Technical Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Technical Services: Monitors pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical phases of test systems; Periodically reviews the range and types of tests offered to ensure laboratory services remain supportive of advances in laboratory testing systems; Keeps abreast of technical development in area of specialization; Acts as a resource person for the section’s services; Maintains technical ability and knowledge required to supervise the performance of any procedure in the section; Assists in the formulation and monitoring of a Quality Control/Quality Improvement program; Takes responsibility for staff errors; As assigned, oversees and resolves test system problems for all assays through instrument troubleshooting, assessing operator performance and monitoring trends in patient data and quality control data to determine proper instrument/method performance; As assigned, develops new assays through to validation; As assigned, ensures enrollment in appropriate Proficiency Testing programs which meet federal, state, and accrediting agency requirements; Manages the entry of results into appropriate database for all proficiency testing results; Monitors workflow and workload within the sections and adapts operational plan accordingly in a timely manner; Assists clinicians and researchers in utilizing lab services in support of special projects and research protocols; Meets with clinical research sponsors/auditors to review lab service support for various clinical trials; As assigned, ensures equipment is maintained with appropriate documentation; Follows manufacturer’s guidelines and routine preventive maintenance schedules for all equipment in the sections; Assumes bench responsibilities when required; Maintains competency in all technical aspects of the section; Able to perform, troubleshoot, and explain each test procedure currently performed in the section; Performs teaching functions with residents/fellows, Medical Laboratory Science and other students.
• Regulatory Compliance: Works with the Division’s Quality Assurance manager in functioning as liaison to accrediting / regulatory agencies in preparation for inspections, site visits, documentation of compliance, deficiency corrections, status changes, and licensing renewals; Maintains an updated database related to Federal, State, and local government agencies and professional accrediting agencies’ regulatory requirements impacting lab operations including: AABB, CMS (Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services), DOH (Appropriate state Dept. of Health), DOH (Bureau of Laboratories), CAP (College of American Pathologists), CLSI (Clinical laboratory Standards Institute), FDA, FACT, TJC (The Joint Commission), OSHA (Occupational Safety and health Act), NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission), DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency), DOT (Dept. of Transportation: Shipment of Hazardous Material); Ensures that all quality control, instrument records, test records and other documentation are maintained in a manner which complies with all regulatory requirements; Ensures that review of department operating policies and processes are performed within required time limits; Monitors and participates in department efforts to maintain a safe working environment through development of safety policies, ongoing surveillance of environment, and work practices; Ensures deficiencies noted are corrected.
• Additional Responsibilities: Receiving, accessioning, grossing, fixing, processing, and embedding samples including kidney, muscle, and other tissue for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). In addition, the specialist prepares thick sections for evaluation by our pathologists, prepares thin sections of selected areas, stains grids and produces images on TEM, uploads images and serves as a technical expert to the division. The Technical Specialist is responsible for ancillary tasks required to operate the laboratory.

Credentials:

• Appropriate specialist certification from ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) is preferred.

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or other biological or chemical science or U.S. equivalent (substantiated by foreign credential evaluation statement) + 2 years of clinical laboratory experience is required.
• Master's Degree Medical Laboratory Science or other biological or chemical science or U.S. equivalent (substantiated by foreign credential evaluation statement) is preferred.