Medical Laboratory Scientist I, Pathology - Boston, United States - Partners Healthcare System

Description

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Center for Advanced Molecular Diagnostics (CAMD) consists of two CLIA-certified clinical laboratories, cytogenetics and molecular diagnostics for the Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), and a Partners Research Core, the CAMD Translational Biomarker Core (TBC).

Our mission is to provide high quality innovative genetic diagnostic services to support the patient care and clinical research missions of our institutions.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist I, in their role as Testing Personnel as defined by CLIA, may perform waived and non-waived testing.

Under general supervision and working quite independently, this person carries out all policies and performs all clinically validated tests in accordance with the department's standard operating procedures (SOPs).

In addition, this person performs a variety of sophisticated molecular protocols that are in development for diagnostic testing and will contribute to the development of new SOPs.

This person works independently in an efficient and organized manner to assure accurate results and records. The work requires a professional level of knowledge to read and accurately interpret test results.

Protocols utilize a variety of molecular assays that are constantly evolving as the discipline develops, but includes PCR, RT-PCR, capillary gel electrophoresis, and Next Generation Sequencing.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities as outlined by CLIA (as described in the Federal Register, 42 CFR, Subpart M

The testing personnel are responsible for specimen processing, test performance and for reporting test results.

(a) Each individual performs only those high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training or experience, and technical abilities.

(b) Each individual performing high complexity testing must-(1) Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results;

(2) Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens;

(3) Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed;

(4) Follow the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance;

(5) Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the general supervisor, technical supervisor, clinical consultant, or director;

(6) Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications; and

(7) Except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section, if qualified under § b)(5), perform high complexity testing only under the onsite, direct supervision of a general supervisor qualified under §

Additional Responsibilities in collaboration with TBC Clinical Supervisor, Senior Research Scientist, and Medical Director:

• Works quite independently, performs a variety of routine and highly complex molecular laboratory test protocols for diagnostic purposes on blood and other body fluids, according to laboratory policies, including evaluation of patient and control results for reporting. Maintains diagnostic viability of specimens received.
• Responsible for following the clinical laboratories' procedures for specimen handling, specimen processing, test analyses, and reporting of patient results, including the handling and analysis of Proficiency Testing material.

Participates in sample intake and accessioning processes which includes:

a. Receiving samples, verifying, and gathering patient and test information as needed

b.

Evaluating requisition information and entering cases into the Anatomic Pathology laboratory information system (LIS), PowerPath, and the laboratory management system, Clarity.

c. Documenting information associated with patient specimens, testing and inquiries

d. Troubleshooting basic problems related to specimen and patient information

e. Organizing slides for Pathologist review and recording the Pathologist annotations

• Responsible for organizing and executing entire day workload, which will vary and require adjusting to the clinical and research specimens obtained each day. Must work with other technologists as a team. Reviews daily work including patient/sample results, quality control and maintenance records for accuracy and completeness as applicable.
• Responsible for maintaining laboratory instrumentation by ensuring that all assigned and as-needed instrument maintenance is performed on schedule in addition to quality control for all reagents.
• Troubleshoots and assists in resolving problems in areas of responsibility with assistance of TBC Clinical Laboratory Supervisor, Senior Research Scientist, and/or Medical Director.
• Aids other technologists as needed in technical problems and interpretation of results.
• Responsible to document all corrective action procedures undertaken in CAMD.
• Keep records of quality control, maintenance, and workload data according to laboratory policies.
• Assists in training for all testing personnel, as assigned. Assists in the orientation, training and of other staff and clinical students in CAMD. Documents training at the time of evaluations.
• Assists in writing updated standard operating procedures and associated policies, procedures, and objectives, including the areas of quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control.
• Responsible for ordering and maintaining supplies and reagents required for CAMD testing.
• Keeps current in developments in technical instrumentation and analytical techniques in clinical molecular biology. Participates in internal and external continuing education.
• Participates in research, development and implementation of new testing procedures and panels, in collaboration with TBC Clinical Laboratory Supervisor, Senior Research Scientist, and Medical Director. Recommends, evaluates, and validates new methods, instrumentation, and/or procedures.
• Assist with development and implementation of LIS enhancements and quality improvement initiatives.
• Participates in Proficiency Testing program including the handling and analysis of Proficiency Testing material.
• Promotes the mission and vision of Brigham and Women's Hospital and laboratories, and a spirit of professionalism and excellence in performance among the laboratory staff.
• Is responsible to be aware of JC National Patient Safety Goals and to comply with BWH Hospital and Laboratory policies and procedures. Works closely with Technical Director to maintain compliance and keep current of JC standards and other regulatory standards.
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Chemical, Physical, or biological science from an accredited institution, college or university OR other qualifications as described in the Federal Register, 42 CFR, Subpart M

2. 1-2 years' relevant experience

• Coursework in molecular biology and/or genetics strongly preferred. MB (ASCP) or equivalent certification preferred but not required.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to perform molecular biology techniques.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions accurately and thoroughly and to take responsibility for one's actions.
• Excellent organizational skills to cope with variable and often very busy schedule and to maintain accuracy and expertise.
• Flexibility in coping with demands that vary from day to day.
• On own initiative, ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot problems as necessary.
• Easy familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and equipment, as well as strong basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics and use of computers.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills for dealing with a wide variety of staff and clinicians.
• Ability to work under general supervision.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Very active, engaging, and constantly evolving laboratory environment with research and development of new assays. Large number of personnel in the affiliated clinical lab with a high level of camaraderie and teamwork. Controlled and regulated conditions with mandatory safety procedures to minimize exposure to solvents, chemical reagents, and potential infectious agents. Will be required to handle human tissue.


HOSPITAL WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Works within legal, regulatory, accreditation and ethical practice standards relevant to the position and as established by BWH/Partners; follows safe practices required for the position; complies with appropriate BWH and Partners policies and procedures; fulfills any training required by BWH and/or Partners, as appropriate; brings potential matters of non-compliance to the attention of the supervisor or other appropriate hospital staff.