Medical Laboratory Scientist

Houston Methodist; Baytown (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist to perform routine and complex analyses, ensuring accurate results, fast accessioning, and cost-efficient lab operations. The role requires applying laboratory techniques, equipment proficiency, and critical thinking to support patient care.

The position is non-exempt under FLSA, with emphasis on quality, safety, and collaboration within the hospital laboratory team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• One year of hospital lab experience preferred.
• Certification eligibility within 18 months for listed credentials.

Responsibilities

• Performs qualitative and quantitative tests using analyzers or manual methods.
• Organizes workload and ensures turnaround time expectations.
• Supports patient safety and quality control across lab operations.

Skills

English language proficiency

Critical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Independent work

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Medical Laboratory Scientist position is responsible for performing both routine and complex analyses, which necessitates knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, and equipment and their interrelationship. This position exercises good judgment by using critical thinking skills and deals with issue resolution concerning the day-to-day technical operation of the laboratory. The Medical Laboratory Scientist also ensures that specimens are accessioned and processed expeditiously in order to deliver quality laboratory results in an effective and cost-efficient manner.

FLSA STATUS

Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree

EXPERIENCE

• One year of work or training experience in a hospital laboratory preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Must meet certification eligibility upon entry into this role and have one of the following required certifications within 18 months:

• Certified as a Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or categorical certification by Board of Certification (ASCP)
• Certified as a Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist or Molecular Diagnostics Technologist by American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• Certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
• HLA only – One of the following is required:
  • Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification
  • Certified by American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI)
• Microbiology only – One of the following is required:
  • Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification
  • Microbiology, M(ASCP) certification
  • Clinical microbiology registry from American Society for Microbiology, RM(AAM)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy
• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision
• Ability to recognize changes that are critical to patient care

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps 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 in a comprehensive manner.
• Teaches students, new employees and others as assigned by Manager.
• Participates in laboratory and organization-wide initiatives.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examination using various analyzers and/or manual methods.
• Organizes workload and sets priorities. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.
• Meets turnaround time expectations as defined by management.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrates the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all areas assigned to work.
• Recognizes, investigates and helps resolve test discrepancies. When problems arise, takes appropriate action to investigate and address and notifies management and the medical director for follow-up.
• Performs instrument calibrations, validations, quality control testing, maintenance, and function checks.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Re-stocks section inventory levels as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
• Reviews and utilizes Standard Operating Procedure and offers suggestions for improvement.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*

Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**

Travel specifications may vary by department.

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree

EXPERIENCE

• One year of work or training experience in a hospital laboratory preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Must meet certification eligibility upon entry into this role and have one of the following required certifications within 18 months:

• Certified as a Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or categorical certification by Board of Certification (ASCP)
• Certified as a Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist or Molecular Diagnostics Technologist by American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• Certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
• HLA only – One of the following is required:
  • Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification
  • Certified by American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI)
• Microbiology only – One of the following is required:
  • Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification
  • Microbiology, M(ASCP) certification
  • Clinical microbiology registry from American Society for Microbiology, RM(AAM)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy
• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision
• Ability to recognize changes that are critical to patient care

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps 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 in a comprehensive manner.
• Teaches students, new employees and others as assigned by Manager.
• Participates in laboratory and organization-wide initiatives.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examination using various analyzers and/or manual methods.
• Organizes workload and sets priorities. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.
• Meets turnaround time expectations as defined by management.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrates the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all areas assigned to work.
• Recognizes, investigates and helps resolve test discrepancies. When problems arise, takes appropriate action to investigate and address and notifies management and the medical director for follow-up.
• Performs instrument calibrations, validations, quality control testing, maintenance, and function checks.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Re-stocks section inventory levels as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
• Reviews and utilizes Standard Operating Procedure and offers suggestions for improvement.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*

Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**

Travel specifications may vary by department.

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes