Lead Medical Lab Scientist-Full-time Evenings

Company Description

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?

Job Description

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 i