Duke University Health System (DUHS) Job Descriptions
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MEDICAL LAB SCIENTIST, SENIOR
Job Title: MEDICAL LAB SCIENTIST, SENIOR
Job Code: 4267
FLSA: N
Job Level: F3
Revised Date: 09/11/2023
Supervisory Responsibility: Yes
General Description of the Job Class
Perform a variety of routine and complex technical tasks in 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.
Duties and Responsibilities of this Level
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.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education
Bachelors of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Chemical, Physical, Biological or Clinical Laboratory Science; or Medical Technology. Generalist certification required for General labs. Generalist/Specialty certification required for specialty labs.
Minimum educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director as long as minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed.
Experience
Five years experience (including one year at Duke) with generalist/specialty certification.
Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification
Generalist/Specialty Certification by a nationally recognized board/agency (required). Certification will vary depending on laboratory. Master in Science in lieu of certification for Biochemical Genetics Laboratory.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to make independent decisions on matters of significance, free from immediate direction, within the scope of their responsibilities.
Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level
Promotion to this level is dependent upon successful completion of leadership activities within the Clinical Ladder. Requires annual maintenance.
Within the clinical laboratories we embrace Duke's purpose, placing the patient at the center of everything we do. We do this by demonstrating behaviors that focus on delivering patient- and family- centered care and embodying the values that promote a positive work culture. We expect every team member to commit to these values and hold each other accountable in the spirit of mutual respect and belonging.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
