Medical Laboratory Scientist IV

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center; Cherry Valley (MD); On-site; USD 59,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center seeks a seasoned Medical Laboratory Scientist to perform specimen testing and analysis, serving as a technical resource for clinicians. The role includes ensuring quality control, QA, and equipment maintenance are documented and up to standards, while providing exceptional customer service as needed.

The position requires 8–10 years of progressive lab experience across multiple sections, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, and certification (ASCP

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• 8-10 years of progressively responsible clinical laboratory experience in two or more sections.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates specimen adequacy for test performance and obtains specimens for analyses.
• Performs routine and specialized testing in assigned area and correlates findings with disease stage.
• Reviews test results, follows up on abnormal results, and ensures proper documentation.
• Performs daily quality control and quality assurance measures; flags QA/QC problems to supervisor.
• Maintains reagents and supplies; ensures clean, organized work area; follows lean standards.
• Participates in education and training of students and new employees; evaluates performance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological, or Clinical Laboratory Science

Job description

About the Job

Performs specimen testing and analysis on patient samples to aid the clinician in diagnosis and treatment. Serves as a resource scientist by providing technical advice and information in one or more of several clinical laboratory scientific specialties. Ensures that all quality control quality assurance and equipment maintenance is documented and maintained according to standards. Provides exceptional customer service as needed. Serves as a knowledge expert and technical consultant in the specialty area(s).

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluates specimen adequacy for test performance; obtains specimens for quantitative and qualitative analyses.
• Performs routine and specialized testing in assigned area. Correlates laboratory findings with disease stage integrates and relates data from other laboratory specialty areas. Confirms abnormal results and specimen discrepancies and institutes correct follow-up procedures.
• Reviews/verifies test results recognizes and follows through on abnormal/unusual results and communicates same to appropriate personnel. Accurately completes all required documentation. Utilizes judgment and discretion in considering sample integrity process calibration reagent concentration and stability quality control prior to releasing testing results. relationship to unknown results evaluation of unexpected patient results and error identification.
• Performs and documents daily quality control and quality assurance measures to assure that tolerance limits are not exceeded. Advises supervisor of quality assurance/quality control problems. Evaluates CAP and other survey proficiency testing materials as required.
• Analyzes technical problems pertaining to collection of specimens and instrumentation. Determines cause and rectifies problems in accordance with guidelines and procedures. Maintains adequate reagents/supplies in the work area and/or on the instruments to avoid delay in sample processing.
• Maintains adequate reagents/supplies in the work area and/or on the instruments to avoid delay in sample processing. Keeps work area in a clean and organized manner at all times in keeping with the lean standards as designed. Decontaminates counter surfaces instruments computers telephones and general work area according to laboratory protocol.
• Ensures that turnaround time standards are met within lab section. Communicates any variances to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Participates in the education and training of students and new employees. Coordinates and conducts lab instruction. Evaluates student and employee technical performance as required.
• Maintains individual competency as scheduled.
• Assists with department 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 next shift of pertinent information to maintain efficient operation. As Tech-in-charge understands and can utilize LEAN Metrics and staff schedules to adjust bench staffing patterns to match workflow on a real-time basis.
• Performs special projects and technical research to evaluate new methodologies assays and instruments. Assists in updating procedural manuals as required. In the event of absence assumes the duties of the Technical Specialist.
• Troubleshoots technical problems pertaining to collection of specimen laboratory data and instrumentation. Determines cause and directs corrective action in accordance with guidelines and procedures.
• Serves as a resource to leadership by reliably contributing in activities such as section safety representative; section instrument or assay specific performance monitoring and accountability; section inventory; Standard Operating Procedure review and modifications.
• Actively participates in cross-training activities including being cross trained according to department needs.
• Participates in (and leads as directed) involvement with regulatory preparation activities inspections and/or responses to outside regulatory bodies and/or internal (including mock) inspection activities.
• Coordinates and serves as a liaison with other hospital departments (Nursing IT facilities EVS Quality and Safety etc) on routine scheduled activities (projects; new implementations) or as emergent issues arise. Serves on committees and represents laboratory either at the system level or within the entity.

Minimal Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological, or Clinical Laboratory Science or a closely related field, required.

Experience

• 8-10 years of progressively more responsible clinical laboratory experience int two or more sections of the clinical laboratory, required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Medical Lab Scientist-ASCP certification or equivalent, required or
• Certification is waived for applicants with a minimum 15 years experience in a designated specialty.

This position has a hiring range of

USD $42.82 - USD $78.27 /Hr.