Screening Chemist

Clinical Reference Laboratory; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Clinical Reference Laboratory in Lenexa, KS seeks a Screening Chemist to operate and maintain analytical instruments, prepare specimens, and ensure accurate results flow to the LIMS. This role covers Level 1–3 responsibilities with increasing duties and strict adherence to safety and quality standards.

Qualified candidates hold related degrees and have experience with high complexity testing. The position emphasizes timely maintenance, documentation, and collaboration with management to meet

Qualifications

• Doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, or associate degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory, chemical, or biological science.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, calibrate, troubleshoot, and record instrumentation (Beckman, ATAGO refractometer, ATG Sorter, Automated Rotator, Tecan).
• Receive and prepare urine, oral fluids, and sweat patch aliquots for testing.
• Release reviewed results to the LIMS and maintain confidentiality of client information.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Punctuality

Interpersonal communication

Education

Doctoral degree

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

Associate degree

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY: Analyze urine, oral fluid and sweat patch aliquots for the presence of drugs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Level 1

• Operate, monitor, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and record needed documentation on instrumentation; Beckman, handheld ATAGO refractometer, ATG Sorter, Automated Rotator, and the Tecan.
• Proper material labeling, pipetting of controls and samples, transfer and entering of sequences onto designated instruments for analysis, loading of samples onto instruments.
• Receive and prepare urine, oral fluids, and sweat patch aliquots for testing.
• Identify aliquots by batch for computer download.
• Operate automated analyzer during testing.
• Prepare quality control, maintenance, reagent and other equipment records to document proper execution of procedures in each of these areas.
• Review and document proper execution of testing procedures.
• Release properly reviewed results to the LIMS.
• Maintain and protect the confidentiality of all CRL, CRL subsidiaries, legal entities and client information.
• Be able to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local safety and health regulations that would apply to this job.
• Keep work area neat and clean.
• Other duties as assigned.

Level 2

• Perform all duties of Screening Chemist level 1.
• Complete the following objectives for level 2 (order determined by Management to meet business needs):
  • Objective 1: Operate and maintain the Rudolph J357 Automatic Refractometer to process and review initial and confirm urine specimens for specific gravity testing.
  • Objective 2: Operate and maintain the SevenExcellence pH Meter to process and review initial and confirm urine specimens for pH testing.

Level 3

• Perform all duties of Screening Chemist level 2.
• Complete the following objectives for level 3 (order determined by Management to meet business needs):
  • Objective 1: Complete daily, weekly, monthly, bi-annual, and as needed maintenance training, which includes the following:
• Daily Maintenance Tasks
  • Check and clean: reagent and sample probes, lanes, probe wash wells, mixer stations, buffer units, master wash containers.
  • Make sure all exterior probe detergent and cleaning solutions are full.
• Weekly Maintenance Tasks
  • Perform a W2 and complete the following: clean sample/reagent probes, wash-wells, R1/R2 wheels; perform photocal and file photometric data.
• Monthly Tasks
  • Clean air filters and sample probe filters.
  • Sonicate wash nozzles and tube-mounting joints
• Bi-Annual Tasks
  • Change photometer lamps
  • Cuvette Overhaul
• As Needed Tasks
  • Replace packing/nozzle tube mounting joints.
  • Replace reagent/sample syringes and probes.
  • Refresh Probe Solution.
  • Clean or replace cuvettes.
• Objective 2: Successfully complete a troubleshooting assessment demonstrating the ability to identify, evaluate, and resolve common screening instrument errors using established procedures and escalation pathways.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: A doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, or associate degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory, chemical, or biological science.

EXPERIENCE:

High Complexity Testing:

Bachelor’s Degree or higher: training/experience as specified in 42CFR493.1489

Associate’s degree in chemical or biological Sciences, must have 3 months on-the-job experience. For associate’s degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory, no additional experience required.

Acting Technical Supervisor: Education: Bachelor’s degree in a chemical or biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution or equivalent. Experience: 4 years of pertinent laboratory experience

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Able to perform analytical technological functions, i.e., communication, analytical thought, mechanical ability
• Ability to be at work and on time
• Ability and judgment to interact and communicate appropriately with other employees, clients and management

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The following physical attributes are required for this position:

• Regularly required to walk between departments
• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Repetitive use of hands, fingers, wrists, and elbows for operating a computer and telephone
• Reaching with hands and arms, and reaching