Analytical Specialist - Clinical Transplantation Immunology Laboratory

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

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.

Analytical Specialist in the Clinical Transplantation Immunology Laboratory (CTIL) at Duke University Hospital. First Shift, Second Shift, or Hybrid Shift options. 

CTIL plays a critical role in supporting Duke’s renowned transplant programs, which perform nearly 800 transplants annually across solid organ and bone marrow services. These programs continue to receive national recognition, with top-ranked lung, heart, and liver transplant outcomes. The kidney transplant program, with nearly 50 years of history, is highly regarded for both volume and patient outcomes.

In addition to clinical excellence, our laboratory is actively engaged in cutting-edge research, including multiple ongoing clinical trials, offering staff the opportunity to contribute to advancements in transplant immunology.

General Description

Administer and coordinate technical activities in a specific segment of the Clinical Laboratories which may include the Blood Bank, Blood Gas, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Hematology, Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Pediatrics, and Stat Laboratories and outreach services to ensure effective technical operation of the unit.

Work Performed

May perform any or all of the following duties:

• Perform final review of high-complexity HLA laboratory testing and analysis
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of test results in compliance with regulatory standard.
• Collaborate with laboratory scientists and clinical teams to support transplant decision-making
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and laboratory development activities
• Administer and coordinate the technical activities of personnel in a specific segment of the Clinical Laboratories to ensure effective technical operation of the unit by established practices; perform specialized procedures requiring advanced skill and theoretical knowledge.
• Develop and implement quality control programs to ensure reliability of testing procedures, proper function of laboratory equipment, and compliance with federal regulations; prepare and maintain related records.
• Conduct proficiency evaluations of laboratory operations through preparation and distribution of unknown specimens or samples and evaluating the accuracy of solicited results.
• Assist in the development and implementation of testing methods, techniques, and procedures for laboratory application; set up and evaluate new laboratory equipment and make recommendations accordingly; standardize laboratory solutions and develop reagents used in diagnostic work.
• Provide technical guidance and instruction to personnel in routine and advanced laboratory techniques; conduct formal training programs and workshops for medical technology students, faculty, staff, and other interested personnel.
• Assist in planning and scheduling work for personnel ensuring proper distribution of assignments and adequate staffing, space, and facilities for subsequent performance of duties.
• Prepare reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends, and appropriate recommendations or conclusions.
• Assist in the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing plan that achieves laboratory budget volumes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of routine and specialized procedures and tests.

Level Characteristics

• Monitor testing to ensure that acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained.
• Check personnel to assure competence prior to test reporting.
• All aspects of Proficiency testing are properly followed, reviewed, and remed ial actions are taken and documented following failures.
• Quality assurance and Quality Control programs are established, maintained, and are effective in identifying problems.
• Procedure manuals are available and have been reviewed annually by director, manager, supervisor, or analytical specialist.
• Responsibilities delegated by the director or technical supervisor include:
  •  Assure remedial action is taken and documented whenever test systems deviate from established performance specifications.
  • Ensure that patient testing results are not reported until corrective action has been taken and the test system is functioning properly.
  • Participate in the annual evaluation, competency testing, and documentation for all testing personnel.
  • Receive, review, and prepare technical reports reflecting the volume of work, procedures utilized, and test results; coordinate the preparation of reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends, and appropriate corrective action.
  • Assist in the annual validation of the Electronic Laboratory Manual. Within the clinical laboratories we embrace Duke’s purpose, placing the patient at the center of everything we do. We do this by demonstrating behaviors that focus on delivering patient- and family-centered care and embodying the values that promote a positive work culture. We expect every team member to commit to these values and hold each other accountable in the spirit of mutual respect and belonging.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or related field. Minimum educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director as long as minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an ASHI accredited HLA laboratory

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

Certification in Medical Technology by a nationally recognized agency/board and/or in the specialized field of the assigned Lab. Assignment in Transfusion Service requires certification as a Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB).