Medical Laboratory Scientist I

Performs routine and specialized assays and provides technical advice and information in one or more of several clinical laboratory scientific specialties to provide data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Analyzes body fluids, cells and products to identify abnormal and critical disorders associated with disease processes. Serves as a knowledge expert and technical consultant in the specialty area(s).
Education

• These degree requirements are waived for high school (or equivalent) graduates who have successfully completed an official military training of at least 50 weeks duration, and who have held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician).
• Doctoral degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field required or
• Doctoral degree in Medicine required
• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field required or
• Master's degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field required or

Experience

• Less than 1 year (less than one month of previous job experience) required

• 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.
• Provides technical advice and support to other laboratory personnel as required.
• Generates realistic suggestions regarding processing issues and helps with the implementation of the improvement.
• Analyzes technical problems pertaining to collection of specimen, laboratory data 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.
• Participates in the education and training of students and new employees.
• Participates in continuing education by attending relevant workshops, in-services, or town meetings to accumulate 6-10 documented CE hours/year.
• Notifies Supervisory personnel of any issues in a timely manner. Report issues that arise that may impair the performance of the LEAN Workflow Procedure. Suggest ways to resolve.
• Reviews/verifies test results, recognizes and follows through on abnormal/unusual results and communicates same to appropriate personnel. Accurately completes all required documentation.
• Evaluates specimen adequacy for test performance; obtains specimens for quantitative and qualitative analyses.
• Performs all duties according to the standard work procedure.
• Informs next shift of pertinent information to maintain efficient operation.
• Participates in the education and training of students and new employees as assigned by supervisory personnel.
• Presents 1-2 inservices/year.
• Calibrates instruments. Performs and documents preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment and instruments. Recognizes sources of repair and maintains appropriate documentation.
• Submits 1-2 occurrence reports that may lead to a process improvement.
• 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.
• Performs workflow audit thorough LEAN Assessments when scheduled to do so. Report completed audit results without delay to supervisory personnel with suggestions for improvement.
• Adhere to the pre-determined lunch/break schedule, unless otherwise instructed, to ensure adequate coverage of work area so that productivity levels are not compromised.
• 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.
• Demonstrates no more than 1 documented Category A or B (major) error.
• Demonstrates no more than 10 documented Category C (minor) errors.
• Demonstrates simple/complex troubleshooting skills and adheres to QC and maintenance schedule.