Senior Scientist Laboratory- Transfusion Services

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.

Under the direction of the Manager of Transfusion Service, provides technical guidance to staff and customers of the Transfusion Service. Assists in quality activities, technical and equipment troubleshooting, and supports the development and maintenance of the transfusion service computer systems. 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 quality and technical competence that allows for completing work in a highly independent and efficient manner, handling complex technical/equipment issues, and assists in performing final review.

Benefits
Versiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification. Full-time regular employes are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short- and Long-term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.

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.
• Applies immunohematology and quality expertise to the field of immunohematology and transfusion medicine.
• Develops and maintains comprehensive knowledge of areas of expertise in the laboratory.
• Serves as a technical resource to staff.
• Serves as the department subject matter expert for the transfusion service computer systems.
• Oversees training for MLS/MLT students, residents, SBB program students and visitors.
• Assists in the training of new personnel.
• Assists in annual competency testing program for the laboratory.
• Reviews daily work and interpretations for accuracy and recognizes and investigates the reason for potential discrepancies and unexpected results, resolving where appropriate.
• Provide constructive feedback to technologists in regard to errors detected and acknowledgement for exceptional work completion.
• Actively involved in quality and process improvement.
• Writes and reviews validation plans and make recommendations to lab management.
• Assists 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

Education

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology (MLS/CLS/MT) required

Experience

• 4-6 years of experience working in a transfusion service laboratory required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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

• science related degree with certification as a BB technologist required
• MLS/CLS/MT/BB American Society for Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) certification 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