"Medical Laboratory Scientist"

The Division of Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics (DGG) at Michigan Medicine is expanding its cutting-edge clinical testing capabilities, integrating state-of-the-art technologies like whole genome sequencing (WGS), optical genome mapping (OGM), and next-generation sequencing (NGS). We are seeking talented Medical Laboratory Scientists to join our growing team.

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

To perform a variety of routine or specialized tests and procedures for use by physicians in diagnosis and treatment of patients in one or more areas of work within the Division of Diagnostics and Genetics (DGG), Molecular Diagnostics, Cytogenetics, and other specialty departments.

Provide Clerical/Administrative Support

• Answer phone calls, monitor call list, make critical value calls, report results and document calls, as needed.
• Scan documents (scan requisitions and worksheets); organize and file test reports and documents, file slides.
• Identify and correct incorrect orders and specimen issues, which include duplicate tests, missing or incorrect samples, missing information, and unacceptable specimens.
• Communicate effectively with lab staff, clinicians, and other customers to meet customer service expectations and maintains patient confidentiality.
• Manage inventory, unpack shipments, stock lab supplies, and reconcile invoices.
• Assist lab leaders in development in technical procedures, protocols, and projects, as needed.

Accessioning, Specimen Processing and Distribution

• Accession and process samples with accuracy which includes specimen receiving, centrifuging, aliquoting, and evaluating specimens for suitability of testing.
• Prioritize and accurately distribute patient samples within the laboratory consistent with quality assurance goals.
• Access and navigate the Pathology Document Control System, Hospital Information System (HIS), and Laboratory Information System (LIS) to accession patient specimens, requesting additional information from appropriate resources.
• Assist in Problem solving (duplicate tests, missing samples, incorrect samples, and missing information); call on unacceptable specimens (clotted, hemolyzed, wrong container etc.).
• Work with other laboratory personnel to process patient casework with optimal efficiency and accuracy (e.g. basic sample preparation and setup of assays or loading automation lines).
• Assist medical staff by attending procedures (bone marrows procedures, interoperative surgery), as required.

Laboratory Support / Maintain and Operate Instruments for Waived, Moderate and High Complexity Testing Instruments.

• Perform and document daily maintenance as specified in instrument procedures.
• Analyze patient samples as specified in the instrument procedures.
• Enter test results into laboratory databases.
• Ensure continuous operation by monitoring the status of reagents, parts, and supplies.
• Monitor error codes and perform troubleshooting. Document problems, action taken and outcomes in instrument logbooks.
• Perform general lab upkeep such as cleaning, removing trash, washing/sterilizing lab ware dishes, taking and recording temperatures, refrigerator and freezer maintenance, handling biohazard and chemical waste Assist with media and reagent preparation.
• Maintain work area in a well-stocked, clean condition.

Perform Testing for Waived, Moderate, and High Complexity Tests

• Perform and document quality control and proficiency testing for waived, moderate, and high complexity tests. Act on out-of-range quality control values.
• Perform waived, moderate, and high complexity testing.
• Analyze patient samples and report test results consistent with accuracy and quality assurance goals of the laboratory into laboratory databases.
• Interpret test results for waived, moderate, and high complexity tests.

Other Duties

• Meets departmental continuing education requirements.
• Provides instructions in laboratory technique, instrumentation, and application of procedures to students and new employees.
• Maintain competencies for all assigned sections.
• Other duties as assigned.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This role will have duties and responsibilities in one or more areas of work within the Division of Diagnostics and Genetics (DGG), such as Molecular Genetics, Molecular Diagnostics, Cytogenetics, and other specialty departments.

In order to be considered for this position the applicant must have met or will have met all the required qualifications prior to the start date of employment.

• Bachelor's degree in medical technology or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated successful clinical experience, demonstrated ability to effectively communicate medical terminology and technical procedures, demonstrate ability to identify and take appropriate actions with clinical results, and demonstrate effective organizational skills within a lab setting.
• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist or eligibility for certification at the time of hire.
• Specialized laboratories may accept a Bachelor's degree in a biological science with certification eligibility specific to that laboratory.
• Six months of professional working experience in a molecular laboratory.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, and hand pipetting for long periods of time and the ability to lift up to 25lbs.

Molecular data analysis experience including Sanger sequencing, Next Generation sequencing, and/or chromosomal microarrays

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as a member of our team
• Excellent attendance, ability to prioritize appropriately, and exercise good judgment
• Competent computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel and willingness to learn specialized software packages
• One year of clinical training at an approved hospital and certification or registration by an appropriate health agency or certifying organization is desired

This full time, 40 hour position is on the day shift and may require rotating weekends, holidays and on-call.

Works with infectious disease and/or hazardous materials.

May have exposure to noise from laboratory equipment and pneumatic tube system.

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.