Reference Lab Coordinator, Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist

Salem Hospital; Salem (MA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham is seeking a Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist to oversee daily reference laboratory operations, logistics, and quality management of patient specimens referred to external laboratories. The role serves as the primary liaison between physicians, staff, and reference partners to ensure specimens are processed, transported, tracked, and reported accurately and timely.

Under supervision of the Clinical Manager and Reference Laboratory Coordinator, you will support enterprise

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory sciences or medical technology required.
• ASCP-BOC certification required.
• 3–5 years clinical lab experience required.
• Must understand CLIA, CAP, HIPAA, OSHA regulations and related standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee reference laboratory operations, including specimen preparation, shipping, result reporting, and follow-up of tests.
• Train and assess competency of send-out staff; ensure proper processing and shipping.
• Update reference laboratory procedures, workflows, and training materials.
• Ensure accurate entry and reporting of reference laboratory results in the LIS and escalation of critical results.
• Monitor pending/overdue testing and resolve issues to ensure timely results.
• Serve as primary contact for physicians, nursing staff, lab personnel, and external partners.
• Support enterprise initiatives and implementation of standardized workflows.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Team player

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory sciences

Job description

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not‑for‑profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high‑performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Clinical Manager, the Reference Laboratory Coordinator, Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist oversees the daily operations, logistics, and quality management of patient specimens referred to external reference laboratories. This role serves as the primary liaison between healthcare providers, laboratory staff, and reference laboratory partners, ensuring specimens are processed, transported, tracked, and reported accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements. The Reference Laboratory Coordinator supports enterprise initiatives, participates in the Mass General Brigham Reference Laboratory Consensus Group, and helps implement system‑wide reference testing workflows and best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight of reference laboratory operations, including specimen preparation, shipping, result reporting, and follow‑up of send‑out testing.
• Train, assess competency, and provide ongoing education for send‑out staff involved in send‑out specimen processing, packaging, and shipping.
• Assist with updating reference laboratory procedures, workflows, and training materials.
• Ensure the accurate and timely entry and reporting of reference laboratory results within the LIS and facilitate escalation of critical results according to established policies.
• Monitor and reconcile pending and overdue testing reports, cancelled tests, credits, and test‑not‑performed exceptions to ensure timely resolution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for physicians, nursing staff, phlebotomists, laboratory personnel, and external reference laboratory representatives.
• Provide consultation regarding test availability, specimen collection requirements, reference laboratory capabilities, and turnaround times.
• Support quality management activities, including competency assessments, audits, procedure reviews, proficiency monitoring, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Participate in the Mass General Brigham Reference Laboratory Consensus Group and support the implementation of enterprise reference testing initiatives and standardized workflows.
• Monitor and maintain inventory of specialized shipping supplies, transport media, collection kits, and other materials required for reference testing operations.
• Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, OSHA, HIPAA, DOT/IATA, and all applicable organizational, state, and federal regulations.
• Rotates every third weekend and holiday.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree Clinical Laboratory Sciences required or Bachelor's Degree Medical Technology required or Bachelor's Degree Laboratory Sciences required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No

Licenses and Credentials

Medical Technologist (ASCP) [MLT, MT, MLS] - American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) required

Experience

Clinical lab experience 3-5 years required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• The knowledge, both practical and theoretical, of tests and procedures necessary to review findings and advise and direct subordinates in action.
• Demonstrates advanced level of analytical skills and judgement.
• Must have understanding of computer technology and its application to analytical procedures and quality control.
• Must have a comprehensive understanding of laboratory equipment and its operation, maintenance, and repair, and analytic techniques.
• Must have the ability to work independently, evaluate situations and act appropriately.
• Ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment.
• Must have the ability to pay careful attention to detail and to adhere to written protocols, including communication with supervisors when issues are identified.
• Must be able to perform as a team member.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with numerous staff including physicians, hospital personnel, employees, and patients.
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state and accreditation requirements.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Physical Requirements

• Standing Frequently (34-66%)
• Walking Frequently (34-66%)
• Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)
• Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
• Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs
• Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)
• Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Balancing Frequently (34-66%)
• Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
• Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Reaching Frequently (34-66%)
• Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%)
• Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
• Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
• Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)
• Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)
• Talking Constantly (67-100%)
• Hearing Constantly (67-100%)

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

81 Highland Avenue

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$32.47 - $47.23/Hourly

Grade

7

At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth.

EEO Statement

3200 North Shore Medical Center, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People‑Focused, half Performance‑Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.