Medical Laboratory Scientist

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Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories

Pursue your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in the state-of-the-art Duke Health laboratories. Duke Health laboratories are College of American Pathologists accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified. The multidisciplinary team is committed to serving the rare and complex testing needs of Duke Health patients by providing timely and accurate results, educating the next generation of laboratorians, scientists and physicians, and researching and developing the cutting-edge diagnostics of tomorrow.

Medical Lab Scientist in the Digital Pathology Lab at Duke University Hospital. Monday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

This position is eligible for a $7,500 commitment bonus for a 1-year commitment.

General Description

Perform a variety of routine and complex technical tasks in the performance of laboratory tests to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Job duties are dependent on the laboratory and may be composed of a combination of the following duties and responsibilities related to the specialization. 

Work Performed 

• Perform a variety of tests in clinical laboratories using standard techniques and equipment; perform related duties in the laboratory to include specimen handling, using manual and automatic equipment to test specimens, and performing and reporting analytical tests. 
• Operate manual or computerized instrumentation. 
• Calibrate and maintain instrumentation according to standard operating procedures. 
• Process patient samples for testing using appropriate identification techniques and written procedures to ensure quality material for testing. 
• Perform basic troubleshooting of assay problems as directed by senior staff. 
• Communicate problems/issues to appropriate individuals. 
• Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment. 
• Participate in the development of new medical laboratory tests and techniques. 
• Participate in the preparation for lab inspections. 
• Review lab inspection documents and procedures to maintain knowledge. 
• Bring any non-compliance issues to the attention of upper-level staff. 
• Perform proficiency testing as directed to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies. 
• Document quality control and quality assurance results. 
• Notify upper-level personnel of instrument malfunctions or unusual or unexpected data or results. 
• Review written procedures and policies for accuracy and submit changes to manager or designee. 
• Understand, comply with, and perform all necessary safety procedures. 
• Maintain compliance with safety training. 
• Report all safety incidents within 24 hours. 
• Attend all laboratory meetings, safety training, and compliance training as required. 
• Comply with competency testing procedures for laboratory staff. 
• Train new staff. 
• Serve as a resource person/role model, as per guidelines determined by laboratory management. 
• Comply with laboratory training programs. 
• Provide technical guidance and instruction to students, interns, residents, staff, and other employees. 
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein. 
• Use behaviors that support achievement of balanced scorecard targets and support DUHS values. 
• Consistently cooperate and communicate effectively with co-workers to ensure effective workflow. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

 Minimum Qualifications 

Education 

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Chemical, Physical, Biological, or Clinical Laboratory Science; or Medical Technology.
• Generalist certification required for general laboratories. Generalist or specialty certification required for specialty laboratories.
• Minimum educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA Director, provided minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed. 

Experience 

Two years of experience as a certified MLS. 

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications 

Generalist or specialty certification by a nationally recognized board or agency (required). Certification will vary depending on laboratory. Master of Science in lieu of certification for the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory.