Laboratory Scientist Team Lead (Transfusion Services)

Overview

Versiti is a fusion of donors, scientific curiosity, and precision medicine that recognize the gifts of blood and life are precious.

We are home to the world-renowned Blood Research Institute, we enable life saving gifts from our donors, and provide the science behind the medicine through our diagnostic laboratories.

Versiti brings together outstanding minds with unparalleled experience in transfusion medicine, transplantation, stem cells and cellular therapies, oncology and genomics, diagnostic lab services, and medical and scientific expertise.

This combination of skill and knowledge results in improved patient outcomes, higher quality services and reduced cost of care for hospitals, blood centers, hospital systems, research and educational institutions, and other health care providers.

At Versiti, we are passionate about improving the lives of patients and helping our healthcare partners thrive.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Manager of Transfusion Service, provides on-site leadership and mentorship, guidance on operational issues, daily work direction, work review, staff development, training, and staff scheduling.

Performs immunohematology testing on patient samples and provides the correct blood product for transfusion based on these results.

Performs component preparation as ordered by the provider to ensure the correct product is issued for transfusion. Provides the most appropriate blood in a timely and accurate manner and provides phone consultation to customers.

This position has developed and demonstrated a level of competence and leadership skills that allows for completing and coordinating work in a highly independent and efficient manner and handling complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Handles and processes specimens, ensuring proper identification.
• Performs serologic testing according to SOPs on patient and donor samples.
• Recognizes and resolves procedural discrepancies in testing results.
• Interprets laboratory results.
• Reports laboratory results.
• Performs component preparation as ordered by the provider following all applicable SOPs.
• Issues appropriate products for transfusion.
• Maintains accurate, concurrent, and complete records.
• Operates laboratory equipment correctly and performs quality control testing on equipment and reagents. Knows acceptable levels of performance.
• Adheres to all required FDA, AABB (fka American Association of Blood Banks),CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and CAP (College of American Pathology) regulations.

Follows cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards.

• Maintains controlled inventories of reagents and laboratory materials.
• Provides on call and / or overtime coverage as required.
• Assists in the training of students.
• Develops and maintains comprehensive knowledge of areas of expertise in the laboratory.
• Reviews daily work and interpretations for accuracy, and recognizes and investigates the reason for potential discrepancies and unexpected results, resolving where appropriate.
• Coordinates the training of current and new staff members in all areas of the department, including continuing education.
• Coordinates annual competency testing program for the laboratory.
• Monitors and identifies staff competency issues. Consults with department Manager. Provides input for performance appraisals.
• Manages proficiency testing events, including assignment to technologists, review of results, obtaining signatures and submission by due date.

Participates in review, investigation and corrective action based on report if required.

• In the absence of the manager serves as the main point of contact for the laboratory.
• Manages workflow and direct activities to ensure that turnaround time goals are met.
• Prepares and manages staff schedule, and leads huddles.
• Provide constructive feedback to technologists in regard to errors detected and acknowledgement for exceptional work completion.
• Lead department process improvement projects.
• Actively involved in quality and process improvement.
• Leads in the preparation of new / updated QSDs / SOPs in compliance with regulatory and accrediting agencies Assists in performing tasks involved in changes to processes and procedures.
• Listens, anticipates and responds to the needs of internal and external customers and strives to meet expectations.
• Communicates clearly, accurately, and respectfully with customers and colleagues, ensuring that necessary information is shared.
• Notifies management or other appropriate persons of problems or issues as appropriate.
• Works effectively with inter or intra-department(s) and project teams to meet customer needs and organizational goals.
• Supports and promotes Versiti mission and values, both at work and in the community.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in Clinical Laboratory Science / Medical Technology (MLS / CLS / MT) or science related degree with certification as a BB technologist required

Experience

• 1-3 years of laboratory training and / or experience in high complexity testing required
• 4-6 years of experience working in a transfusion service laboratory required
• Mastery of Transfusion Service Laboratory Scientist duties, responsibilities, and behaviors. required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership skills including the ability to take initiative and strong interpersonal skills. required
• Demonstrated team building skills, including the ability to provide work direction, coaching, and feedback. required
• In depth knowledge of immunohematology and immunology theory. required
• Strong knowledge of equipment and ability to troubleshoot complex problems with lab equipment. required
• Knowledge of general laboratory methods, principles of quality control, quality assurance, AABB (American Association of Blood Banks), FDA (Food and Drug Administration), CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act) regulations, CAP (College of American Pathology) standards, cGMPs (current Good Manufacturing Practices), and other state accrediting agencies. required
• Skilled in the operation of laboratory equipment, instrument, computer, and materials. required
• Effective time management and organizational skills to coordinate a broad base of laboratory functions and appropriately prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously. required
• Maintain accurate, timely records of patient / donor information and laboratory results. required
• Strong detail orientation and analytical skills to evaluate and ensure accuracy of data related to laboratory results and patient or donor information. required
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey understanding of factual information and make recommendations to staff and customers. required
• Superior technical skills. required
• Superior problem solving skills. required
• Ability to work independently and as a team member. required
• Ability to teach / train other personnel. required

Licenses and Certifications

MLS / CLS / MT / BB American Society for Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) certification required or equivalent. required

Tools and Technology

• Personal Computer (desktop, laptop, tablet). required
• General office equipment (computer, printer, fax, copy machine). required
• Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). required
• General laboratory equipment including centrifuges, automated cell washers and incubator / waterbaths for performing clinical tests. required
• Irradiator. required

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