Fairview Health Services is looking for a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist Technical Lead for our Hematology department at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood. This is a fulltime, 80hours/2 weeks, day shift, including every 3rd weekend.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist (MLS/MT) Technical Lead functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice. This MLS/MT Technical Lead position will primarily be responsible for the work and oversight of the area of research, specimen processing, and send out/reference lab samples. The MLS/MT Technical Lead will act as a resource for problem resolution, process improvement and research liaison. The MLS/MT Technical Lead correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise, and other conditions affecting test results. The MLS/MT Technical Lead participates in laboratory performance improvement activities. The MLS/MT Technical Lead collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote appropriate use of laboratory resources. In the absence of a supervisor, a MLS/MT Technical Lead may direct work flow in the daily operation of a laboratory section and provide direction and problem solving skills for laboratory functions.

Follows established guidelines to obtain specimens and prioritize work.

• Obtains specimens from patients of all ages and degrees of physical and/or mental disability.
• Properly verifies patient identity.
• Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing.
• Verifies correct identification of specimens before testing.
• Follows established guidelines for determining priority of specimen testing and procurement.
• Determines and/or revises priorities for specimen procurement within department guidelines and clinical information

Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing.

• Performs waived, moderate or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA 88.
• May be responsible for method development research, instrument correlation, and method validation.
• In absence of a supervisor, may direct work flow in the daily operation of a laboratory section and provide direction and problem solving skills for laboratory functions.
• Functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice.
• Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedures.
• Completes specified maintenance on instruments.

Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them.

• Acts as a resource for problem solving, corrective action and troubleshooting for lab procedures and unexpected events in lab operations
• Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
• Consults with supervisor if unable to resolve issues.
• Exercises critical thinking to maintain and improve department productivity and efficiencies
• Assists supervisor in designing, implementing and evaluating new work processes or methods

Evaluates testing results for accuracy and appropriate intervention.

• May be responsible for method development research, instrument correlation, and method validation.
• In absence of a supervisor, may direct work flow in the daily operation of a laboratory section and provide direction and problem solving skills for laboratory functions.
• Functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice.
• Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedures.
• Completes specified maintenance on instruments

Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to Laboratory Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement and Laboratory Compliance Programs

• Documents deviations and action taken.
• Documents reagent, test kit and calibrator checks
• Takes action to evaluate and resolve QC outliers. Consults with supervisor for assistance if needed.
• Assumes responsibility for the lab Performance Improvement program by suggesting areas for improvement, collecting data, reviewing the results, and recommending corrective action to be taken.
• Documents compliance with and demonstrates working knowledge of regulations of governmental or voluntary agencies
• Collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote appropriate use of laboratory resources.

Orients and mentors new employees and students.

• Orients individuals in routine and complex testing methodology, instrumentation, and information systems
• Checks work prior to release
• Completes training checklists and evaluations as appropriate.
• Responsible for monitoring and documenting the progress of the orientation and training, provides feedback to trainee.
• Assists supervisor in developing learning plans

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors in a related laboratory field including the related lab practicum or equivalent routes as specified in CLIA88.
• Two years experience as a Medical Lab Scientist, Medical Technologist (MLS/MT or Five years as Medical Lab Technologist (MLT) or five years Histology Technologist (HT)
• Applicant should possess appropriate HHS approved laboratory certification such as a MLS/MT/MT (ASCP or AMT). HEW certification is also recognized

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer BS in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology