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Medical Laboratory Scientist
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Position Number: 5811553
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Requisition Number: 60561
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 02-Dec-2024
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The University of Colorado Boulder is searching for a Medical Laboratory Scientist! CU Boulder is committed to upholding the highest standards in clinical laboratory services, ensuring diagnostic services and exceptional customer service are consistently provided at Wardenburg Medical Center. This includes service to students, nursing staff, physicians, patients, co-workers, and employees.
Responsibility in this role includes performing clinical laboratory tests promptly, efficiently, and accurately while aligning with state, federal, and other regulatory requirements. Maintenance, quality control, and quality assurance are performed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and departmental policies. The workload is managed with priority, and flexibility is shown to meet the needs of both customers and the department. Engaging actively in process improvement initiatives contributes to faster turnaround times and improved quality of test results, with informed decision-making and troubleshooting skills being applied daily.
This position will work 100% time from August through May and 50% time during June and July.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Medical Services staff understand and are committed to the unique health concerns of our student population, making us an unparalleled source of advocacy for student wellness! The Medical Clinic provides a wide range of health care services for students including: primary care for illnesses and injuries, as well as chronic conditions, physicals, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, allergy shots, vaccinations, travel health care, and concussion care.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Medical Laboratory Scientist
Analyzes, interprets, and reports laboratory results from blood, urine, and stool for chemical and pathological elements in the clinical areas of chemistry, special chemistry, toxicology, hematology, immunology, molecular biology, parasitology, and urinalysis according to protocols and regulatory requirements. Calculates test values. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections.
Calibrates instruments to maintain statistical precision and accuracy. Evaluates new and existing methods and whether test results are valid. Flags abnormal results for practitioners and records. Interprets lab data for practitioners and recommends additional/alternative testing. Expedites procedures and decreases costs through time management, batch testing, general body of knowledge, and manual dexterity.
Documents performed quality control. Reviews, checks, compares, and correlates lab data to assure statistical validity (i.e. coefficient of variation, Levy-Jennings plots, Standard Deviation) and result quality. Reconciles inconsistencies by comparing records, working with practitioners, and rerunning patient specimens. Identifies and diagnoses problems with equipment and instrumentation. Performs routine and non-routine maintenance by lubrication, manual replacement of parts, and computer checks. Revises and formulates procedures according to CLSI standards. Collaborates with both lab and Wardenburg staff to develop and implement quality monitors. Collects data for and calculates assigned quality monitor.
Assists in education and training of new personnel, fellows, residents, students and visitors within the Medical Technicians scope of practice. Completes assigned CLIA checklist(s) Oral- Confers, consults, and collaborates with co-workers and healthcare practitioners to exchange information, scope of knowledge about abnormal or variant results to facilitate testing, decrease turnaround, provide quality service and diagnostic value to practitioners and patients.
Uses independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures. Maintains accurate, current, and complete records. Operates laboratory equipment correctly, performs troubleshooting according to procedures and explores new solutions as needed to resolve problems.
Effective Communication, Problem Solving, and Compliance
Documents incidents/accidents to establish paper trail. Accesses PC (spreadsheets, charts, WP) and Practice Management System (billing, stats) and Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Provides guidance to less senior employees, operates in a work lead capacity.
Applies comprehensive knowledge of professional medical technology/clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing sound independent work. Exercises independent judgment to determine appropriate action for the full range assignment that regularly includes complex and nonstandard situations. Regularly relied upon as a resource, guide or advisor to others.
Able to interpret and apply complex written instructions. Assists in compiling drafts, edits, condenses, revises, and reviews lab procedures and policies for all areas of the lab. Maintains a positive demeanor, willingness to work on a team and be supportive of co-workers. Collaborates and works well with others.
Releases medical information to healthcare providers and patients following established protocol. Involved in statistical data collection, documentation, or administrative duties for records, reports, and Quality Assurance monitors. Maintain a detailed, accurate record in an organizational fashion, track activities, and process paperwork accurately and promptly.
Communicates clearly, accurately, and respectfully with customers and colleagues, ensuring necessary information is shared. Conforms to organizational and ASCP Board of Certification Guidelines for Ethical Behavior or standards of practice of the individual's certifying agency and organization.
Phlebotomy/Specimen Processing
Draws patient blood specimens by phlebotomy using aseptic technique. Demonstrates safe skillful, pain-free touch technique to patients and teaches this technical skill to new employees. Disinfects and decontaminates lab surfaces to maintain healthy work environment.
Informs patients by instructing on specimen collection, fasting requirements, and turnaround times. Packages and preserves lab samples for transport via cab, courier, or mail to ensure sample integrity and prevent exposure of couriers to biohazards meeting any applicable federal transportation standards.
Process specimens appropriately, separate serum or plasma, and send samples to the appropriate reference lab. When results from a reference lab are received, collates and separates lab requisition correctly if not interfaced. Interfaced results are reviewed and approved for accuracy and completeness.

What You Should Know

This is an in-person, day-shift position and working hours will be between Monday - Friday. This role will be 100% during the academic year (August - May) and will be 50% during the summer (June and July). This role is not expected to work University recognized holidays, weekends, or evenings and will not be on call at any time.

What We Can Offer

The pay range for this position is $30.77 - $32.69 per hour.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be effective. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

A Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology, clinical laboratory science, or a related biological or chemical science.
Three years of professional experience in a clinical laboratory setting. Completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program may substitute for 1 year of the required experience.
Current valid certification as a MLS from an accredited body such as AMT or ASCP. Per CLIA regulations, work experience or education cannot substitute for this requirement.
BLS certificate upon hire, or obtained within three months of hire.

What You Will Need

Prioritize patient safety and deliver high-quality work.
Exhibit effective time management and organizational skills to handle multiple laboratory tasks concurrently.
Attention to detail and analytical skills to assess and confirm the accuracy of laboratory results and patient information.
Good verbal and written communication abilities to convey factual and theoretical information, providing advice to partners and coworkers when necessary.
Solve problems efficiently and engage in critical thinking.
Operate both independently and synergetically as part of a team.
Ability to use office equipment such as computers, printers, fax machines, and copiers.
Employ the Microsoft suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Manage LIS and EHR systems.
Operate general laboratory equipment, including sophisticated large-scale analyzers, centrifuges, automated analyzers, and incubators for clinical testing.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
Optional: A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by December 2, 2024 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Medical-Laboratory-Scientist/60561