Molecular Lab Scientist - Nicholasville, KY

SUMMARY:  

The scientist for the molecular department is responsible for CLIA/CAP based high complex laboratory procedures.  This position requires extensive knowledge of PCR procedures, specialized molecular diagnostic laboratory tests, and medical terminology to perform specialized medical laboratory diagnostic tests.

The Scientist may also assist in technical training and lead and/or support the development of new methods and procedures.

REPORTS TO:  Laboratory Supervisor   LOCATION:  Nicholasville, KY    STATUS:  Exempt

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Minimum 1 year experience in a similar lab setting.

·         Proficient in LIS.

·         Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science.

·         Master’s degree in clinical laboratory science or related science.

·         ASCP Certification AMT – AAB.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 1 year of relevant laboratory experience or an advanced degree in Molecular Biology.
• Computer proficiency, especially with Microsoft Office products.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Accurate and diligent with a high attention to detail.
• Awareness of scientific principles and practice.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and speak English.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Ability to prepare and process laboratory samples using established protocols.
• Ability to monitor and or maintain quality control standards.
• Records maintenance skills.
• Ability to perform a range of clinical laboratory tests and chemical analyses on biological samples.
• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
• Ability to draw intravenous and peripheral blood.
• Knowledge of laboratory and experimental protocols and procedures
• Knowledge of culture procedures and techniques.
• Ability to utilize calibrate configure and/or troubleshoot laboratory testing systems and instruments.
• Ability to isolate and identify specimens using advanced laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Knowledge of sterile procedures.

EDUCATION:

·         B.S. Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry or related discipline.

·         Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs a variety of clinical laboratory tests in the areas of hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical chemistry, molecular and urinalysis as assigned.
• Perform quality control on all instruments as well as testing for instruments.
• Perform Molecular extraction of patient samples.
• Oversee lab technician and lab assistants, cross checking for errors.
• Update QC Reagent logs daily.
• Clean and sterilize work area daily.
• Maintain and operate instrumentation (e.g.,Kingfisher Flex, Quant studio 5)
• Perform routine maintenance.
• Monitor equipment to evaluate performance and to diagnose malfunctions.
• Troubleshoot and repair instrumentation as needed and identify when to contact vendor for assistance.
• Provision of results following documented procedures.
• Produce results in a timely manner to meet client turnaround time requirements.
• Plan and conduct analytical work using appropriate techniques and in accord with regulatory standards.
• Write and revise Standard Operating Procedures.
• Prepare reagents and reference materials for use in chemical analyses.
• Receive, access and log-in client samples.
• Maintain work-related documentation (e.g., laboratory records, test results) in hard copy and/or electronic form according to laboratory protocol.
• Participate in the tracking of supply, reagent and reference material inventories and initiate purchase requisitions where necessary.
• Contribute to the work of the team in a flexible manner and with minimal supervision.
• Responsive and willing to perform additional analyses as and when required.
• Comply with all HIPPA guidelines and regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all company policies and safety procedures.
• Process and handle blood and/or other biological specimens according to established procedures; instructs patients in the proper collection of samples.
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative chemical l analyses of body fluids such as blood and urine.
• Performs quality control on test results, ensuring validity and accuracy.
• Performs calibration and troubleshooting on testing systems and instruments to ensure adherence to established standards of accuracy.
• Keeps records and reports on results according to established procedures.
• Practice safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Adhere to strict attendance standards.
• Comply with all HIPPA guidelines.
• Adhere to all Company health and safety standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

·         Must be able to pass standardized color vision test.

·         Ability to lift to 30lbs.

·         Strong eye hand coordination in order to accurately identify specimens by touch and sight.

·         Ability to wear laboratory personal protective equipment (PPE) 3-6 hours out of the day.

ENVIRONMENT:

·         Generally performed in laboratory setting.

·         Frequently exposed to laboratory samples, including but not limited to blood, urine and other bodily fluids.

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.