessary.

Work Experience

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Medical Lab Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, or any related field, as outlined in CLIA.
• Work Experience: None
• Licensure: Medical Technologist licensure by the State of Florida in accordance with CLIA.
• Certification: None
• Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:
• Proficient in required computer applications.
• Work autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Strong skills in critical thinking, prioritization and organization of tasks, communication skills (written and verbal in English).

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification: MLS(ASCP) also formerly known as MT(ASCP), and/or MT(AAB), MT/MLS(AMT), Specialist Certification by ASCP (SBB, SC, SH, etc.).

Physical Requirements

• Able to endure >8-hour workday in periods of high demand.
• Must be able to pass a color blindness test.
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity to perform clinical/technical tasks.
• Must be able to lift 10-20 lbs. unassisted.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Visual acuity and hand-eye coordination to perform tasks
• May require travel to various facilities within and beyond county perimeter; may require use of personal vehicle.

Benefits

ABOUT HEALTH FIRST

At Health First, diversity and inclusion are essential for our continued growth and evolution. Working together, we strive to build and nurture a culture that recognizes, encourages, and respects the diverse voices of our associates. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more collaborative work environment that delivers better results. As an organization, it fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our associates, customers, and the communities we serve.

Schedule : Per Diem

Shift Times : variable

Paygrade : PG-38