Lead Medical Lab Scientist - Hematology, Full-Time Evenings - job 2 of 2

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In addition to the responsibilities of a medical laboratory scientist, this position provides technical/administrative oversight to and directs the workflow of personnel who perform laboratory tests.

• Assists in performing assay validations, instrument correlations, calibrations.

• Collecting and interpreting data for acceptance of new testing protocols or quality control materials

• Performing IT validations on new or updated testing systems or test codes according to validation protocol.

• Assisting the department Coordinator(s) or Manager with regulatory compliance and inspection readiness.

• Reviewing and updating department documentation and procedures.

• Reviewing proficiency testing documentation and performing investigations as required for the follow up and corrective action process.

• Performs all aspects of pre-analytic workflow appropriate for the laboratory to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered and are correctly processed/transported.

• Verifies specimens for add on tests are available and acceptable and generates add on test orders.

• Recognizes when fraud and abuse compliance issues require adjustments to the test order.

• Collecting, receiving and processing of specimens.

• Verifies specimens are correctly and completely labeled upon receipt.

• Evaluates specimens for appropriateness and takes necessary corrective action. Appropriately documents unacceptable specimens and proper notifications as needed.

• Performs any necessary pretest specimen preparation according to protocols.

• Transfers or ships specimens to approved testing locations according to SOPs

• Responsible for all aspects of analytical testing appropriate for the laboratory.

• Maintains test system integrity.

• Examines preventative maintenance logs on instruments/equipment in a timely fashion and follows up as needed.

• Verifies reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use; takes action to ensure unacceptable items are removed from use.

• Responsible for inventory maintenance and supply ordering in designated section.

• Performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance.

• Review and evaluates QC results in designated sections and takes necessary corrective actions according to established protocol.

• Performs evaluations of new lot numbers of QC and calibration material, establishes criteria for acceptance such as normal ranges and SD’s, and Westgard or Sigma rules.

• Performs tests.

• Performs waived, moderate, and high complexity testing

• Prioritizes testing based on assignment or established priorities, completes testing within defined turn-around-times.

• Responds effectively to changes in the workflow by coordinating a simultaneous series of tests when needed or adjusting work to incorporate STAT tests or fluctuations in work volume.

• Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities.

• Performs technical review and interpretation.

• Develops and maintains a higher level of expertise in the specific areas of responsibility.

• Reviews results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined test system.

• Evaluates test results/reactions and provides accurate interpretations as appropriate to include correlation with, and integration of, other patient data as necessary.

• Performs visual interpretation/identifications as appropriate.

• Recognizes unusual test results/interpretations and complete indicated reflex testing or other follow-up actions.

• Follows established notification protocols for critical values, a phone/fax result requests, abnormalities.

• Evaluates instruments and test systems and makes recommendations for acquisition to senior management.

• Evaluates and proposes updates to SOPs if necessary.

• Troubleshoots and solves problems.

• Recognizes when unresolved problems need to be escalated and takes necessary follow-up action.

• Reviews pending logs and follows-up to ensure pending tests are completed or cancelled when appropriate.

• Performs advanced troubleshooting and repair.

• Calls for field service when necessary and is familiar with contractual terms of maintenance agreements.

• Peer coaches/ trains staff on troubleshooting tasks.

• Post-test specimen storage.

• Ensures that specimens and related materials (blood, body fluids, slides, etc) are stored according to protocols for location and duration with necessary documentation.

• Performs all aspects of the post-analytic workflow appropriate for the specific section to ensure accurate results are reported within established time frames, specimens are retained appropriately, test results and/or current status are available upon inquiry, and billed charges are correct.

• Universal Responsibilities.

• Ensures quality of operations.

• Assumes delegated responsibilities in the absence of a coordinator.

• Responsible for regulatory compliance in designated section.

• Performs required Quality systems responsibilities including initiating Quality Investigation Reports.

• Participates in the training of new employees.

• Meets proficiency and competency standards of the department and assists in the competency assessment of technical and support staff.

• Participates in new test development, validations and implementation.

• Presents continuing education programs.

• Assists the coordinator and manager in monitoring the operations of designated areas to ensure the service standards and financial goals are met.

• Presents continuing education programs.

• Contributes in developing and is responsible for implementation of technical goals and standards.

• Information Systems.

• Ensures integrity of Laboratory Information System by following established protocols and participating in the maintenance and enhancements of the LIS.

• May oversee instrument computer software updates.

• Demonstrates expertise in Information Technology; uses applications to streamline operations and facilitate service monitoring and data collection.

• Ensures safety of operations.

• Follows all required safety procedures, uses personal protective equipment appropriate for tasks performed.

• Maintains clean and organized work area.

• Provides service excellence.

• Answers telephones when needed, using AIDET telephone etiquette.

• Maintains patient confidentiality, including protected health information (PHI).

• Assists patients, visitors and other contacts whenever need occurs.

• Verifies and reports results:

• Verifies results according to procedure.

• Performs computer functions necessary for releasing results.

• Generates written reports according to established protocol 

• Reviews electronic or printed reports when applicable, recognizes problems and escalates according to protocol.

• Amends reports:

• Corrects erroneous reports and amends reports according to procedure

• Responds to inquiries: 

• Responds to requests for information according to established protocol for confidentiality and release of information

• Recognizes when unresolved inquiries need to be escalated and takes action

• Stores documents and records:

• Stores documents and records according to established protocol.

• Charge capture/billing:

• Performs billing and/or enter credits for tests and services when applicable.

• Recognizes billing problems and escalates accordingly

Required:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Allied Health qualifying the applicant to take the national ASCP certifying exam.

• If hired after 1/19/2025, must obtain Medical Laboratory Technician (MLS) (ASCP), or categorical BB, C, H, or M (ASCP) certifications or equivalent certification within 1 year of hire date. 

• 2 years of clinical lab experience in a TJC or CAP accredited laboratory.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.