Medical Laboratory Scientist

Department Overview

The Medical Laboratory Scientist provides technical support in the Special Immunology and Coagulation Laboratory to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and clinic patients. The incumbent will be a qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist with generalist experience or equivalent capable of performing laboratory testing and associated activities needed to support the technical services provided by the Special Immunology & Coagulation. Testing is performed in: Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Immunology, Chemistry, Serology, and Electrophoresis. Specimen processing, test performance, and result reporting is performed independently after appropriate training. Supervisor or director review of results is required in situations dictated by policy or procedures. The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with behaviors which will best serve the clients of the department.

Function/Duties of Position

Performs testing for laboratory section using various laboratory instrumentation, reagents and reagent kits.

• Follows written procedures, processes and policies.
• Determines acceptability of specimens and results.
• Performs instrument maintenance, start-up and QC, checks instrument parameters, and documents any action taken to bring instruments within specifications.
• Performs troubleshooting procedures if indicated by daily QC or other checks and documents action.

Prepares and processes samples for testing:

• Performs sample processing duties: Checks in samples, prints work lists, enters results, reviews work, files paperwork, etc.
• Performs all computer functions using LIS/HIS according to established procedures and makes required comments in computer.
• Organizes study samples and data using manual or computer-based methods.

Reviews and compiles testing results and paperwork for interpretation by lead, Technical Coordinator, manager or faculty:

• Ensures that all patient and QC results are calculated and recorded according to standard procedures.
• Checks results for plausibility and consistency with diagnostic criteria.
• Works with faculty to improve efficiency and quality of work.
• Works with faculty to evaluate and adapt new tests and methods for pre-analytical sample preparation in all methods used by the laboratory in order to improve the efficiency, accuracy and throughput of testing. Carefully documents method development ideas/procedures in writing
• Writes new and revises old laboratory procedures
• Assists with correcting reports, reviewing work lists.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor''s degree in medical technology, Clinical Lab Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Chemical or Biological field, and current certification MT (ASCP), or MLS (ASCP) within 90 days of hire. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. OR
• Completion of a 2-year accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, plus MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 90 days of hire, and 4 years of experience in a clinical laboratory. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. OR
• Bachelor''s degree in a Chemical or Biological field, and four years' experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory performing testing and related tasks. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Note: experience in a specialty lab area will only qualify candidate to work in that specialty area.

Preferred Qualifications

• MLS(ASCP) Experience with electrophoresis for diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma.
• At least one-year experience in analytical lab setting doing high complexity work including mass spectrometry operation and method development.

Additional Details

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature fluctuations in building.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon''s only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland''s largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu