Technical Specialist - Laboratory

Job Overview

This position is expected to be available Monday-Friday during normal business hours with flexible start times and scheduling when appropriate. There will be occasional weekend work when traveling or during activation. There is an expectation to be available to come in for activations. This position is to support the Special Pathogen Unit at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center - West Bank, with focus on High Consequence Infectious Diseases. 

 

This position is funded by a grant awarded through the federal government that is renewed on a 5 year cycle. Guaranteed employment is only as long as the grant is funded.

 

The Technical Specialist has direct responsibilities for the technical operations of a laboratory or laboratory section. This includes acting as technical resource, performing a wide variety of complex diagnostic procedures, and directing workflow to ensure the accurate, efficient, and most cost-effective provision of testing. This position is also a primary resource for compliance, regulatory and quality assurance activities.

Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility for the technical operations of assigned laboratory(s)/section(s) and participates in planning and financial management as appropriate. • Directs workflow in the daily operations of a laboratory section and is a technical resource for staff in problem solving and in the evaluation of testing results for accuracy, determining when recheck or other intervention is needed. This may include directly communicating results to provider to investigate and resolve incongruent results. • May be responsible for method development research, instrument correlation, and method validation. • Assures the performance of accurate testing. • Performs laboratory information systems functions; ensures that change requests are communicated to LIS. • Acts as resource for laboratory information systems (LIS) functions coordinating change and implementation requests as needed. • Ensures LIS changes are implemented once made. • Participates in system standardization teams.
• Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic procedures including waived, moderate, or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA ’88. • Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic procedures including waived, moderate, or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA ’88. • Functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice. • Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedures. • Completes specified maintenance on instruments.
• Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them: • Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic procedures including waived, moderate, or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA ’88. • Functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice. • Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedures. • Completes specified maintenance on instruments.
• Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them: • Acts as a resource for problem solving, action steps and troubleshooting for lab procedures and unexpected events in lab operations. • Initiates proper safety or emergency responses. • Consults with supervisor/manager if unable to resolve issues. • Exercises critical thinking to maintain and improve department productivity and efficiencies. • Assists supervisor/manager in designing, implementing, and evaluating new work processes or methods.
• Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to Laboratory Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement and Laboratory Compliance Programs: • Partners with key stakeholders to ensure appropriate quality and performance measures are in place to meet any policy, compliance, or regulatory requirements. • Coordinates the preparation of the lab section for inspection by accrediting agencies. • Documents deviations and action taken. • Takes action to evaluate and resolve QC outliers. Consults with supervisor/manager for assistance if needed. • Assumes responsibility for the lab Performance Improvement program by suggesting areas for improvement, collecting data, reviewing the results, and recommending action steps to be taken. • Documents compliance with and demonstrates working knowledge of regulations of governmental or voluntary agencies. • Collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote appropriate use of laboratory resources.
• Orients and mentors’ new employees and students: • Orients individuals in laboratory operations including routine and complex testing methodology, instrumentation, and laboratory information systems. • Responsible for monitoring and documenting the progress of the orientation and training; provides feedback to trainee. • Completes training checklists and evaluations as appropriate. • Assists supervisor/manager in developing learning plans. • Checks work prior to release.

Required Qualifications

• Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college/university in a related laboratory field including the related lab practicum or equivalent routes meeting qualifications as either a general supervisor for high complexity testing or a technical consultant for moderate complexity testing (dependent upon specialty) as specified in CLIA ’88.
• Bachelor of Science from an accredited college/university in chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology. (Diploma with field of study listed or transcript must be provided); or
• B.S./B.A. from an accredited college/university with 16 semester hours in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours in chemistry including one semester in organic or biochemistry meeting qualifications as a general supervisor for high complexity testing as specified in CLIA ’88. (Transcript must be provided); or
• Combination Education & Experience including completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course and a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with 16 semester hours in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours in chemistry including one semester in organic or biochemistry meeting qualifications as a general supervisor for high complexity testing as specified in CLIA ’88. (Transcript must be provided); or
• Master of Science from an accredited college/university in molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, biology, cytology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field meeting qualifications as a general supervisor for high complexity testing as specified in CLIA ’88. (Diploma with field of study listed or transcript must be provided)
• 1 year laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing required for candidates with baccalaureate or higher degree in chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology when filling a CLIA General Supervisor role; or
• 1 year laboratory training or experience, or both, in moderate complexity testing required for candidates with baccalaureate or higher degree in chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology when filling a CLIA Technical Consultant role; or
• 2 years laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing required for candidates qualifying by baccalaureate degree and semester hours.
• Applicant should possess or be eligible to receive appropriate Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved laboratory certification. • Labs-Acute Care – ◦ ASCP, ASCPi, or AMT – MLS or MT ◦ HEW Medical Technologist certification may be considered within 1 Year.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years experience in high consequences infectious diseases testing. 
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills 
• Demonstrated ability to present information clearly and confidently to audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary healthcare teams and build collaborative relationships with physicians, RNs, laboratory staff, EMS personnel, and other healthcare professionals preferred.

Benefit Overview

Fairview offers a generous benefit package including but not limited to medical, dental, vision plans, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, PTO and Sick and Safe Time, tuition reimbursement, retirement, early access to earned wages, and more! Please follow this link foradditional information: https://www.fairview.org/careers/benefits/noncontract

Compensation Disclaimer

The posted pay range is for a 40-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). The actual rate of pay offered within this range may depend on several factors, such as FTE, skills, knowledge, relevant education, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, our organization values pay equity and considers the internal equity of our team when making any offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program that is approved and in place at the time of offer, is what will be honored.
EEO Statement

EEO/Vet/Disabled: All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to any lawfully protected status