Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist III

We have an opportunity for an Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist III to join our Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (IRL) team at Bloodworks Northwest.  The incumbent in this role will perform clinical laboratory testing under routine and emergency protocols in IRL.  This role provides technical expertise in IRL testing and the development and implementation of new methods. Certification will lead to an increase of one level.         Principal responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Perform daily workups of complex antibody problems and other red cell reference testing. Fill orders for blood promptly.• Perform antibody ID using tube, gel, and solid phase methods.• Perform warm autoantibody evaluations using matched cells, adsorption, and elution techniques.• Use enhancing reagents and enzymes in the evaluation of complex antibody problems.• Perform extended transfusion reaction evaluations.• Perform neonatal evaluations and antibody titers.• Foster good customer service by acting as a technical resource and consultant to internal and external laboratory professionals and physicians. This may include the clinical significance of results, billing, logistical issues, etc.• Maintain and track inventory levels of antigen-typed units and supplies for testing.• Maintain proficiency in the thawing of rare units (ARDP).• Type, pack, and send rare units provided to the national exchange of rare units.• Participate in initiatives to meet requirements for the American Rare Donor Program for the laboratory to maintain AABB IRL accreditation.• Prepare and QC reagents and serum for use during daily operations.• Review workup documentation, and final reports, and coordinate billing for testing performed.• Encourage cooperation between all staff and maintain a professional and productive working environment.• Troubleshoot equipment and transportation problems.• Maintain complete and accurate documentation of all testing, research, and validation. Perform and document equipment Quality Control (QC) and maintenance.• Work with laboratory staff to develop clear, concise, up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).• Understand and participate in Quality Assurance (QA) functions of the laboratory. Report incidents involving unusual circumstances or failure to follow written standard operating procedures.   REQUIREMENTS:   EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Must qualify as Testing Personnel, High Complexity Testing, under CLIA personnel requirements found in Subpart Mof the Code of Federal Regulations.• Bachelor of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or other Biological Science or equivalent is required.• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Blood Bank Technologist (BB), or Medical Laboratory Technician(MLT) or equivalent is required.• Certification as a Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) is preferred.• Minimum of 2-3 years of Immunohematology Laboratory experience is required   Specific skills, include, but are not limited to: Ability to comply with Bloodworks’ Mandatory Vaccinations policy• Requires ability to comprehend the criticality of the testing being performed, as it relates to the blood components being prepared for transfusion, or organs being transplanted. Includes a fundamental understanding of the financial value of the testing reagents, blood components being prepared, and the necessity to follow all regulatory rules and regulations (AABB, CFR, EU, CLIA, HIPAA, and WA State), including FDA’s “Good Manufacturing Practices”.• Required mental activities involve continuous use of teamwork. Required mental activities used less frequently include interpersonal skills, and the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English (all used frequently); decision making, creativity, customer service, independent judgment and/or independent action, the performance of basic mathematics, and the performance of accurate proofreading and correct spelling (all used occasionally); and the use of discretion, presentations/teaching, problem analysis, negotiation, mentoring, the performance of basic mathematics and programming, and the performance of advanced programming (all used rarely).• Required physical activities include frequent standing, walking, talking, reaching, feeling, hearing, handling,g and repetitive motions of hands/wrists. Required physical activities used less frequently include stooping, sitting, bending, and repetitive motions of feet (all used occasionally); and kneeling, crawling, and climbing (all used rarely).• The ability to push, pull, and lift an average of 40 pounds throughout the day is required, as is the ability to carry an average of 20 pounds throughout the day.• Significant manual dexterity is required to operate various instruments and to perform required data entry.• Must be capable of performing independent work with a high degree of accuracy.• Functional proficiency with Microsoft Office applications Working conditions include: This is a highly regulated position and is subject to meeting various regulatory agency and accrediting body rules and regulations (FDA, AABB, CLIA, CAP, etc.). The position requires extensive computer and close work; occasional heavy lifting, constant standing, substantial overtime, and on-call status; as well as infrequent off-shift work. The position requires intermittent work (up to 30 minutes on each occasion) in cold rooms (1 – 6oC) and walk-in freezers (-35oC). Ability to work weekends and holidays as assigned Telecommuting is not offered in this role. Ability to take on-call responsibility as assigned. This position has direct exposure to blood-borne pathogens. As this is an essential position with direct responsibility to donors and/or patients, the incumbent should be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts and/or possibly at a different location during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies.  Shift: Am shift Tuesday to Saturday (2 weeks)  rotation Monday to Friday (2 weeks) 8 hrs per day 6 am to 2.30 pm Benefits and Perks:   Employees regularly scheduled for 24 hours per week are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with family coverage also available. Also able to participate in retirement plans (401a & 403b), consolidated paid leave program (4.8 – 6.8 weeks of time off accrued per year, based on length of service), subsidized transit program, and educational reimbursement.  Candidates hired from outside of our service area may be eligible for a relocation assistance bonus* *Conditions apply

Salary : $38 - $59