Medical Laboratory Scientist

UPMC Altoona is looking for a fulltime night shift Medical Laboratory Scientist!  This position is a part of our Night Shift Program! 

We are currently offering a SIGN-ON BONUS up to $15,000!  The amount offered varies based on experience and commitment length.  Don't miss out - apply today!

Night Program Guidelines
• As part of the program, participants must commit to working to the maximum of their 
budgeted shifts based on FTE status as off-shift hours (12-hour blocks such as 3 p.m. to 
3 a.m., 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., etc. or 8-hour blocks such as 11 p.m to 7 a.m, etc.). 
• Eligible participants will receive an additional $2 per hour night program differential, on 
top of their hospital’s current off-shift differential, for night hours worked as part of the 
program. 
• Any additional worked day shifts (meetings, competencies, additional overtime shifts) will 
be paid without the night program differential. 
• All PTO (paid time off) requests must continue to be approved, in advance, by the 
participant’s unit director/manager, and the night program differential will not be applied 
to the hourly rate paid for PTO. 

Night Program Eligibility
• Eligible participants must be in a laboratory professional role in a regular full-time or parttime status, and work in a department that requires 24-hour on-site coverage. 
• Laboratory professionals who have completed their orientation period and have at least 
six-months of experience are eligible to participate. 
• Eligible participants must have a performance rating of Solid/Strong/Good to enter the 
program and not received any corrective action within the last six months. Maintaining a 
Solid/Strong/Good rating will be required to remain in the program. New employees are 
able to enter the program at the time of hire.
• If a participant resigns or is removed from the program for not meeting the night program 
guidelines, they are not permitted to return to the program for one calendar year. 
• If a participant does not work steady night shifts, they are not eligible to receive the 
additional differential and their participation will be evaluated for removal from the 
program. 

Responsibilities:

• Interact with all laboratory customers courteously and professionally; respond to telephone inquiries in a timely manner. Practices pleasant communications both internally and externally.
• Adhere to established laboratory and hospital policies in areas of procedures, methods, quality control, quality assurance, safety, compliance, and personnel policies. Follow established procedures for the collection (including phlebotomy, as required) and processing of specimens for analysis including the appropriateness and stability of the sample. Perform qualitative and quantitative analytical procedures according to established protocols with precision and accuracy in a timely and efficient manner.
• Recognize critical, abnormal, and unacceptable test results and follow-up according to established protocols. Recognize factors that affect measurements and results and initiate the necessary corrective action according to established protocols. Identify problems with instrumentation, methodology, specimens, supplies, or results and act as outlined in predetermined protocols.
• Operate and maintain equipment within the scope of training utilizing defined schedules and written instructions to perform quality control checks, preventive maintenance, and calibration. Perform minor repairs. Use reagents and supplies cost-effectively; monitor and maintain an appropriate supply inventory.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments, their interrelationships and physiological conditions affecting test results.
• Conduct, direct, or assist with test development and methodology/equipment evaluation, selection, and implementation.
• Performs High Complexity Testing (as defined by PA DOH) without direct supervision.
• Assume responsibility for first-line supervision of the section/department temporarily as delegated.
• Train and orient new employees, students, and residents, as applicable and as assigned.