Medical Laboratory Scientist II - Molecular Biology

MedStar Health; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 49,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

MedStar Health in Washington, D.C. seeks a qualified laboratory professional to perform specimen testing and analysis to aid clinicians in diagnosis and treatment.

You will ensure quality control, QA, and equipment maintenance documentation, and serve as a subject matter expert and technical consultant in the molecular biology area. The role emphasizes lean standards, timely reporting, and collaboration with clinical teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical lab science is required.
• Less than one year of clinical laboratory training/experience.
• MLS or equivalent certification; or waivers for master's degree or 3 years in specialty.

Responsibilities

• Performs specimen testing and analysis to aid clinicians in diagnosis and treatment.
• Ensures quality control, QA, and equipment maintenance documentation.
• Reviews/results, documents, and communicates findings to appropriate personnel.

Skills

Quality control

Documentation

Troubleshooting

Lean processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science

Master's degree or higher (waiver option)

Tools

MLS certification (ASCP)

Job description

About the Job

Working hours for this role are 10:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. This role will be supporting the Molecular Biology department.

General Summary of Position

Performs specimen testing and analysis on patient samples to aid clinicians in diagnosis and treatment. Ensures that all quality control, quality assurance, and equipment maintenance activities are documented and maintained according to established standards. Provides exceptional customer service as needed. Serves as a subject matter expert and technical consultant in the specialty area(s).

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluates specimen adequacy for test performance and obtains specimens for quantitative and qualitative analyses.

• Performs routine and specialized testing in the assigned area. Correlates laboratory findings with disease stage and integrates and relates data from other laboratory specialty areas. Confirms abnormal results and specimen discrepancies and initiates appropriate follow-up procedures.

• Reviews and verifies test results, recognizes and follows through on abnormal or unusual results, and communicates findings to appropriate personnel. Accurately completes all required documentation. Utilizes judgment and discretion when considering sample integrity, process calibration, reagent concentration and stability, quality control, the relationship to unknown results, evaluation of unexpected patient results, and error identification prior to releasing test results.

• Performs and documents daily quality control and quality assurance measures to ensure that tolerance limits are not exceeded. Advises the supervisor of quality assurance and quality control issues. Evaluates CAP and other proficiency-testing materials as required.

• Analyzes technical problems related to specimen collection and instrumentation. Determines causes and resolves problems in accordance with established guidelines and procedures. Maintains adequate reagents and supplies in the work area and/or on instruments to prevent delays in sample processing.

• Keeps the work area clean and organized at all times in accordance with established Lean standards. Decontaminates counter surfaces, instruments, computers, telephones, and general work areas according to laboratory protocols.

• Ensures that turnaround-time standards are met within the laboratory section. Communicates any variances to the supervisor in a timely manner.

• Participates in the education and training of students and new employees.

• Maintains individual competency as scheduled.

• Assists with departmental competency requirements, such as performing training assessments or direct observations, as delegated by the medical director.

• Provides technical advice and support to other laboratory personnel as required.

• Informs the next shift of pertinent information to maintain efficient operations.

• Demonstrates both basic and complex troubleshooting skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, or a related field, required.

Experience

• Less than one year of clinical laboratory training and/or experience required.

Licenses and Certifications

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) through ASCP or an equivalent certification; or

• The certification requirement may be waived for individuals holding a master's degree or higher in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, or a related field; or

• The certification requirement may be waived for applicants with a minimum of three years of experience in a designated specialty.

This position has a hiring range of

USD $35.68 - USD $64.71 /Hr.