Clinical Laboratory Scientist II

Summary

Position Summary    

To perform under the direction of the supervisor to perform specific analysis/assays of specimens in the Clinical Laboratory. Performs quality control, troubleshoot equipment problems, perform instrument maintenance and prepare patient data for reporting. To produce accurate tests results for all patients. The CLS II demonstrates technical skills and behaviors above that of a CLS I, 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.
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 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 in a timely manner. Checks email at least twice a day (beginning and end of each shift).
9. Volunteers to perform extra projects of increasing complexity and skill, and completes projects as requested and approved by supervisor.
10. Attends continuing education programs sponsored by National Jewish, manufacturer in-services and/or professional society programs.  Makes efforts to obtain at least 12 CEU credits per year including but not limited to the following: webinars, lunch and learn seminars, seminars, etc. 
11. Monitors and reports on stocks of supplies and equipment, as directed.  Makes reagents as necessary.
12. Performs error correction, photocopy and data entry and compilation as required.
13. 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.  
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.
15. Participates in preparation for inspections where required including revision of laboratory manuals and procedures.
16. Works on studies as required by director or clients.
17. Works with referral facilities (doctors, laboratory supervisors, nurses) and nursing/medical staff to answer questions regarding available testing. Resolves problems and complaints as directed 
18. Writes and reviews procedure manuals and documents as needed.
19. May provide direction and guidance in testing operations.
20. Demonstrates by example specific biosafety standards for the laboratory and protocols for handling potentially infectious material.

Other Duties    

1. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Competencies    

1. Laboratory Knowledge: Clearly discusses scientific principle behind laboratory testing; understands functional mission, own job requirements and impact on the organization.
2. Creativity: Embraces new ideas and concepts; goes beyond the status quo
3. Customer Focus: Will look at processes and results with the laboratory in mind; understand organizational roles and associated functions; maintains personal integrity, admits mistakes, and keeps promises; follows up on promises to ensure accuracy and timeliness of fulfillment; takes personal responsibility for correcting customer or physician problems; recognizes the importance of maintaining customer and physician relationships;  all work is conducted in the spirit of “what’s in it for the customer or patient.”
4. Decision Quality: Exhibits one-dimensional decisions that are advantageous to either the laboratory or the patient; comfortable making decisions with lots of consensus; knows when they can make decisions independently.
5. Drive for Results: Can identify own mistakes and proactively fixes when identified; productivity is at expectations; adapts to personnel changes and shifts in laboratory environment; will regularly take on new initiatives as directed. 
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.
7. Managing Change: 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: Quickly establishes and maintains rapport and credibility with laboratory team; respects differing opinions and viewpoints; is consistently polite and courteous to others; performs work in team setting and contributes to the success of the team in a meaningful way; maintains personal integrity, admits mistakes, and keeps promises; maintains a positive attitude.
9. Perseverance/Resourcefulness: Identifies potential issues and notifies appropriate staff; identifies appropriate information sources within National Jewish Health; able to find appropriate information as requested; understands owns limitations of knowledge.
10. Problem Solving: Collects and organizes data before initiating analysis and asks questions to prioritize key issues; identifies inconsistent details within SOPs or processes; able to work through immediate problem with assistance.

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility
    

None

Travel

None

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.

Minimum Qualifications    

BS biology, chemistry or a related scientific field required. 3 years of related laboratory work experience required.