Medical Laboratory Scientist

UPMC; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus up to $15,000

Job summary

UPMC Altoona is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist for a full-time, 12-hour night shift (7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.) with weekend/holiday rotation. The role includes a sign-on bonus up to $15,000 and 40 hours per week of laboratory work in a 24-hour on-site setting.

Responsibilities include performing high complexity testing, ensuring quality control, and maintaining equipment. A BS in science with MLS program completion or ASCP/MLT certification is required, with NY license not applicable to

Qualifications

• BS in a lab-related field with MLS program completion required.
• Alternative: BS in biology/chemistry with ASCP or MLT certification.
• Two years' experience as MLT in a clinical lab; hospital lab experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interact with laboratory customers courteously and professionally; respond to inquiries promptly.
• Follow procedures for collection and processing of specimens and perform qualitative and quantitative analyses with accuracy.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, perform quality control, and monitor supply inventory.
• Recognize abnormal results and take corrective actions per protocols; identify problems with instrumentation or samples.
• Train and orient new staff and students as assigned.

Education

BS in biological, chemical, or clinical laboratory science

BS + MLS program completion

2+ years experience in MLT role in clinical laboratory

Job description

UPMC Altoona is looking for a full-time Medical Laboratory Scientist for 12-hour shift working 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. with rotation as needed will include rotating weekends/Holidays will work 40 hrs a week

We are currently offering a SIGN-ON BONUS up to $15,000! The amount offered varies based on experience and commitment length.

Night Program Guidelines

• As part of the program, participants must commit to working to the maximum of their budgeted shifts based on FTE status as off-shift hours (12-hour blocks such as 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., etc. or 8-hour blocks such as 11 p.m to 7 a.m, etc.).
• Eligible participants will receive an additional $2 per hour night program differential, on top of their hospital's current off-shift differential, for night hours worked as part of the program. o This $2 will be given on top of the new, market-competitive shift differentials.
• Any additional worked day shifts (meetings, competencies, additional overtime shifts) will be paid without the night program differential.
• Laboratory Professionals who work rotating night shifts as part of their schedule, but are not participants in the night program, will not receive the additional $2 differential.
• All PTO (paid time off) requests must continue to be approved, in advance, by the participant's unit director/manager, and the night program differential will not be applied to the hourly rate paid for PTO.
• Business unit leaders will determine the appropriate number of program participants based on business unit and department needs.

Night Program Eligibility

• Eligible participants must be in a laboratory professional role in a regular full-time or part time status, and work in a department that requires 24-hour on-site coverage.
• Laboratory professionals who have completed their orientation period and have at least six-months of experience are eligible to participate.
• Eligible participants must have a performance rating of Solid/Strong/Good to enter the program and not received any corrective action within the last six months. Maintaining a Solid/Strong/Good rating will be required to remain in the program. New employees are able to enter the program at the time of hire.
• If a participant resigns or is removed from the program for not meeting the night program guidelines, they are not permitted to return to the program for one calendar year.
• If a participant does not work steady night shifts, they are not eligible to receive the additional differential and their participation will be evaluated for removal from the program.
• There is no impact to medical benefits, short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), PTO, or tuition reimbursement as part of this program.

Purpose:

Provide authority, responsibility and accountability for the accurate performance of laboratory testing of a routine and advanced nature. These tests are used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients and in the evaluation of a patient's response to treatment. Apply competent clinical knowledge to achieve accurate clinical testing which leads to quality patient care outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Interact with all laboratory customers courteously and professionally; respond to telephone inquiries in a timely manner. Practices pleasant communications both internally and externally.
• Adhere to established laboratory and hospital policies in areas of procedures, methods, quality control, quality assurance, safety, compliance, and personnel policies. Follow established procedures for the collection (including phlebotomy, as required) and processing of specimens for analysis including the appropriateness and stability of the sample. Perform qualitative and quantitative analytical procedures according to established protocols with precision and accuracy in a timely and efficient manner.
• Recognize critical, abnormal, and unacceptable test results and follow-up according to established protocols. Recognize factors that affect measurements and results and initiate the necessary corrective action according to established protocols. Identify problems with instrumentation, methodology, specimens, supplies, or results and act as outlined in predetermined protocols.
• Operate and maintain equipment within the scope of training utilizing defined schedules and written instructions to perform quality control checks, preventive maintenance, and calibration. Perform minor repairs. Use reagents and supplies cost-effectively; monitor and maintain an appropriate supply inventory.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments, their interrelationships and physiological conditions affecting test results.
• Conduct, direct, or assist with test development and methodology/equipment evaluation, selection, and implementation.
• Performs High Complexity Testing (as defined by PA DOH) without direct supervision.
• Assume responsibility for first-line supervision of the section/department temporarily as delegated.
• Train and orient new employees, students, and residents, as applicable and as assigned.

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college/university AND successful completion of an accredited Medical Lab Scientist program

OR

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college/university with a major in biological, chemical, or clinical laboratory science AND ASCP or equivalent categorical or MLT certification

OR

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college/university with a major in biological, chemical, physical, or clinical laboratory science AND at least two years' experience in a role equivalent to that of a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) in a clinical laboratory. Prefer 1 year experience in a hospital laboratory. Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory information systems preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) (ASCP) or equivalent certification preferred. New York License required for NY locations.

• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran