JobDescriptionandDuties

PositionTitle: Laboratory Technologist (Texas Lab)

Effective Date:2/1/2024

Reports To: Laboratory Supervisor

Position status: Non-Exempt – Full Time

Location: Irving, TX

PrimaryFunction:

The Laboratory Technologist is responsible for accurately and efficiently collecting, sorting, and processing samples using laboratory equipment and quickly reporting any problems to management. Understands and translates raw data acquired through laboratory testing including but not limited to: monitoring quality control performance, assessing and approving laboratory results, and ensuring that laboratory procedures meet standard operating procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Receive or collect specimens from mail carriers, count and sort specimens by department; dispose of specimens in accordance with retention schedules.
• Enter demographic information, test request, insurance information, and other pertinent data into the Laboratory Information System; scrutinize all samples for acceptability.
• Collects, prepares, and evaluates patient specimens for analysis and perform technical procedures with accuracy and precision, meeting the standards of all accrediting/regulatory agencies in a timely manner.
• Identifies problems in analytical procedures/systems; responds with appropriate investigation and/or corrective action.
• Createandmaintainadailyworkflowthatminimizeserrorsandreducesturn-around-timefor result reporting.
• Troubleshoots assays and equipment which fail to perform adequately.
• Observes established safety guidelines and maintains cleanliness of the the laboratory.
• Keep a meticulous and organized record of specimens, tests, reagent QC, instrument logs, and technical analyses.
• Maintain stringent standards for quality, identifying any issues which might adversely impact the quality of test results and/or employee safety, and communicating these to the appropriate management representatives as necessary for resolution. 
• Consultwithmanagementandpersonnelonbetteroperationalprocedurestoimproveoverall efficiency and product yields.
• Accurately document and maintain all records for equipment and instruments.
• Maintain ongoing efforts to improve processes and practices through all testing phases; work closely with the Technical/Laboratory Supervisor to provide quality assurance.
• Ensure laboratory functions meet or exceed the requirements of a CAP/CLIA accredited facility
• Support the administrative functions of the lab as required
• All other reasonable duties, as assigned

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities:

Mental Abilities and Skills Requirements-

• Proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office programs, to include Word, Outlook, Teams, and Excel with ability to become proficient in company’s Laboratory Information System (LIS) software.
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy with special attention to detail.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve basic and complex issues.
• Must be comfortable working in a laboratory environment and be comfortable handling human
• Multitask and coordinate multiple projects/assignments simultaneously and completing assigned tasks accurately and on a timely basis.
• Ability to adapt in a constantly changing environment and the ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information to technical and non-technical audiences; ability to proactively communicate consistently, clearly, and honestly.
• Ability to take initiative, communicate proactively about anticipated issues, exercise discretion and independent judgment in alignment with company vision and goals, maintain confidentiality, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a team environment.
• Must show superior time management and organizational skills.
• Possesses strong analytical, critical-thinking, interpersonal, and team facilitation skills.
• Must be able to process samples without introducing contamination and successfully participate in scheduled proficiency testing.
• Use of barcode readers, scanners, and copiers/printers.
• Proficiency in all of the following:

• • BSL2 lab protocols
  • Sterile technique
  • Low volume micro-pipetting (1µl-5µl)
  • DNA extraction (manual and automated)
  • RT-PCR
  • 384-well plating for RT-PCR
  • Data analysis
  • CT/Cq threshold adjustment and analysis
  • Troubleshooting

Knowledge Needed-

• Extensive knowledge of clinical laboratory skills and standard operating procedures.
• Knowledge of occupational safety and health rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of molecular techniques and technical expertise.
• Prior experience in Quality required with knowledge of CLIA regulations and CAP requirements preferred.

Education and Certification:

Education/Experience Requirements-

Education/Experience Requirements – Level II

• Bachelor’s degree in science is required and Certification by ASCP plus 2 years of molecular diagnostic testing experience, preferably performing Urinary Tract Infection and Antibiotic Resistance testing, in a high-complexity testing laboratory. Experience must be sufficient for the candidate to have developed a high level of competency when performing analytical sample processing steps and all other supporting functions.
  • • OR
• Bachelor’s degree in science is required and five years of molecular diagnostic testing experience, preferably performing Urinary Tract Infection and Antibiotic Resistance testing, in a high-complexity testing laboratory. Experience must be sufficient for the candidate to have developed a high level of competency when performing analytical sample processing steps and all other supporting functions.

Education/Experience Requirements – Level III

• Master’s degree in science is required and Certification by ASCP plus at least two years of molecular diagnostic testing experience, preferably performing Urinary Tract Infection and Antibiotic Resistance testing, in a high-complexity testing laboratory. Experience must be sufficient for the candidate to have developed a high level of competency when performing analytical sample processing steps and all other supporting functions.
  • • OR
• Bachelor’s degree in science is required and Certification by ASCP plus at least eight years of molecular diagnostic testing experience, preferably performing Urinary Tract Infection and Antibiotic Resistance testing, in a high-complexity testing laboratory. Experience must be sufficient for the candidate to have developed a high level of competency when performing analytical sample processing steps and all other supporting functions.