Cell Therapy Laboratory Lead Scientist

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Under the direction of Facility Director and Lab Manager, the Lead Laboratory Scientist assists with the oversite of laboratory operations, including the monitoring of day-to-day operations, scheduling and delegating work assignments, advanced problem-solving resolution, ordering and inventory control, and cellular product and storage management. Assists with the laboratory quality control and quality assurance programs. Serves as the section lead with regard to special projects, IT changes and upgrades, new protocols, statistic capture, and the implementation or evaluation of new instrumentation. Maintains operational effectiveness and assumes responsibility for continuing education requirements, competency, training, and expertise. Provides technical assistance to all staff and serves as a resource capable of handling complex problems. Cooperatively and proactively, assists in other areas as needed in a teamwork -oriented environment. Maintains procedure knowledge and implements all new and revised procedures in real time. Maintains effective communications and harmoniously transfers information to employees.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran
Responsibilities

• 1. Demonstrates technical competency and proficiency in aseptic techniques, quality control, completing calculations, specimen and product handling, and the performance of routine and complex product processes/manipulation.
• 2. Demonstrates the ability to write laboratory procedures that conform to YNHHS, Department of Labotory Medicine, and FACT requirement and standards. Reviews and updates procedures on an annual or as-needed basis. Ensures that all staff in the section have read and understand all applicable procedures and/ or revisions.
• 3. Performs cell product processing according to laboratory procedures with acceptable accuracy and precision. Performs at a high degree of skill with regards to equipment and/or instrumentation, including operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures.
• 4. As requested in conjunction with the Medical Director, Facility Director, Lab Manager, develops and/or evaluates new tests and processing methods, including statistical testing, computer system requirement, storage space utilization, staff training, etc. Makes recommendations about implementation of procedures.
• 5. Performs a wide variety of technical duties to ensure accurate and efficient processing of cell therapy products. Assists in the supervision of the department staff to ensure compliance with departmental and hospital policies and procedures.
• 6. Monitors daily workflow and addresses problems/issues as they arise. Proactively and continually reassesses staffing needs in the lab section and rearranges as required in order to maintain optimum operational efficiency and attain goals.
• 7. Ensures that proper procedures are being followed by the staff; intervenes and takes corrective actions when improper procedures are being utilized.
• 8. Along with Facility Director and Quality Assurance Coordinator, develops and implements training checklists, scripts, and competency assessment materials used for staff training. Utilizes these materials to effectively perform and document staff training and competency in an organized fashion.
• 9. Participates in Performance review process for supervised staff by providing appropriate and timely input to the supervisor; maintains detailed documentation of incidents where performance standards are exceeded /not met.
• 10. Monitor staff compliance with hospital and laboratory policies and procedures. Assists with conflicts among staff. Obtains facts in response to specific complaints and discuss the issues with the management team.
• 11. Reviews on a regular basis all aspects of the quality control and preventative maintenance.
• 12. Participates in capturing testing charges and quality metrics, statistics, and validation plans for projects.
• 13. Monitors and maintains inventory for the laboratory section; orders laboratory supplies in a manner that ensures adequate inventory levels; keeps emergency orders to less to a minimum.
• 14. Demonstrates excellent problem-solving skills; responds to problems in an immediate fashion; thoroughly investigates all aspects of the problem; responds to complaints in a timely fashion; demonstrates excellent customer service by always being courteous and responsive to a complaint.
• 15. Supports staff in activities that enhance overall laboratory efficiency and environment. Recognizes staff ideas, encourages suggestions by providing feedback.
• 16. Demonstrates knowledge of use of laboratory computer functions and the hospital information system, including downtime procedures
• 17. Effectively communicates with the staff in a clear, concise and respectful manner. Encourages and elicits feedback from staff on work process improvement. Communicates well with other members of the Hospital staff, including physicians, nurses, managers and supervisors of other departments. Maintains open communication with other members of the Department of Laboratory Medicine. Effectively communicates pertinent issues to the Facility Director and Laboratory Manager.
• 18. Participates in monitoring staff attendance, time off, and scheduling in the YNHHS timeclock computer system.
• 19. Participates in activities that demonstrate commitment professionalism. Demonstrates a sensitivity to needs of coworkers and patients by monitoring adherence to policies governing confidentiality. Takes immediate action when violations occur.
• 20. Accepts constructive criticism in a positive manner and takes immediate corrective action to improve performance when needed.
• 21. Privately provides valuable feedback to staff. Never openly criticizes or embarrasses staff.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

BS degree in biological or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 2 years' experience in a cellular therapy program. Experience in aseptic techniques, good manufacturing practices, and general computer skills are required. Experience in methods for processing cells and/or tissues for clinical transplantation/immunotherapy required. Previous leadership experience preferred.

LICENSURE

MLS (ASCP) certification preferred.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Excellent communication skills. Ability to interact with laboratory staff, students, physicians, and clinical personnel. Ability to manage and remain effective with multiple priorities /projects. Working knowledge of principles of cellular therapy.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Must be able to work in biosafety cabinet for extended time. Required to work with liquid nitrogen freezers, which requires moderate strength and flexibility. Position may be subject to repetitive lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting. Must be able to safely be utilize personal protective equipment.

YNHHS Requisition ID

119029