Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist

The Cytogenetics Laboratory at University of Minnesota Medical Center East Bank is looking for a fulltime MLS/MT working 80 hours per 2 week pay period, Monday-Friday days with rotatingweekends and holidays.

The Cytogenetics Laboratory provides quality patient care by providing results for Cancer, Constitutional and Prenatal Studies. The laboratory utilizes highly specialized testing including G-banding, Comparative Genomic Hybridization and FISH Analysis to interpret patient results.

For more on University of Minnesota Medical Center East Bank, click here .

We offer competitive Benefits , including Tuition Assistance and Reimbursement.

The Cytogenetics MLS/MT functions independently in performing major Cytogenetics work responsibilities of the professional laboratory practice. A MLS/MT performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing, and acts as a resource for problem resolution and interpretation of results. The MLS/MT may be responsible for method development research, instrument correlation, and method validation. The MLS/MT correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise, and other conditions affecting test results. The MLS/MTassistsin laboratory performance improvement activities.

Follows established guidelines to obtain specimens and prioritize work.

• Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing.
• Verifies correct identification of specimens before testing.
• Follows established guidelines for determining priority of specimen testing and procurement.
• Determines and/or revises priorities for specimen procurement within department guidelines and clinical information

Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing.

• Performs waived, moderate or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA 88.
• May assist with method development research, instrument correlation, and method validation.
• 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.

• Assists withproblem solving, corrective action and troubleshooting for lab procedures and unexpected events in lab operations
• Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
• Consults with supervisor if unable to resolve issues.
• Exercises critical thinking to maintain and improve department productivity and efficiency.

Evaluates testing results for accuracy and appropriate intervention.

• Determine if test results fall within normal parameters and reporting protocols. Recognizes age-specific reference ranges.
• Correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise and other conditions affecting test results.
• Takes appropriate action to recheck abnormal, discrepant, or unexpected results.
• Directly communicates abnormal and critical results to care giver.
• Obtains information from caregivers to resolve reasons for incongruent results (physiologic or methodologic).

Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to Laboratory Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement and Laboratory Compliance Programs

• Documents deviations and action taken.
• Documents reagent, test kit and calibrator checks
• Takes action to evaluate and resolve QC outliers. Consults with supervisor for assistance if needed.
• Assumes responsibility for the lab Performance Improvement program by suggesting areas for improvement, collecting data, reviewing the results, and recommending corrective action 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.

• Participates in orienting individuals in routine and complex testing methodology, instrumentation, and information systems.
• Checks work prior to release.
• Completes training checklists and evaluations as appropriate.
• Reports progress and problems to supervisor/manager.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors in a related laboratory field including the related lab practicum or equivalent routes as specified in CLIA88. (Preferred BS in Medical Laboratory Science/or Medical Technology.) HEW certification as a Medical Technologist is also recognized.

License/Certification/Registration

• Possess or be eligible to receive appropriate HHS approved laboratory certification (ASCP, or AMT). HEW certification is also recognized. If not certified, must obtain certificate within one year of eligibility/hire, which in no case will exceed 2 years if seeking a specialty certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASCP certification in Cytogenetics
• Prefer BS in Cytogenetics, Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology
• Experience in FISH, G-Bands, or Micro array

Other Required Skills

• Attention to detail
• Good organizational skills
• Good Communication skills

Desired Skills

• Demonstrate the ability to work under stress in a variety of situations
• Ability to exercise independent judgment