Job Description

Job Title

Medical Laboratory Technologist

Location

Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System

Palo Alto, CA

Description

The emerging pathogen Medical Technologist performs high level laboratory work and advanced molecular testing to help diagnose diseases, track outbreaks, and support public health investigations. This includes using whole genome sequencing to find unknown or emerging pathogens, and running targeted tests like antibody/antigen testing, RT-PCR for detecting RNA viruses, and meticulous sequence typing to identify specific strains. These methods are key to accurate diagnosis and effective public health response.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable.

· Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained.

· Selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.

· Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections.

· Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports.

· Calibrate, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments on which trained.

· Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring.

· Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs.

· Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures.

· Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications) to verify results.

· Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results.

· Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly.

· Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system.

· Responsible for LIM services to build or maintain connectivity between PHRL and all VAMC clinical laboratories.

· Serve as an expert to perform and provide authoritative advice to staff and troubleshooting ability for more difficult or unique molecular assays.

· Provide information, guidance, or test results regarding complex molecular laboratory testing to VHA clinical laboratory personnel; county/state/CDC public health officials; and other VA or USG stakeholders.

· Perform validations of new methods to determine accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, normal ranges and interfering substances. This includes experience with vendor supplied reagents and testing platforms approved by US FDA or PHRL laboratory developed tests (LDT) that must undergo the same rigorous evaluation prior to performing clinical testing.

· Conduct evaluations and analyses and recommend changes to correct deficiencies that improves laboratory test performance.

· Troubleshoot complex laboratory test platform malfunctions, including mechanical or software issues, and if required, work with vendor technical personnel to resolve problems.

· Design workflows for laboratory testing that incorporates considerations for laboratory space, personnel protective equipment and proper containment if required; appropriate test methodology, testing equipment platform, reagents and consumables; test result structure for electronic reporting; and proficiency testing.

· Advise supervisor and clinical providers on aspects of the requested testing, including the appropriateness of specific tests.

· Advise on alternate laboratory testing to overcome ambiguities in clinical diagnoses.

· Identify training needs for the laboratory services provided, which include but are not limited to vendor-associated in-service or hands on training for laboratory platforms; all required VA training; The Joint Commission laboratory criteria; continuing education requirements to maintain Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) certification.

· Identify, define, and resolve issues with complex data or unique or controversial aspects of the testing where no direct precedent exists.

Travel

· This position does not require travel.

Work Schedule

There are two shifts for this position.

· Shift 1: Hours will be between 8am to 5pm (with one-hour lunch) Monday through Friday including holidays.

· Shift 2: Hours will be between 8am to 5pm (with one-hour lunch) Tuesday through Saturday including holidays.

· Assigned shift to be discussed with Supervisor.

· No overtime is authorized.

Qualifications

· Must currently possess the appropriate certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) given by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR).

· B.S. degree in a Biological Sciences-related field

·2-5 years of laboratory experience (especially molecular assays).

· Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.

· Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.

· Ability to interpret and apply complex written instructions.

· Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with Laboratory Director, Laboratory Supervisor, and other members of the healthcare team.

· Knowledge and understanding of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization to solve testing, quality or customer service problems.

· Must have experience in VA Laboratory Information Management (LIM) systems

· Must provide documentation of eligibility to legally work in the United States without an employer sponsored visa.

· Must be able to pass client background screening for security clearance.

Pay Range

·$45.00 - $50.00 per hour

·$93,600.00 - $104,000.00 Annualized

· Nonexempt

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Often share workspace with other technologists and lab personnel.

· Exposure to infectious agents, chemicals, and contaminants is common.

· May occasionally encounter loud equipment or distracting noise levels.

· Work is conducted in clinical and high-containment laboratories. (including BSL-2 and BSL-3 settings)

· Regular exposure to infectious agents, including high-risk pathogens such as Ebola and anthrax.

· Requires strict adherence to biosafety protocols, including use of PPE. (lab coats, gloves, respirators, etc.)

· May work in dimly lit or temperature-controlled rooms for equipment calibration or sample preservation.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Ability to stand, walk, and move freely for extended periods.

· Manual dexterity to handle delicate lab instruments and specimens.

· Visual acuity to read instruments, labels, and computer screens.

· May require lifting or moving objects up to 25 pounds.

· Must follow safety protocols, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

· Comfortable working in high-containment environments (e.g., BSL-3 labs) when necessary.

Benefits

·401K Employer Matching

· Paid Time Off (PTO)

· Holidays

· Health Insurance

· Dental Insurance

· Vision Insurance

· Employer-paid Life Insurance

· Employer-paid AD&D Insurance

· Employee-paid voluntary benefits

· Employee development resources

Equal Opportunity Employer

Capital i is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on any protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Capital i makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. Capital i is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at recruiting@capitali.us.

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