Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for ensuring technical accuracy and performing laboratory assays, maintaining instruments and data information systems, training of new team members or on new processes, maintaining compliance to CAP/CLIA/NYSDOH/FDA and other regulating bodies. This role supports the Technical Supervisor, Lead Medical Technologist, and Laboratory Director in assuring a safe and compliant work environment, instrumentation and information systems operational excellence, and in delivering outstanding patient care and clinician service.

Education, Training and Licensure/Credentials:

• Bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or related science required, and minimum of four years of clinical laboratory experience
• Graduate degree in Laboratory Medicine, Molecular Biology or related field preferred
• ASCP certification in Clinical Laboratory Science or equivalent and/or hold a current, or be eligible for, a Tennessee Clinical Laboratory Scientist license or Special Analyst.

Experience:

• Experience working in a CLIA regulated environment.
• Experience in use of Laboratory Information Systems (LIS/LIMS). 
• Experience in molecular instrumentation use, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Experience in laboratory developed test (LDT) assay performance analysis and analytical validation is highly desired. Familiarity with nucleic acid extraction, QC and sequencing platforms is highly preferred.
• Experience in process improvement and project management skills is preferred.
• Experience in quality assurance evaluation of quality data/key performance indicators, in supporting quality improvement initiatives and in addressing quality performance issues is preferred.
• Experience in supporting preparation for audits maintaining successful accreditation to NYSDOH/CLIA/CAP is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, required.
• Must be detail-oriented, a self-starter, possess critical thinking skills and be able to set priorities and function as part of a team as well as independently.
• Possess and maintain computer skills to include working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, LIMS, and ability to learn other software as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with Technical Supervisor and Lead Medical Technologist to ensure efficient daily workflow. The CLS will commit full time effort to performing clinical testing, training, instrumentation qualification and maintenance, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement, and efficiently handling workload and workflow.
• Set priorities to organize workload appropriately and utilize effective decision-making skills; work effectively as a professional, handling challenging situations, identifying and troubleshooting problems, seeking and considering alternative solutions and supporting initiatives to implement improvements.
• Participate in activities for verification of the test procedures performed and establishment of the laboratory's test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system.
• Support the laboratory quality control program, established, and maintained in accordance with governing regulations, including NYSDOH/CLIA/CAP/FDA, and support the assay performance and data collection for the establishment of parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance and ensuring that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process from the initial receipt of the specimen, through sample analysis and reporting of test results. Participate in Quality Control (QC) and Quality Management (QM) Performance Improvement (PI) activities. Work to support laboratory initiatives under the Laboratory Medical Director to identify and monitor Laboratory Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to effectively drive continuous process improvement program.
• Identify and work to resolve technical problems; ensure proper maintenance, safety practices and training on equipment are occurring as intended.
• Assist in preparation for inspection-readiness for NYSDOH/CLIA/CAP/FDA. Participate in a proficiency testing program or method commensurate with the services offered and perform Proficiency Testing as assigned. Write laboratory procedures and associated instruction documents, forms and training materials.
• Support training of new hires performing testing. Participate in continuing education activities and maintain records to continue active ASCP and/or NYS accreditation.
• Communicate effectively and strive for excellence in customer service and patient care. Contribute to a functional and positive staff culture.
• Comply with safety programs and procedures including blood borne pathogens, hazardous chemical waste disposal, and environmental services.
• Work closely with commercial operations to build relationships with internal and external customers and collaborators. 

This is a full-time position at our laboratory in Franklin, TN.