LABORATORY LEAD SCIENTIST - LAB

Status: Full Time

Shift: Monday - Friday; 0630 - 1500; Rotating weekends and holidays

Exempt: No

Summary

JOB SUMMARY:

In collaboration with and under direction of the Section Supervisors and the Clinical Lab Supervisor, ensures work quality and efficient, effective workflow on a day-to-day basis to ensure accurate and timely result reporting. Duties may include, but are not limited to: test validations and new method implementation; ensuring regulatory compliance; monitoring instrument functionality including maintenance, calibrations, proficiency testing, and quality controls; organizing and prioritizing workflow; training, teaching, and competency assessment; and, managing inventory. Performs the duties and responsibilities of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

Other Information

• Previous Experience Required: minimum of one (1) year of high-complexity testing experience in the respective assigned specialty section; two (2) years of such experience preferred.
• Specialized or Technical Education Required:
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in a chemical, physical or biological science required with a degree in clinical laboratory science/medical technology preferred.
• Completion of an accredited clinical laboratory training program required
• Current license by Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist – Generalist or Clinical Laboratory Scientist – Specialist
• To be eligible to assume Section Supervisor duties: meets current minimum General Supervisor personnel requirements for high-complexity testing in compliance with CLIA federal regulations Section 493-Subpart M
• Manual or Physical Skill Required:
  
  

Distinguishes and identifies color.

Requires manual and finger dexterity, eye-hand coordination, and corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

• Physical Effort Required/Physical Demands:
  
  

Strength: Moderate

Push: Occasionally

Pull: Occasionally

Carry: Occasionally

Lift: Occasionally

Sit: Frequently

Stand: Frequently

Walk: Frequently

B. Work Complexities

• Complexity and Difficulty of Work:
  
  

Requires strong critical thinking skills and sound judgement especially when stressed.

Requires thorough technical knowledge of specialty being supervised.

Requires organizational and time management skills to accomplish work assigned.

• Seriousness of Errors. any error may adversely impact patient care
  
  

C. Working Conditions

• Hazards: Potential for exposure to infectious materials, odorous chemicals and specimens. May be exposed to low levels of radiation, electrical hazards and low levels of carcinogens. All working reagents containing hazardous materials are listed in detail in the "Material Safety Data Sheets" (MSDS) manual. The incumbent is responsible for a working knowledge of this information.
• Adverse Working Conditions: High stress position. May involve prolonged periods of standing and walking.
  
  

D. Contacts

Develops relationships within the Laboratory and between the Laboratory and external groups within the hospital and in the community, as appropriate.

• Contacts with Customers, the General Public or Other Companies:
  
  

Possesses excellent verbal, written, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Must have patience and the ability to maintain composure in high stress situations. Must be detail oriented and handle confidential information appropriately. Strong problem solving skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks at once are essential as well as excellent customer service skills.

• Contacts with Other Departments: see above
  
  

E. Responsibilities

• Responsibility for the safety of others: performs all duties in a safe manner and adheres to North Oaks Health System’s safety policies and procedures.
• Responsibility for Company Funds or Property: utilizes hospital property in performance of job duties.
• Responsibility for Confidential Information: follows hospital policy and adheres to HIPAA regulations.
• Responsibility for Performance of Work without immediate supervisor: must be able to function independently and utilize critical thinking skills to resolve problems.
• Responsibility for the Supervision of Others: oversees and assists Clinical Laboratory Scientists I and II, Medical Laboratory Technicians I and II, Certified Laboratory Assistants, Laboratory Assistants, and students.
  
  

Responsibilities

• Provides technical resources to Laboratory staff, external health system staff and customers to facilitate problem resolution and/or support quality patient care.
• Ensures preventative and corrective maintenance is performed and documented on department analyzers and equipment according to policy and procedures. Coordinates service calls for troubleshooting/repair.
• Facilitates new instrument/equipment implementations collaborating with the Section Supervisors, Clinical Lab Supervisor, Clinical Lab Manager, other hospital department representatives, and outside vendor representatives, as needed.
• Monitors and participates in maintaining adequate section inventory. Participates in managing inventory to ensure an adequate supply to meet testing needs. Assists Section Supervisor with purchases.
• Assists in selection, orientation and training, competency assessment, and assignment of section staff. Assists with the planning, developing, coordinating, and monitoring of any section-specific training program for staff. Assists with in-service education for staff, as needed. Identifies need for performance-related corrective actions.
• Assists supervisor in implementing and maintaining performance improvement within assigned laboratory section. Participates in studying, refining and modifying established techniques to produce accurate analysis. Assists supervisor to identify, investigate, monitor and follow-up on section/department related inquiries/complaints as required or assigned.
• Participates in activities designed to assure section performance is in full compliance at all times (inspection-ready) with federal CLIA regulations, state regulations, and national accrediting agency requirements (e.g., AABB, CAP, The Joint Commission). Identifies processes requiring review. Monitors and/or follows-up on section-related events not meeting standards, inquiries, and/or complaints, as assigned.
• Assists Section Supervisor in in ensuring staff adhere to applicable policies and procedures. Collaborates with the Section Supervisor to manage section policies and procedures.
• Keeps Laboratory Leadership informed of problems, issues, activities, and section needs (e.g., equipment, materials, and/or staff).
• Ensures continuity of section/department operations by assuming backup responsibilities as assigned. May assume the responsibilities of a Section Supervisor at the direction of a Manager or the Director.
• Performs technical duties as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist I/II as needed to support workflow efficiency and patient care.
• Maintains appropriate working knowledge of hospital/department computer software and other digital systems, including computer downtime operations.
• Attends and participates in meetings (administrative, departmental, section, in-service, etc.) as necessary. Represents the department at conferences and working committees, as directed. Provides input to Section Supervisor for staff meeting agenda items.
• Ensures own professional growth and development through literature review, seminars, conferences and professional affiliations.
• Assists in all aspects of emergency response. May be required to work other shifts, weekends and holidays as assigned.
• Follows North Oaks Health System’s Compliance Programs and Federal and State Regulatory guidelines.
• Performs all duties in a safe manner, follow North Oaks Health System’s safety policies and procedures, follow the North Oak’s Health System Compliance Program, and Federal/ State Regulatory guidelines.
• Performs other duties as required or requested by the Director or designee.