A Medical Laboratory Scientist specializes in collecting and analyzing body fluids using complex chemical and microscopic tests. Workplaces include clinical laboratories at hospitals, references labs, biotech labs and non-clinical industrial labs.
$12,000 with a 2-year commitment Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist with strong Microbiology experience to support the day-to-day operational and technical management of the laboratory section in Dover, Delaware. The Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist works closely with the Laboratory Section Supervisor and/or Laboratory Manager to ensure efficient laboratory operations, accurate and timely specimen processing and testing, appropriate results reporting, quality control, regulatory compliance, and excellent customer service. This position serves as a key technical resource for laboratory staff and may act as the designated supervisor in the absence of the Laboratory Section Supervisor or Manager. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in a high-complexity laboratory, leadership experience, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a current
MLS/ASCP
certification.
Key Responsibilities:
Laboratory Operations & Leadership Assist the Laboratory Section Supervisor and/or Laboratory Manager with operational and technical management of the assigned laboratory section. Ensure proper day-to-day operations of the laboratory discipline. Serve as a technical resource and problem-solving expert for laboratory staff. Respond to changes in workload and adjust staff assignments as necessary. Lead real-time work assignment adjustments in the absence of the supervisor.
Ensure timely and appropriate:
Specimen handling Specimen delivery Laboratory testing Results reporting Customer service Work independently while collaborating with laboratory leadership. Serve as acting supervisor when designated and perform applicable supervisory responsibilities. Laboratory Testing & Results Perform laboratory procedures within established turnaround times. Perform all applicable technical duties of a Medical Laboratory Scientist. Perform testing during periods of increased workload or staffing shortages. Prioritize workload according to patient and laboratory needs. Report critical and significant values promptly and document actions according to established protocols. Ensure other staff members adhere to critical-value reporting procedures. Perform proficiency testing and maintain complete and timely documentation. Independently perform technical duties of the supervisor when required. Quality Control & Regulatory Compliance Monitor laboratory quality control activities. Review QC results and charts. Monitor and maintain reagent and QC documentation.
Perform and/or oversee:
Linearity studies Calibrations Patient correlations Proficiency testing Quality improvement activities Review patient results and identify potential issues. Investigate unsuccessful proficiency testing results. Ensure proficiency testing reports are reviewed and submitted within required deadlines. Review applicable regulatory standards and identify potential compliance issues. Bring non-compliance concerns to the attention of laboratory leadership. Assist with developing, validating, writing, and implementing new laboratory procedures. Review equipment and maintenance records. Monitor instrument performance and identify trends that may indicate potential problems. Inventory & Laboratory Resources Maintain appropriate inventory levels for the assigned section. Order laboratory supplies as needed. Maintain reagent logs. Ensure adequate supplies are available for current and upcoming shifts. Use laboratory supplies responsibly to minimize waste. Coordinate instrument service calls. Serve as a point of contact for laboratory equipment and supply vendors. Staff Assignment & Training Assign daily tasks to laboratory staff working in the assigned section. Ensure adequate staffing coverage for assigned areas. Arrange coverage for unexpected staffing vacancies when the supervisor is unavailable. Train and assess students and laboratory personnel. Maintain appropriate training and competency documentation. Perform direct observations as part of periodic and annual competency assessments.
Provide input to leadership regarding:
30-day evaluations 60-day evaluations 90-day evaluations 6-month evaluations Annual performance evaluations Participate in personnel selection activities. Lead peer interview teams when assigned. Safety & Infection Control Promote and maintain a strong culture of laboratory safety. Ensure compliance with infection control and safety protocols. Maintain hazardous chemical documentation and logs. Ensure required
MSDS/SDS
information is readily available to staff. Ensure work areas are properly disinfected before the end of each shift. Monitor staffing levels to maintain safe laboratory operations. Promote compliance with hospital and laboratory safety standards. Data Analysis & Performance Improvement Perform, analyze, and report statistical data. Perform daily review of patient results. Monitor and submit monthly QC results. Review QC charts and identify trends. Compile performance improvement reports. Conduct ad hoc studies as required. Recommend appropriate remedial actions. Adjust QC means according to established protocols. Oversee QC and reagent lot rollovers. Participate in projects designed to improve laboratory quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
Required Qualifications:
Education Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university, including: 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of Biological Science Must include at least one semester of Microbiology 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of Chemistry Must include at least one semester of Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry One semester/quarter of Mathematics OR For incumbents who were in the position prior to 2005: Associate's Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology Certification Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS/ASCP) certification required. Experience Minimum 3 years of relevant experience as a: Medical Laboratory Scientist Medical Laboratory Technician Equivalent position Experience must be in a high-complexity laboratory . Microbiology experience is required. Preferred Qualifications 5 years of relevant experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Technician, or equivalent in a high-complexity laboratory. Additional certification related to the position, where applicable. Previous laboratory leadership or Lead MLS experience. Strong Microbiology laboratory background. Experience training and evaluating laboratory personnel. Experience with laboratory quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Required Skills The successful candidate should demonstrate: Strong Microbiology laboratory knowledge. Advanced laboratory testing skills. Leadership and staff coordination abilities. Strong attention to detail. Excellent organizational and prioritization skills. Ability to work independently. Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of high-complexity laboratory operations. Quality control and proficiency testing expertise. Ability to interpret laboratory data and identify trends. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to respond effectively to changing workloads and staffing needs. Commitment to patient safety and laboratory quality. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is an MLS/ASCP-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist with at least 3 years of experience in a high-complexity laboratory and strong hands-on Microbiology experience. Candidates with 5+ years of laboratory experience and previous Lead, supervisory, or senior-level responsibilities are strongly preferred. This position is well suited for an experienced laboratory professional who is ready to take on greater responsibility for daily operations, staff coordination, quality control, regulatory compliance, troubleshooting, and technical leadership. CA02
Pay:
$32.03 - $49.64 per hour
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Relocation assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Minimum 3 years of relevant experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Technician, or equivalent. Microbiology experience is required. Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS/ASCP) certification required. Convenient time for a quick 5-10-minute call
