Medical Laboratory Scientist

Houston Methodist; Baytown (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist to perform routine and complex analyses, ensuring accurate, timely results. This role requires critical thinking, strong communication with the care team, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced hospital lab.

Bachelor’s degree and certification eligibility within 18 months are required, with ASCP/AMT/NCA/ABHI credentials or equivalents preferred; one year of hospital lab experience is desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• One year hospital laboratory experience preferred.
• Certification eligibility within 18 months in listed boards (ASCP/AMT/NCA/ABHI).
• Basic computer skills; familiarity with laboratory information systems.

Responsibilities

• Performs qualitative and quantitative tests using analyzers and manual methods.
• Organizes workload and sets priorities to meet turnaround times.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and maintains accuracy in test results.
• Communicates effectively with physicians and clinical staff to ensure quality patient care.

Skills

English language proficiency

Attention to detail

Independent judgment

Prioritization under pressure

Communication with physicians

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Certification eligibility within 18 months (ASCP/AMT/NCA/ABHI)

Job description

Come lead with us at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital
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
Required

• 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

Required

• 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)

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.