Medical Laboratory Scientist

Department Overview

The purpose of the Medical Laboratory Scientist position in the Special Immunology and Coagulation Lab is to provide high-quality patient care testing services that support the overall patient care activities of Oregon Health & Science University Hospitals and Clinics and the Department of Pathology. The person in this position is authorized to perform testing in the following areas: Clinical Toxicology and Biochemical Genetics. The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude that will best serve the clients of the department.

Function/Duties of Position

Performs testing utilizing GC-MS, LC-MS/MS instrumentation and diverse chemical reagents to perform high-complexity sample testing Follows written procedures, analytical methods and laboratory safety policies

• ­Determines acceptability of specimens, peak integration, and mass spectrometry data results
• ­Performs LC-MS, GC-MS instrument maintenance, daily start-up, mobile phase preparation, source cleaning and daily quality control checks.
• Design, optimize and validate new analytical testing method (LDT) ­
• Executes LC-MS troubleshooting procedures if indicated by daily system suitability checks, mass calibration, or QC failures. 

Prepares and processes samples for testing:

• ­Perform extensive manual extractions (such as liquid-liquid and solid phrase extractions) on diverse sample matrices
• ­Execute high-volume, highly repetitive manual pipetting with extreme accuracy and dexterity to minimize volumetric error
• ­Calculate complex chemical unit conversions rapidly for sample and standard solution
• ­Prepare accurate calibrations, internal standards, and mobile phases using precise manual techniques
• ­Loads prepared samples, operate Mass Spec systems, and monitor data for peak integration and compound tracking
• ­Performs sample processing duties: Checks in samples, prints work lists, enters results, reviews work, files paperwork, etc.
• ­Performs all computer functions using LIS 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:

• ­Interpret chromatograms and mass spectra data
• ­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 to improve 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

• At least one-year experience in analytical lab setting doing high complexity work including mass spectrometry operation and method development.
• MLS(ASCP) Experience with mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, or use with UPLC

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.

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