Medical Lab Scientist, Senior - Electron Microscopy and Immunochemistry

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

 

About Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories

 

Pursue your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in the state-of-the-art Duke Health laboratories. Duke Health laboratories are College of American Pathologists accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified. The multidisciplinary team is committed to serving the rare and complex testing needs of Duke Health's diverse patient population by providing timely and accurate results, educating the next generation of laboratorians, scientists and physicians, and researching and developing the cutting-edge diagnostics of tomorrow.

Occupational Summary

Coordinate, perform, and may supervise a variety of routine and complex technical tasks associated with the performance of laboratory tests to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Job duties are dependent on the laboratory and may be composed of a combination of the following duties and responsibilities related to the specialization. Tasks are performed according to written procedures and policies with careful monitoring of quality control and quality assurance practices.

 

Work Performed

 

Coordinate, perform, and may supervise a variety of routine and complex tests in clinical laboratories using standard techniques and equipment; perform related duties in the laboratory to include specimen handling, using manual and automatic equipment to test specimens, and perform and report analytical tests. Operate complex or computerized instrumentation. Calibrate, maintain, align, and troubleshoot/repair instrumentation according to standard operating procedures and knowledge and experience. Coordinate the processing of patient samples or perform processing as needed based on staffing levels using appropriate identification techniques and written procedures to ensure quality material for testing. Provide advanced problem solving, troubleshooting, interpretation and consultation, verification of specimen quality and test results. Communicate problems/issues to responsible individuals. Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment. May coordinate and perform validation testing related to the development of new medical laboratory tests and techniques. Review and prepare documents and cases for lab inspections. Coordinate participation for lab inspections and work with inspectors. Bring any non-compliance issues to the attention of upper-level staff. Perform proficiency testing as directed to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies. Monitor quality control and quality assurance procedures to ensure compliance with internal and external regulations. Maintain quality control programs. Recognize, respond to, and report issues as needed. Assure remedial action is taken and documented whenever test systems deviate from established performance specifications. Ensure that patient results are not reported until corrective action has been taken and the test system is functioning properly . Review written procedures and policies for accuracy and submit changes to manager or designee. Collaborate with management team to initiate projects and develop action plans to improve unit performance through a Process Improvement (PI)project. Understand, comply, and perform all necessary safety procedures. Maintain compliance with safety training. Report all safety incidents within 24 hours. Attend all laboratory meetings, safety and compliance training as required. Comply with competency testing for the laboratory staff. Train new staff. Serve as a resource person/role model, as per guidelines determined by laboratory management. Comply with laboratory training programs. Provide technical guidance and instruction to students, interns, residents, staff, and other employees. Plan and schedule work for the group ensuring proper distribution of assignments and adequate staffing, and resources for subsequent performance of duties. May monitor workflow, assessment of staffing levels and reassignment as needed. Follow up to ensure work is completed. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein. Use behaviors that support achievement of balanced scorecard targets and support DUHS (Duke University Health System) values. Consistently cooperate and communicate effectively with co-workers to ensure effective workflow.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

 

Ability to make independent deci sions on matters of significance, free from immediate direction, within the scope of their responsibilities.

 

Level Characteristics

 

Promotion to this level is dependent upon successful completion of