Sr Medical Lab Scientist - Laboratory Medicine

Health First; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Health First is seeking a Senior Medical Lab Scientist (Sr MLS) to provide senior oversight of diagnostic laboratory testing in a Florida-based facility. You will ensure accuracy, compliance with federal/state agencies, and leadership within the laboratory.

You will coordinate quality control, validation studies, and interdepartmental communication while upholding a strong culture of continuous quality improvement and patient-centered care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science or CLIA-related field.
• Two years of MLS (ASCP), MT (ASCP), MT (AAB), or MT (AMT) experience.
• Florida Medical Technologist licensure required by CLIA.
• Strong computer skills and ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Oversee clinical laboratory testing across multiple disciplines in line with HF policies and regulatory requirements.
• Provide daily oversight of chemistry, toxicology, transfusion services, urinalysis, hemostasis, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and point of care.
• Perform quality control tasks, maintenance, and validation of new tests and equipment; guide method verification and validation studies.
• Coordinate EMR use, ensure competency of EMR users, and provide actionable lab leadership reports.
• Contribute to quality improvement programs, policy writing, and accreditation inspections.
• Support staffing needs and may serve as the lab Safety Officer.

Skills

Critical thinking

Prioritization

Organization

Communication (English)

Education

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Job description

Position Summary

The Senior Medical Lab Scientist (Sr. MLS) performs oversight functions, in accordance with all pertinent federal and state accreditation agencies on all diagnostic tests in medical laboratory to provide data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease, ensuring validity and accuracy of test results. Oversees clinical laboratory testing tasks of various complexities, while engaging in no harm, high-quality, consumer-centric experience, and stewardship by working as a member of Health First laboratory leadership team.

Job Requirements

The Senior Medical Lab Scientist (Sr. MLS) performs oversight functions, in accordance with all pertinent federal and state accreditation agencies on all diagnostic tests in medical laboratory to provide data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease, ensuring validity and accuracy of test results. Oversees clinical laboratory testing tasks of various complexities, while engaging in no harm, high-quality, consumer-centric experience, and stewardship by working as a member of Health First laboratory leadership team.

Primary Accountabilities

• Performs oversight tasks, in lieu of supervisor, on all clinical laboratory testing of various complexities, in a timely and efficient manner using various laboratory equipment, devices or via manual method in compliance with all HF policies and procedures, along with all pertinent federal and state accreditation agency requirements. The Sr. MLS will provide daily oversight of clinical chemistry, toxicology, transfusion services, urinalysis, hemostasis, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and point of care, as assigned by lab leadership.
• Performs & assigns quality control tasks, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting of on various laboratory tests & equipment ensuring accuracy and validity. Assists lab supervisor in performing validation of new tests, equipment, or methodology. Coordinates, provides direction, and assists with all instruments, processes, correlations, test method verification and validation studies. Provides accurate and timely information and written communication to facilitate and complete projects in a timely manner.
• Shows commitment to culture “Continuous Quality Improvement” through incorporation of evidenced medicine, benchmarking, and implementation of recommended guidelines.
• Competent in use & management of various electronic medical record (EMR) applications used for patient records & results as established by laboratory procedures. Ensures departmental competency of EMR users. Efficiently abstracts info and provide actionable recommendations to laboratory leadership.
• Performs data analysis, research, reviews, and provides lab leadership with summaries and recommendations based on data.
• Communicates effectively within the laboratory, external clinical departments, other healthcare professionals, clients, and customers. Observes AIDET in customer communication. Reports issues & departmental needs supervisor.
• Assists laboratory leadership in coordinating and maintaining a comprehensive quality control, improvement, quality assurance program, orientation, training, competency requirements, proficiency testing, supply management, document control to include writing & revising of policies and procedures. Coordinates accreditation inspections, peer inspections, submits corrective action responses, root-cause-analyses, monitors and oversees lab safety portals, and coordinates with lab leaders in implementation and follow-up of appropriate quality-related corrective actions.
• Demonstrates effective communication with co-workers and management to include proper escalation when necessary. Available to meet laboratory staffing demands as assigned by supervisor. May be appointed as lab’s Safety Officer.
• Performs other duties related to healthcare operations as delegated by laboratory or Health First leadership.

Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, or any related field, as outlined by CLIA.
• Work Experience: Two (2) years as MLS(ASCP), MT(ASCP), MT (AAB), MT (AMT)
• Licensure: Medical Technologist licensure by the State of Florida and in accordance with CLIA.
• Certification: None
• Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:
• Proficient in required computer applications.
• Work autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Strong skills in critical thinking, prioritization and organization of tasks, communication skills (written and verbal in English).

Preferred Qualifications

• Work Experience: 5 years as a Medical Lab Scientist
• Licensure: Lab Supervisor’s License through the State of Florida.
• Certification: MLS(ASCP) also formerly known as MT(ASCP), MT (AAB), MT (AMT), Specialist Certification by ASCP (SBB, SC, SH, SM, etc.)

Physical Requirements

• Able to endure >8-hour workday in periods of high demand.
• Must pass color blindness test.
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity to perform clinical/technical tasks.
• Must be able to lift 10-20 lbs. unassisted.
• Required travel to various facilities within and beyond county perimeter; may require use of personal vehicle.

Benefits

About Health First

At Health First, diversity and inclusion are essential for our continued growth and evolution. Working together, we strive to build and nurture a culture that recognizes, encourages, and respects the diverse voices of our associates. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more collaborative work environment that delivers better results. As an organization, it fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our associates, customers, and the communities we serve.

Schedule : Full-Time

Shift Times : days

Paygrade : PG-40