Clinical Laboratory Specialist

The Pathology Department is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Specialist. This position requires certification and advanced understanding of laboratory operations. Working under minimal supervision, performs a variety of both routine and complex clinical laboratory tests in accordance with established standards and procedures.

In conjunction with the Laboratory Manager, plans schedules, assigns training and rotations. In the absence of the Laboratory Manager, acts as the lead technical authority to other testing personnel in the laboratory and is responsible for the overall daily operation of the assigned laboratory including workload and personnel scheduling, quality control, inventory, equipment maintenance, and compliance with quality assurance and regulatory requirements. Specific duties may vary according to rotation assigned. Required attendance position.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of both routine and complex clinical and/or research laboratory tests on different specimens, including but not limited to: blood, bone marrow, and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded specimens, in accordance with established standards and procedures.
• Prepares and determines suitability of reagents following defined formulas and procedures.
• Documents and reports test results. Completes required logs and supporting documents.
• Performs quality control review, maintaining up to date records of tests, QC documentation, reporting or taking corrective action of QA/discrepancies, etc.
• With the Laboratory Manager and Director, leads in the specification, design, implementation and modification of laboratory procedures, test plans, and workflow; assists with primary laboratory projects.
• Responsible for preparation of assigned laboratory area for CLIA, CAP, The Joint Commission, and other regulatory reviews including performing self-inspections and audits. Acts as liaison for regulatory or safety inspectors if the lab manager is unavailable.
• Exchanges routine information in an appropriate manner requiring good oral and written communication. Regular interaction with students, vendors, post-doctoral fellows, faculty members, and clinical trainees. Communicates with physicians regarding test order clarification, specimen quality, and other issues. Troubleshoots problems and provides guidance to others in the laboratory (solution driven).
• Leads training and signs off on training of new staff; performs annual competency testing of staff. Prepares laboratory staff schedules/workload management. Responsible for supervision of staff and provides input regarding hiring, termination, staff development and annual performance of all assigned staff.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of laboratory methodology, procedures and equipment. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of laboratory information systems and computer systems, applications, and interfaces to facilitate application and systems enhancements or maintenance in the laboratory.
• Demonstrates an advanced understanding of the JHM clinical operations and has advanced proficiency in creating detailed documentation, including system procedures, process and data flows. Performs testing and troubleshooting, updates SOPs, and provides training to laboratory staff on the new system. Laboratory “super user” for assigned systems.
• Responsible for routine operational activities such as ordering supplies and materials, reviewing inventory.
• Maintains and troubleshoots equipment, including routine repairs, and notifies service personnel when more complex problems occur.
• Performs related general duties such as ordering supplies, general lab housekeeping, and maintaining safety records.
• Strictly complies with patient care and confidentiality policies, HIPAA regulations.
• Performs miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Work requires problem solving skills, integrating and interpreting data, finding solutions to technical problems.
• Requires critical analysis using principles of scientific inquiry to solve both technical and non-technical problems.
• Work produced is subject to precise measure of quantity and quality. Attention to detail is critical to the successful performance of this job as it directly affects patient diagnoses.
• Analytical ability to operate technical equipment, perform tests with the highest degree of accuracy and to relate test results to a normal, healthy state and to the presence of disease.
• Individual should have strong written communication and interpersonal skills. Must have the ability to read and interpret direction, both oral and written, organize and prioritize work and follow through on assignments. Must be able to work successfully as part of a team in a high volume, dynamic laboratory.
• Ability to perform successfully despite sudden deadlines and changing priorities, maintaining personal composure in high stress situations. Ability to exercise initiative and judgment.
• Ability to work independently, determining appropriate procedures and methods to obtain test results.
• Ability to maintain effective communication within the department and with other health-care professionals.

Specific Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, see and hear. May sit or stand for prolonged periods and occasionally required to walk. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, touch, feel, and type. May reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch. Prolonged vision requirements including viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents, charts and results.
• Visual acuity is required to distinguish fine gradation of color or structure and closely examine specimens microscopically. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to work with small instruments and delicate equipment.
• Clinical laboratory environment - Exposure to toxins and infectious agents exist, but potential for personal injury or harm is minimized if established safety and health precautions are followed. Working in laboratory where there may be discomforts due to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, and working around lab equipment.
• May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another. May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides.
• In some areas workspace is confined; therefore, mobility may be difficult.
• Staff may be required to complete annual competency review, and must ensure compliance with Hospital Policy, Laboratory Policy & Procedure, Health, Safety & Environment regulations, and all applicable privacy & confidentiality laws/practices.
• Must be detail oriented, organized, and accurate.
• Many department laboratories operate 24/7 with schedules on day, evening, or night shift. Rotating schedules which may include weekend work and holiday assignment. Overtime possible when authorized/needed to meet business and patient needs.

• Bachelor’s Degree, in Biology, or related field.
  

• Five years in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques required or equivalent.
• Extensive knowledge of clinical testing.

Classified Title: Clinical Laboratory Specialist 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MD  
Starting Salary Range: $55,200 - $96,600 Annually ($82,233 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Pat Molecular Diagnostics Lab  
Personnel area: School of Medicine