Medical Lab Scientist

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Performs a wide variety of moderately and highly complex tasks and analysis of human fluids and tissues, using manual procedures as well as operating various laboratory equipment and automated analyzer systems. Responsible for acceptable quality control accurate testing, and release of accurate patient results in collaboration with the Lead, Supervisor or Manager.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Under close supervision acquires job skills and learns company policies, and procedures to complete routine tasks such as performing complexity testing, editing, and reporting of various clinical tests as directed under department SOPs.
• Works on assignments that are routine in nature.
• May be involved in decision-making under the supervision of a technical supervisor or lead. 
• Performs testing and review quality control before finalizing the release of test results, inclusive of documentation, and other reporting mechanism.
• Performs maintenance of laboratory instrumentation.
• Resolves instrumentation and methodology issues.
• Complies with all laboratory safety protocols, including, but not limited to, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper laboratory techniques, disposal of biohazard, etc.
• May be able to act as a primary contact for departmental inquiries, clarification and research of samples and test results. Capable of coordinating and facilitating department workflow.
• May be able to place orders for reagents, chemicals, equipment parts, and other miscellaneous items as needed. Capable of interpreting all methodologies and method specifications as requested by the client, management, QA, and Compliance.
• Demonstrates continued competence in all designated areas.
• Responsible for completing proficiency testing including, but not limited to, reviews and investigation as required, collection of Quality Control, instrument data, and appropriate approval signatures.
• Assists and perform validation studies, analyze data, investigate, and suggest resolutions to variations from specifications.
• Escalates issues to supervisor for resolution, as deemed necessary.
• Reviews and complies with the Code of Business Conduct and all applicable company policies and procedures, local, state and, federal laws and regulations.
• Assists with various projects as assigned by the direct supervisor or covering laboratory supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations.  See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Must be able to lift up to 40lb and be able to sit/stand for extended periods in a laboratory environment.
• Must be able to work with clinical and environmental samples, including, but not limited to blood, urine, etc.
• Must be able to work with chemicals and/or reagents specific to laboratory testing.
• Must be able to work in a medium to high noise level.

SUPERVISION:

• No previous supervisory experience required.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or Biological Sciences required.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:  

• 0 – 3 years’ related experience. 
• Demonstrated basic experience in clinical laboratory required.
• Good verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.
• Prior experience with laboratory systems preferred.
• PC literacy required.
• Ability to follow precise directions in a situation requiring speed, accuracy, and efficiency.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

I acknowledge that I have read and accepted this job description.  I understand what is expected of me in this position, and I am able to perform the essential functions as outlined with or without reasonable accommodation.  Furthermore, I understand that the duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.  If I have any questions about duties and responsibilities not specified in this job description that I am asked to perform, I should discuss them with my immediate supervisor or my Human Resources representative.

ADDENDUM:

Laboratory

• Must meet specific State and private regulatory agency requirements regarding certifications/licensure, degree and/or work experience, i.e., California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (MTA) and New York Clinical Technologist licensures.
• BS(MT) or BS in chemical, physical, biological science or a minimum of 90 semester hours by a regionally accredited college or university, and successful completion of a course or training of at least 12 months in a school of medical technology or training in a medical laboratory, or ASCP certification eligible preferred, or any combination of academic study and/or training and/or experience as outlined in CLIA standard for highly complex testing (42cfr part 493 subpart M) in the states where the state lic. is not required.
• Perform specific tasks, i.e., edit and release results, as allowed by State and private regulatory agencies and departmental SOPs.
• May be assigned to different laboratory departments as per operational needs. 

Generalist

• Generalist/Cross trained Job Knowledge – The role will be expected to perform a subset of tasks in the Cross trained department.
• Proficiency - Must stay proficient in task defined by each department for this role.
• Flexibility – This person accepting this role will need to be flexible and be willing to move to either department or task needed based on operational need. This will be clearly communicated during the interview process.
• Home department – This role will have a home department where they will be expected to be proficient on defined task before being available to apply for the Generalist/Crosstrained role

EO/AA Employer: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

EO/AA Employer: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.