Medical Lab Scientist (Day Shift) Microbiology - Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital-Lakeland, FL

Position Summary:

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) evaluates, assists in the interpreting of results, and analyzes blood and body fluids using both automated and complex manual methods following established policies and procedures to ensure the highest quality of laboratory results within established timeframes. Opening Summer 2026 at 4000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL. The Orlando Health System of Care includes award-winning hospitals and ERs, specialty institutes, urgent care centers, primary care practices and outpatient facilities that span Florida's east to west coasts, Central Alabama and Puerto Rico. Collectively, our dedicated team members honor our over 100-year legacy by providing professional and compassionate care to the patients, families and communities we serve. Join us! Combining the collective strengths of two powerhouse organizations, Orlando Health and the high-quality physicians at Watson Clinic are expanding access to award-winning specialty care for patients in Polk County and beyond. Opening in summer 2026, Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital

• a state-of-the-art, seven-story, multi-specialty hospital
• will serve as a vital 550,000 square-foot healthcare hub offering: 300+ inpatient beds and 69 emergency and observation beds 11 operating rooms and four cardiac interventional suites Dedicated labor and delivery services
• including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that will debut shortly after the hospital opens Comprehensive cardiovascular, neurology, and oncology services Advanced surgical procedures Join us in shaping the future of healthcare in Polk County as part of the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital opening team and share in the privilege of saying you were there from the very beginning.

Benefits Beyond the Expected Orlando Health is committed to providing you with benefits that go beyond the expected, with career-growing FREE education programs and well-being services to support you and your family through every stage of life. We begin your benefits on day one and offer flexibility wherever possible, so that you can be present for your passions. "Orlando Health Is Your Best Place to Work" is not just something we say, it's our promise to you. Benefits that begin on Day 1 Four (4) weeks paid parental leave Debt-free degrees through our Preferred Education Program Tuition reimbursement and loan repayment programs Back-up childcare and elder care Fertility benefits and adoption assistance NCLEX reimbursement Free NCPDs for RN license Free Kaplan review courses Dedicated RN career counselor and GN Coordinators to develop you Specialty certifications reimbursement And more!

Responsibilities:

Essential Functions Evaluates specimens for quality and preanalytical errors. Verifies results and quality control data for accuracy and reliability. Performs, evaluates, and documents all quality control, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. Receives a general guidance and direction, typically on moderately complex procedures only. Has knowledge of other areas in the laboratory and how they are related. Works semi-autonomously to accomplish task assigned. Verify instrument performance standards including linearity, reportable range and method comparisons. Demonstrates computer system proficiency including ordering, resulting, and inquiry functions. Ensures proper utilization and preparation of reagents and supplies. Assists with inventory management. Communicates critical results to the patient caregiver. Evaluate accuracy of results considering all phases of testing to include preanalytical, analytical and post analytical sources of error. Reports work activities, instrument issues, supply issues and pending work at shift change to the oncoming MLS. Responds to work related technical inquiries. Assists in the training of new team members and students. Maintains reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with Orlando Health policies, the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards. Maintains compliance with all Orlando Health policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

Education/Training Bachelor's degree required. Associate's degree and two years of directly related experience may substitute for the Bachelor's degree (in addition to the requirements listed in the Experience section). Successful completion of an approved clinical laboratory training internship. Licensure/Certification Maintains current Florida license as a Medical Technologist certified in the specialty or specialties required by the laboratory section(s) assigned. National Certification such as American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB), or American Medical Technologists (AMT) preferred. Experience One (1) years minimum experience. Based on area of assignment department specific competencies may be required.