Clinical Laboratory Scientist IV - Microbiology Lab

Summary

Position Summary    

To perform, under the direction of supervisor, analysis of specimens, perform cultures on human specimens, perform quality control testing, troubleshoot equipment problems, perform instrument maintenance and prepare patient data for reporting. To produce accurate test results for all patients. The CLS IV demonstrates technical skills and behaviors above that of a CLS III, and performs the following essential responsibilities.   

Essential Duties    

1. Performs high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory supervisor, manager or director and reviews testing performance as applicable.
2. Follows the laboratory’s and NJH established policies and procedure manuals.  Reviews and signs laboratory and personnel SOP on an annual basis.
3. Participates and maintains records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
4. Adheres to the laboratory’s quality control policies, documenting all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.  May performs QC review as necessary.
5. Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
6. Follows GxP (e.g., GLP, GCLP, GCP, etc.) standards as defined by different national and international organizations (e.g., ISO, FDA, OECD, etc.) when appropriate for clinical or preclinical trials.
7. Performs, observes, and reviews competencies (including age-specific competencies and/or non-human species) as identified through the departmental competency program.
8. Appropriately uses the computer systems in the department, including proper use of order/reports/charging, and maximizes personal proficiency.  Responds appropriately to email and other forms of communication within 4 hours.
9. Makes recommendations to improve laboratory operations and performs extra projects of increasing complexity and skill and completes projects as directed and approved by the supervisor.
10. Attends continuing education programs sponsored by National Jewish, manufacturer in-services and/or professional society programs.   Obtains at least 12 approved CEU credits per year including but not limited to the following: webinars, lunch and learn seminars, seminars, etc.
11. Is responsible for maintaining and ordering appropriate levels of reagents and consumables in the laboratory at all times.
12. Follows all laboratory and institutional policies and procedures (i.e, operational, departmental, personnel, billing, use of computer and safety). Is responsible for completing NetLearning in a timely manner.
13. Performs error correction, photocopy and data entry and compilation as required. Compiles customized data for clients/studies as directed.
14. Follows set guidelines to troubleshoot/correct assay problems or instrument malfunctions.  Performs maintenance and works with supervisor/manager in troubleshooting QC or instrument problems.  Identifies and assists in troubleshooting with peers.
15. Participates in preparation for inspections where required including revision of laboratory manuals and procedures.
16. Functions as technical supervisor or general supervisor (per CLIA and CAP) as applicable.
17. Works on studies as required by director or clients.
18. Works with referral facilities (doctors, laboratory supervisors, nurses) and nursing/medical staff to answer questions regarding available testing. Resolve problems and complaints as directed.
19. Writes and reviews procedure manuals and documents. May review the work of peers to ensure compliance with CLIA personnel requirements, as directed.
20. Volunteers to provide direction and guidance in testing operations as needed.
21. Demonstrates by example specific biosafety standards for the laboratory and protocols for handling potentially infectious material.

Core Values    

1. Be available to work as scheduled and report to work on time.
2. Be willing to accept supervision and work well with others.
3. Be well groomed, appropriately for your role and wear ID Badge visibly.
4. Be in compliance with all departmental and institutional policies, the Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct and completes NetLearning by due date annually.
5. Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the institution.
6. Adheres to safe working practices and at all times follows all institutional and departmental safety policies and procedures. 
7. Wears appropriate PPE as outlined by the infection control policies and procedures.
8. Demonstrates compliance with all state, federal and all other regulatory agency requirements.

Other Duties    

1. Performs as a back-up to staff absences and vacancies, as necessary.
2. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies    

1. Laboratory Knowledge: Coaches others in developing and improving laboratory testing methods; possesses cross functional laboratory knowledge in other ADx laboratories. 
2. Creativity: Supports and delivers initiatives; focuses well on vision or concept implementation; generates new ideas and assist with implementation
3. Customer Focus: Proactively shares new knowledge with appropriate constituents; will look at processes and results with the laboratory in mind, and with the customer or patient in the forefront; brokers customer and physician relationships with other complementary service providers or departments; shares new knowledge with appropriate colleagues, clients and physicians as necessary.
4. Decision Quality: Solutions prove to be correct and accurate when judged over time; understands and makes decisions that benefit the laboratory and the patient.
5. Drive for Results: Productivity is above expectations; balances achieving individual goals with providing value to laboratory; volunteers for additional projects and identifies new initiatives and fills in for staff absences
6. Informing Communicating: Addresses issues as they arise or within an appropriate time interval; effectively uses all forms of communication; Informs coworkers/leadership of when work product may be affected. Identifies key issues to pursue for maximum input rather than arguing every point; demonstrates ability to restate others’ positions accurately—reflecting both facts and feelings; maintains long-term objectives while resolving short-term challenges. 
7. Adaptability: Balances competing demands of multiple projects by setting priorities, communicating change, and meeting deadlines; recovers quickly from setbacks and maintains focus under stress; can handle multiple changes in direction or assignments; consistently learns quickly when facing new problems; embraces change and unfamiliar tasks; consistently analyzes both success and failure to determine how to improve; maintains open mind and willingness to try new ideas or approaches; analyzes both success and failure to determine how to improve; has a desire to learn. 
8. Professional Relationships: Coaches others to appreciate workforce diversity; seeks value in diversity and differences; encourages positive attitude in others.
9. Perseverance/Resourcefulness: Works to apply new approaches to existing challenges when delegated; is open-minded and will find new solutions when obvious problem or gap exists; validates accuracy of information collected; uses internal knowledge bases or best practices.
10. Problem Solving: Considers customer implications and perceptions when approaching problems to proposing solutions; reconciles inconsistent details within SOPs or processes; able to identify problem or key issue; able to rapidly perform complex analysis, accurately assess situations; probes all potential sources for answers; can see hidden problems. Looks beyond the obvious and doesn’t stop at the first answer.

Minimum Qualifications    

1. BS biology, chemistry or a related scientific field required; and MT Certification (certified by taking "general knowledge" ASCP  or equivalent) and  0-1 years related work experience required.
2. Master’s degree and 5 years related work experience.
3. BS in Science and ASCP area specific certification test and 5 years related work experience.
4. BS in Science and 10 years work related experience in a CAP/CLIA laboratory.

Salary Range: $27.00 - $32.00

Benefits
At National Jewish Health, we recognize that our outstanding faculty and staff are the essence of our organization. For every aspect of health care, our employees are our greatest asset.
With that in mind, we have designed a valuable, comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and their families.

• Medical Plans, Dental Plans and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• FSA and HSA
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Voluntary Benefits, like Accident Insurance, Critical Care and Hospital Indemnity
• Sick and Vacation Paid Time Off
• Wellness Program
• Legal Plan