MLS Lead - Infectious Disease

denverhealth; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 78,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement contributions

Health coverage

Job summary

Denver Health in Denver, CO, seeks a Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist to supervise and perform complex lab procedures. You will serve as a technical resource for staff, physicians, and nursing teams, helping troubleshoot testing issues and ensuring accurate results.

The role emphasizes teaching, quality control, compliance with regulatory standards, and collaboration with leaders to improve lab operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or related field.
• ASCP MLS certification or equivalent required.
• 1-3 years of laboratory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs and authenticates testing results per policies; analyzes quality control data.
• Provides training, mentoring, and competency development for lab staff.
• Supports adherence to safety, regulatory, and accreditation standards and assists in problem-solving with leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Quality control

Troubleshooting

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Mentoring

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology / related field

ASCP MLS certification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Our Values

Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency

Department

Laboratory Services

Job Summary

Under minimal supervision, performs moderately and complex laboratory procedures across the major areas of the laboratory. The lead Medical Laboratory Scientist is a technical resource to other laboratory personnel, physicians, and nursing staff in the absence of a section supervisor. Incumbent has contact with ancillary employees to provide assistance in trouble shooting patient care issues regarding testing and laboratory processes. Identifies and resolves problems with test analysis and consults with the supervisors, Director of Laboratory Administration, or the Director of Services when appropriate and according to established protocol. Handles day to day bench related problems with little supervision, provides training and mentoring, and is the liaison for the department when the Medical Technology Supervisor is not available.

Essential Functions

• Performs testing and authenticates all results per departmental policies and procedures. Provides troubleshooting assistance and support to technical staff and with the vendors to ensure uptime and testing turnaround times with equipment and for testing procedures. Analyzes pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical quality control and specimen requirements to ensure accurate results. Advises and consults with the appropriate supervisor regarding troubleshooting, investigations, and quality control issues. (40%)
• Assists in teaching, training, staff development, and competencies for the laboratory and the MLS program. Involved in QC reviews, proficiency testing, preventative maintenance, and environmental controls. Trains for new technology or new testing as new technology or testing is released. Assists with writing policies and procedures as delegated. (30%)
• Participates in huddles or meetings and communicate quality activities inside and outside of the laboratory when needed. Assist in compliance with regulatory and accrediting agencies. Follows and ensures safety, life safety, and infection control procedures for self, patients, and others. Assist supervisor in developing departmental cohesion and collegiality using praise and appreciation of staff. (30%)

Education

Bachelor's Degree Required

Work Experience

1-3 years A minimum of 2 to 3 years of prior laboratory experience Required

Licenses

MLSASCP-Medical Laboratory Scientist or equivalent - ASCP - American Society for Clinical Pathology Required

Shift

Day shift, working rotating weekends and holidays

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiar with regulatory compliance in QC and competency requirements.
• Mentor technical staff to train, educate for decision making, and ensure competency.
• Good communication and customer relation skills to ensure patient safety and quality processes in the laboratory.
• Ability to perpetuate teamwork
• Ability to organize and prioritize work within the department.
• Ability to troubleshoot testing, equipment, and quality issues relative to testing in the area of oversight.
• Computer skills required; in addition Microsoft Word and Excel experience
• Ability to troubleshoot testing, equipment, and quality issues

Location

Days (United States of America)

Work Type

Regular

Salary

$37.69 - $56.54 / hr

Benefits

At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future - with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development - while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you're joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.

• Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays
• 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks
• Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%
• Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.
• Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center
• Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)
• Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, tr