Clinical Lab Scientist Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The primary responsibility of a BCH-Oakland Clinical Laboratory Scientist Specialist is for the technical operations of the BCH-Oakland Clinical Lab which include Blood Bank, Hematology, Chemistry and limited Microbiology sections This individual develops, organizes, and maintains the BCH-Oakland Clinical Lab section in areas of instrumentation, test procedures, workflow, and employee training. In addition, the individual assumes the responsibilities of the Clinical Laboratory Scientists, or the Supervising Clinical Laboratory Scientist as needed.

• Oversees workflow of the lab to ensure turn-around times are met.
• Further troubleshooting or investigation of problems with malfunctioning analyzers and procedures.
• Aids in the development of new procedures or modify existing procedures under the direction of a project leader.
• Performs lab compliance procedures including calibration and calibration verification of assays.
• Review daily operational and equipment quality reports to maintain compliance, establish QC materials and ensure accurate quality data tracking
• Assists in training of new CLS’s and CLS trainees.
• Works as a bench CLS as needed.

• %
• of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

70% Yes TASK A: Oversees the daily technical work

• Monitors/checks that all maintenance is performed on schedule by CLS and contracted service vendors.
• Troubleshoots instrument problems.
• Minimizes downtime on instruments.
• Interacts with service repair personnel.
• Determines the need for back-up instrumentation/methods within 1-2 hours of the initial downtime.
• Troubleshoots procedural and instrument problems.

Investigates all aspects of problem (CLS IR, errors, reagent issues, reference problems, specimen integrity problems, instrument problem, etc).

• In the event of instrument problem, procedural or quality control problems, determine if any incorrect results were reported. Takes action to correct these results, if found.
• Ensures that stated turnaround times are met.
• Establishes and maintains Quality Control.
• Organizes and studies necessary range adjustment. *
• Resolves out-of-control problems, both immediate and trends.
• Monitors daily LJs and performs instrument calibration
• Acts as an intermediary consultant to physicians relative to problem patient cases.
• Documents communication from the ordering Providers such as unusual requests, discrepant results, and concerns of quality care of the patient.
• Documents the patient's clinical laboratory data via computer printouts.
• Reports these problems to the supervisor and the Laboratory Medicine Resident immediately.
• Follows through to ensure the problem is handled.
• Reviews CLS work productivity and performance. When necessary, initiates and follows through on "Patient History" changes.
• Handles mislabeled specimen problems,reviews and updates as needed daily patient ADT changes notifications, and finalize complicated patient results that require second review.
• Initiates Laboratory Problem Reports or Incident Reports to document complaints, errors, injuries and/or variances from standard procedure.

• 10% Yes Task B: Teaches or reviews with Clinical Laboratory Scientists, CLS
• interns and Limited License trainees the procedures, operations, and related
• theory of tests and instruments

• Trains CLS’s, HLT’s and CLS trainees following current protocols.
• Establishes training schedules with the supervisor.
• Accumulates and create teaching materials.
• Maintains appropriate training records and competencies.

5% Yes Task C: Updates existing test procedures and develops new ones

• Assists in reviewing and updating , as needed, all existing procedures .
• Learns and uses the existing document control system( for procedure formats.
• Scientifically challenges suggested changes to existing procedures.
• Reviews changes with the supervisor and/or section director
• Reviews changes in workload and SOPs with CLS.
• Develops new test procedures.
• Reviews the literature to establish a thorough understanding of the test.
• Collects and organizes data for reports.
• Writes up a test procedure using the existing document control system
• Performs all quality control:
• Determines and summarizes linearity and precision
• Compares patient results (existing method vs. new method)
• Develops normal range
• Develops control range

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• Collaborates with IT/LIS teams to submit change requests, oversee LIS builds as needed, perform test build validations, establish interface connections, and coordinate necessary IT hardware installation.Trains CLS and HLTs with lab protocols.

5% Yes Task D: Performs compliance related duties

• Performs calibration verification of assays at required intervals.
• Coordinates inter-equipment comparisons for department and as needed for other lab sites.
• Manage proficiency testing workflows in LIS and ensures that proficiency test samples are completed by staff and submitted before deadline.

5% Yes Task E: Additional Duties

• Performs additional duties, projects, and/or special assignments when requested by the supervisor and completes them within an agreed time period.
• Contributes to employees' annual evaluations.
• Maintains and monitor adequate supply of inventory. Orders supplies as needed. Maintains at least a two-week supply of inventory. Ensures packing slips are initiated and dated and stored properly.
• Assists during LIS/HIS downtimes.

5% Yes Task F: Assist in and ensure continued smooth operation of all BCH-Oakland Clin Lab sections and adequate response to patient needs.

• As assigned by the supervisor or as necessary, works as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the section. During this time, tasks and standards of this job category are applicable.
• In the absence of supervisor(s), temporarily assumes many supervisory responsibilities
• Adhere to the department’s infection control and personal protection guidelines; maintain a clean and safe work area.

100%

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.
• Demonstrated superior theoretical knowledge, technical judgment and skills and the ability to work with a minimum of supervision.
• Assumes responsibilities for keeping abreast of technical developments through current literature review. As requested by a Generalist Supervisor, evaluates new procedures and makes recommendations.
• Bachelor of Science degree required and current CLS Generalist Licensure
• Two years of recent experience as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Generalist (Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology and limited Microbiology).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Prefer five years of generalist CLS experience, to include, but not exclusive of, experience in

• High volume hospital clinical laboratory.
• Current automated equipment/methods in the area of specialty.
• Development of new assays.
• Writing SOP.
• Teaching, including orientation and training of employee.
• Word processing, spreadsheet and database applications
• Two Years recent experience in Transfusion Service / Blood Bank

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• A valid California Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Scientist Generalist license or a temporary license pending passing the next scheduled licensure examination.