Laboratory Technologist 1 or 2

Responsibilities

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for specimen processing, test performance (one or more donor screening platforms), and reporting test results in a high complexity laboratory serving multiple internal and external clients. This laboratory performs infectious disease and immunohematology testing relevant to blood and HCT/P donor screening as required by the FDA and New York State Department of Health.

 Primary Duties:

• Specimen Processing (Pre-analytic): Receive, label, and prepare samples for testing; ensuring proper handling and storage. Prepare and pack samples for send-out testing according to IATA shipping requirements.
• Perform Donor Screening Testing (Analytic): Performs testing and interprets data to generate test results on one or more donor screening platforms (serologic testing for viral markers, immunohematology, Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT/PCR), or additional viral screening assays), utilizes multiple laboratory information systems, and operates a variety of lab equipment according to established policies and procedures and reports results accordingly. 
• This position performs only those tests that are authorized by the CLIA/NYSDOH laboratory director and performs only those tests that require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training or experience, and technical abilities.

• Data Analysis (Post-Analytic): Performs primary record review of  test records. Performs secondary record review  once trained and competent, as assigned by supervisor.
• Documentation and Reporting: Ensures adherence to Good Documentation Practices by accurately documenting on all test records.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Recognizes and reports to department leadership problems encountered during performance of job tasks including unusual test results, discrepancy in test controls, or controls outside established normal limits. Documents Failed Runs, as applicable.
• Equipment Troubleshooting: Performs troubleshooting steps for equipment malfunctions. Follows equipment out of service procedure and documents corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the established performance specifications.
• Error Management: Documents when deviations from standard operating procedures (SOPs) are discovered. Assists with investigations and complies with corrective/preventative actions implemented.
• Inventory Management: Performs and documents inventory receipt procedures for test reagents and supplies according to established policies and procedures. Monitors and maintains adequate laboratory supplies.
• Quality Control: Performs and documents quality control procedures for test reagents (reagent prequalification) according to established policies and procedures. Maintains strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in all processes.
• Equipment Maintenance: Performs and documents routine maintenance/calibration activities for all laboratory equipment on which the individual is currently trained. Follows laboratory policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
• Regulatory Compliance: Complies with all established policies and procedures including testing and reporting protocols, safety practices, donor and patient confidentiality policies, and personnel practices.
• Safety and Sanitation: Promotes and contributes to a culture of safety through compliance with all safety SOPs to include wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) I.e. safety shields/goggles, gloves, lab coats and proper shoes.  Promptly report all safety violation observations and/or safety concerns. Assures a clean and orderly work area including maintenance and efficient use of reagents, supplies and stored samples.
• Customer Service: Provides excellent customer service to both external and internal customers. Promotes teamwork and communication both internally and externally.

Secondary Functions: 

• Additional Regulatory Compliance: Satisfactorily performs assigned proficiency testing in the same manner as donor samples and always follows Good Manufacturing Processes, with attention to detail. Successful completes annual competency assessment programs and annual organizational training.
• Continuous Improvement: Complete required continuing education credits to meet national or state regulatory requirements
• Research and Clinical Trials: Participates in clinical trials and/or investigational studies of reagents, equipment, or new test methods.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of AABB, FDA and OSHA regulations.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suites.
• Comprehend and apply clinical laboratory procedures and theory. 
• Working knowledge of LIS and BECS.
• Working Knowledge of all institutional and personnel policies, confidentiality, and Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

 Skills:

• Cultural competency and the ability to communicate effectively in a culturally sensitive manner with both individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Written and oral communication skills and computer input/retrieval. 
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Accurate in transcription of numbers.
• Decision making.
• Demonstrate reliability and strong work ethic.

 Abilities:

• Resolve problems and customer concerns.
• Maintain composure under pressure.
• Work in a team environment or independently.
• Work irregular hours or overtime as dictated by departmental needs. 

Qualifications

Required Education:

Lab Tech I:

Associate's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) required.

or

Bachelor of Science degree in chemical or biological science, with minimum requirement of 6 credits of biology and 6 credits of chemistry completed. or, BA in core sciences (approval is dependent on transcript review). Must meet testing personnel requirements as described in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 for Highly Complex Laboratory.  

Related Experience: Laboratory experience using cGMP.

Required Licenses / Certifications:

National Clinical Laboratory Certification (ASCP or equivalent) - must be obtained within 1 year of employment.

OR

Lab Tech II: 

Associate's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)

or

Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science (CLS/MLS/MT)

or

Bachelor of Science degree in chemical or biological science, with minimum requirement of 6 credits of biology and 6 credits of chemistry completed. or BA in core sciences (approval is dependent on transcript review). Must meet testing personnel requirements as described in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 for Highly Complex Laboratory.

Bachelor’s degree (non-MLS) with at least 1 year of relevant experience in a clinical testing laboratory

or 

Associate’s degree with at least 2 years of relevant experience in a clinical testing laboratory.

Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to the requirements above that has supplied the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to perform the essential functions of the job.

Required Licenses/Certification:

National Clinical Laboratory Certification (ASCP or equivalent national clinical certification).

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds. Must also be able to stand for long periods and sit, stand, walk and lift alternately throughout the duration of the shift.

Schedule:

1st shift: 40 hrs. (4 - 10 hr. shifts) 7:00am to 5:30pm; includes every other weekend and holiday.

Proposed pay rate:

Lab Tech I: $27.66/hr.

Lab Tech II: $30.80 - $33.00

Overview

Founded in 1979, Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) has served Rhode Island and the New England area for more than 45 years, delivering more than 90,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 50+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. RIBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. RIBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit ribc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.