Our outpatient clinic laboratory is seeking an experienced Hematology Section Lead to oversee daily operations of our hematology department while continuing to perform hands-on bench work.
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- Offer 401K with generous company match
- Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
- Short Term and Long Term Disability Offered
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform and oversee routine hematology testing, including CBCs, differentials, reticulocyte counts, ESR, and coagulation testing (PT/INR).
- Hemoglobin A1C, urinalysis, manual kit testing, and Cepheid GeneXpert Molecular testing.
- Review and verify test results for accuracy, flagging critical values and escalating abnormal findings per laboratory protocol.
- Serve as the technical lead for the hematology section, providing guidance, mentorship, and on-the-job training to MLS/MLT staff.
- Perform instrument calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and validation for hematology analyzers and related equipment.
- Monitor and document daily quality control (QC), identify QC failures, and implement corrective action in accordance with CLIA, CAP, and other applicable regulatory standards.
- Participate in proficiency testing (PT) activities and ensure timely, accurate submission of results.
- Develop, review, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the hematology section.
- Assist the Laboratory Supervisor/Director with staff scheduling, workflow coordination, and workload distribution to meet turnaround time goals.
- Ensure compliance with safety protocols, including proper specimen handling, biohazard disposal, and infection control practices.
- Investigate and resolve discrepant results, instrument errors, and specimen quality issues.
- Communicate professionally and effectively with physicians, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers regarding test results and specimen requirements.
- Participate in internal and external audits, inspections, and accreditation surveys (e.g., CAP, CLIA, Joint Commission).
- Maintain accurate records of maintenance, QC, competency assessments, and corrective actions.
Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with general laboratory duties outside of hematology (e.g., specimen processing, chemistry, or urinalysis) during staffing shortages.
- Participate in process improvement initiatives, or special projects as assigned.
- Assist with inventory management and ordering of hematology reagents and supplies.
- Provide input on the evaluation and validation of new instrumentation or testing methodologies.
- Assist with onboarding and orientation of new employees outside the hematology section.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge:
- Thorough knowledge of hematology and coagulation testing principles, methodologies, and instrumentation.
- Working knowledge of CLIA, CAP, and other applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements.
- Understanding of quality control/quality assurance principles and laboratory safety standards.
- Familiarity with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and electronic health records (EHR).
Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting instrumentation and discrepant results.
- Proficient in peripheral blood smear review and morphological identification of normal and abnormal cell types.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage competing priorities in a high-volume outpatient setting.
- Proficiency with laboratory software, Microsoft Office, and data entry systems.
Abilities:
- Ability to lead, train, and mentor laboratory staff in a constructive and collaborative manner.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment under time constraints.
- Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when handling critical results or high-pressure situations.
- Ability to adapt to evolving technology, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related field or Associate's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science or related field.
- Current certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS/ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT/ASCP), or equivalent (AMT, AAB).
- Minimum of 3–5 years of clinical hematology experience; prior lead or supervisory experience preferred.
Mental Requirements
- Ability to concentrate for extended periods while performing detailed, precision-based testing.
- Strong attention to detail to identify subtle abnormalities in test results and blood smears.
- Ability to make sound, timely decisions regarding critical values and quality control issues.
- Capacity to manage multiple tasks and interruptions while maintaining accuracy.
- Emotional resilience when communicating abnormal or critical results to clinical staff.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods (up to 8-hour shifts).
- Manual dexterity to operate laboratory instruments, pipettes, and computer equipment.
- Visual acuity, including the ability to distinguish colors, sufficient for microscopic examination and reading of test results.
- Ability to lift and carry laboratory supplies and specimen containers (up to 25 lbs).
- Ability to perform repetitive motions, including pipetting and keyboard use.
- Occasional bending, reaching, and walking within the laboratory environment.
- Exposure to biohazardous materials, requiring adherence to Standard Precautions and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Work Environment
- Outpatient clinical laboratory setting with a fast-paced, professional atmosphere.
- Schedule: Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; no weekend or holiday shifts required.
- Exposure to biological specimens, chemicals, and laboratory reagents; adherence to OSHA safety standards is required.
- Climate-controlled laboratory environment with standard laboratory lighting, noise from equipment, and shared workspace with other laboratory sections.
- Collaborative environment requiring regular interaction with laboratory staff, providers, and outpatient clinic personnel.
