Clinical Lab Scientist Specialist - Days

Job description

• Oversees workflow of the lab to ensure turn-around times are met.
• Troubleshoots or investigates malfunctioning Chemistry procedures and analyzers.
• Aids in the development of new procedures or modify existing procedures under the direction of a project leader.
• Performs lab compliance procedures including calibration and calibration verification of assays.
• Establishes and maintains QC materials and data.
• Assists in training of new CLS’s and CLS trainees.
• Works as a bench CLS as needed.

of time
Essential Function (Yes/No) Key Responsibilities
70 Yes
Task A: Oversees the daily technical work.
• Monitors/checks that all maintenance is performed on schedule by CLS/HLTs and contracted service vendors.
• Troubleshoots instrument problems.
• Minimizes downtime on instruments.
• Interacts with service repair personnel.
• Determines the need for back-up instrumentation/methods within 1-2 hours of the initial downtime.
• Troubleshoots procedural problems.
• Investigates all aspects (CLS/HLT error, reagent problem, reference pool problems, specimen integrity problems, instrument, and other supply problems).
• In the event of instrument, procedural or quality control problems, determines if any incorrect results were reported. Takes action to correct these results, if found.
• Ensures that stated turnaround times are met.
• Establishes and maintains quality control.
• Submit to QA Dept data for establishing or modifying control ranges.
• Resolves out-of-control problems, both immediate and trends.
• Monitors and performs instrument calibration.
• Acts as an intermediary consultant to physicians relative to problem patient cases.
• Documents communication from the ordering doctor, for example: unusual requests, discrepant results, and concerns of quality care of the patient.
• Documents the patient's clinical laboratory data via computer printouts.
• Reports these problems to the supervisor and the Laboratory Medicine resident immediately.
• Follows through to ensure the problem is handled.
• Reviews work by the CLS/HLT relative to quantity/unit of time and quality. When necessary, initiates and follows through on "Patient History" changes.
• Handles mislabeled specimen problems.
• Initiates Laboratory Problem Reports to document complaints, errors, injuries and/or variances from standard procedure.

10 Yes
Task B: Teaches or reviews with Clinical Laboratory Scientists, CLS trainees, and HLTs the procedures, operations, and related theory of tests and instruments.
• Trains CLS’s, HLT’s and CLS trainees following current protocols.
• Establishes training schedules with the supervisor.
• Accumulates and uses pertinent teaching materials.
• Maintains appropriate training records.

5 Yes
Task C: Updates existing test procedures and develops new ones.
• Assists in reviewing and updating at least once/year all existing procedures.
• Learns and uses the existing computer software programs for procedure formats.
• Scientifically challenges suggested changes to existing procedures.
• Reviews changes with the supervisor and/or Medical Director.
• Reviews changes with CLS/HLT.
• Develops new test procedures.
• Reviews the literature to establish a thorough understanding of the test.
• Collects and organizes data for reports.
• Writes up a test procedure using the existing computer procedure format.
• Performs all quality control:
• Determines linearity and precision.
• Compares patient results (existing method vs. new method)
• Develops normal range.
• Develops control range.
• Interacts with the computer specialist to establish any necessary computer programs and/or hook-ups.
• Trains the CLS/HLT.

5 Yes
Task D: Performs compliance related duties.
• Performs calibration verification of assays at required intervals.
• Coordinates inter-equipment comparisons within the section and across sites (if applicable).
• Ensures that proficiency test samples are completed by staff and submitted by the deadline.

5 Yes
Task E: Additional Duties
• Performs additional duties, projects, and/or special assignments when requested by the supervisor and completes them within an agreed time.
• Contributes to employees' annual evaluations.
• Maintains adequate supply of inventory. Orders supplies as needed.
• Assists crash captain during LIS/HIS downtimes.

5 Yes
Task F: Assist in and ensure continued smooth operation of the Chemistry section and adequate response to patient needs.
• As assigned by the supervisor, works as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the Chemistry section. During this time, tasks and standards of this job category are applicable.
• In the absence of supervisor(s), temporarily assumes many supervisory responsibilities.
• Adheres to the department’s infection control and personal protection guidelines; maintains a clean and safe work area.

100%
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.
• College graduate degree with a BA or BS in a related science
• Two years of recent experience performing clinical lab testing in the Clinical Laboratories.
• Demonstrated superior theoretical knowledge, technical judgment and skills and the ability to work with a minimum of supervision.
• Assumes responsibilities for keeping abreast of technical developments through current literature review. As requested by a Chemistry Supervisor, evaluates new procedures, and makes recommendations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION
• Prefer five years of Chemistry experience, to include, but not exclusive of, experience in:
• High volume hospital clinical laboratory.
• Current automated equipment/methods in the area of specialty.
• Development of new assays.
• Writing SOP.
• Teaching, including orientation and training of employee.
• Word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license or
• California Clinical Chemistry Scientist License