Laboratory Scientist

Overview

The CDC Foundation is seeking candidates for the Laboratory Scientist role. Under administrative direction, this employee will oversee the overall operation of a laboratory and will use extensive knowledge to independently perform high complexity laboratory analytical procedures on blood, body fluids, and public health investigation-related samples, as well as performing support tasks related to testing samples and reporting results.

Qualifications :

Meet the minimum CLIA qualifications for Testing Personnel performing high complexity testing as described in Subpart M of the Code of Federal Regulations (see 42 CFR at ;

Acceptable CLIA qualifications : oOption 1- Illinois licensed MD / DO / DPM.oOption 2- Doctoral, master’s or bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical lab science or medical technology.

oOption 3- Associate’s degree in a chemical, physical or biological science, or medical lab technology.oOption 4- Have education and training equivalent to Option 3 with at least 60 semester hours to include either 24 in medical lab technology OR 24 hours made up of : 6 hours chemistry, 6 hours biology, 12 hours in chemistry, biology, medical technology in any combination, AND three months documented lab training in high complexity testing by specialty or completion of an approved department of Health and Human Services HHS lab training program (ABHES, CAHEA).

oOption 5- Qualified as a technologist on or before February 28, 1992. oOption 6- On or before April 24, 1995, high school diploma or GED AND graduated from an HHS approved lab training program (ABHES, CAHEA) or military lab 50-week training course.

• Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) as a Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Specialist, Clinical Laboratory Technologist / Scientist or equivalent is preferred.
• Ability to provide a transcript of higher-education studies as part of the application process.
• High level of proficiency with general clinical laboratory equipment, procedures, techniques, and quality control / assurance.
• Familiarity with appropriate handling of Hazardous waste materials such as chemicals and / or bio-hazardous materials and related safety, health, and environmental regulatory compliance standards, laws, and regulations, such as those from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), CLIA, CAP, FDA, EPA, etc.
• Experience working in a medical environment.
• Knowledge of and experience working with HIPAA Regulations and Compliance strategies, as well as maintaining confidential information.
• Experience with emergency response management and safety program management, utilizing written safety programs and safety training.
• Experience interpreting, applying, and adapting relevant regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment to plan, develop, and conduct laboratory assignments within established procedural guidelines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including communicating orally in a clear, concise manner while tailoring the message to the intended audience;

demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public, other agencies, and state staff; acting in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

Experience researching, analyzing, and compiling data for reports.

Responsibilities :

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and oversees the overall operation of the assigned laboratory.
• Performs routine preparation and laboratory analyses for human disease and public health threat samples in accordance with designated laboratory principles and practices and laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Maintains laboratory instrumentation, equipment, pipettes, and testing supply / reagent inventory; performs standard equipment calibrations.
• Performs Quality Control at the time new supplies / reagents / kits are received in the laboratory; reports and resolves discrepancies and errors;

performs ongoing quality control responsibilities regarding laboratory functions; reviews quality control / quality assurance assigned data to evaluate documentation requirements; logs quality control data.

• Collects and analyzes analytical data and interprets test and quality control / quality assurance results; organizes and reports results and data, via designated information management systems, and to other program personnel, as needed.
• Ensures all available samples are tested in accordance with assigned employee schedule and analyses are in-line with published turn-around-times (TATs) to meet quality measure thresholds.
• Develops, writes, and reviews new procedures for the laboratory; collaborates in the development and implementation of new testing procedures as required to support rapid public health response in the community and the state;

initiates and carries out projects to improve laboratory operations.

• Develops and maintains acceptable criteria, laboratory procedure manuals, reports, guidelines, and research protocols to ensure appropriate documentation and procedures are available at all times.
• Performs support tasks that are required to maintain laboratory operations - these tasks may include, but are not necessarily limited to, specimen collection, sample handling, specimen preparation, information system procedures, customer support, and common clerical duties.
• Maintains proficiency and updated knowledge on disease causes and controls to continuously improve the quality of laboratory testing and customer service surrounding testing performed.
• Communicates instrument repair needs, assay problems, and data issues to the supervisor expeditiously so proactive notification of clients and / or redirecting of testing can be coordinated to minimize result TATs.
• Observes all safety requirements in the laboratory setting; maintains comprehensive knowledge for all procedures that are required to be performed.
• Organizes and ensures reagents are made in advance, QC / QA activities are completed on time, and waste is removed appropriately and sterilized (if needed) in a timely fashion.
• Communicates technical information relating to abnormal test result reporting, test results, methodology, test specificity / sensitivity, and factors that can influence test results to other health professionals and public health partners.
• Contacts appropriate health officials expeditiously when a positive of public health significance and / or reportable result is identified;

ensures appropriate confirmatory testing is performed on positive screening testing.

• Participates, as directed, in State Board of Health meetings and other public meetings and forums.
• Represents the state with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.
• Contributes effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
• Trains other staff, as directed.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Special Notes : This role is involved in a dynamic public health program. As such, roles and responsibilities are subject to change as situations evolve.

Roles and responsibilities listed above may be expanded upon or updated to match priorities and needs, once written approval is received by both the CDC Foundation and the Illinois Department of Public Health, in order to best support the State of Illinois in their public health programming.

This position is currently an onsite position. CDC Foundation retains the right to make adjustments to this as required.