IRL Technical & Innovation Specialist

Versiti is a fusion of donors, scientific curiosity, and precision medicine that recognize the gifts of blood and life are precious. We are home to the world-renowned Blood Research Institute, we enable life saving gifts from our donors, and provide the science behind the medicine through our diagnostic laboratories. Versiti brings together outstanding minds with unparalleled experience in transfusion medicine, transplantation, stem cells and cellular therapies, oncology and genomics, diagnostic lab services, and medical and scientific expertise. This combination of skill and knowledge results in improved patient outcomes, higher quality services and reduced cost of care for hospitals, blood centers, hospital systems, research and educational institutions, and other health care providers. At Versiti, we are passionate about improving the lives of patients and helping our healthcare partners thrive.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITY Under the direction of the Director, Immunohematology and Transfusion Services, provides technical and clinical expertise to customers and management staff of the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory. Assists with technical issues, development and implementation of new/enhanced tests and serves as a primary resource for project management of Clinical and Contract Research projects. In conjunction with management and laboratory Medical Director, performs advanced immunohematological and molecular interpretation including consultation to customers. As needed, performs advanced molecular testing, assess competency of employees in all areas of the lab and training new and existing staff. In conjunction with lab management and the laboratory PD Specialist, ensures the integration of new tests into operational processes. This position has developed and demonstrated a level of technical competence that allows for completing work in a highly independent and efficient manner, handling complex technical issues, and performing final review of IRL cases.

Benefits
Versiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification. Full-time regular employes are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short- and Long-term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.

Provides consultation to customers to apply immunologic/genetic/molecular expertise to the field of immunohematology and transfusion medicine.
• Performs final review on IRL cases
• Serves as a primary resource for project management of Clinical and Contract Research projects.
• Reviews daily work and interpretations for accuracy, and recognizes and investigates the reason for potential discrepancies and unexpected results, resolving where appropriate
• Train and assess competence of clinical diagnostic lab staff when needed.
• Prepares and/or participates in abstract and manuscript submissions and presentations.
• Maintains a current understanding of the scientific theory relevant to the laboratory's clinical focus, and applies the knowledge and skills acquired in contributing to the structure and planning of research and development projects.
• In conjunction with lab management and the laboratory PD Specialist, ensures the integration of new tests into operational processes. Identifies and evaluates new technology opportunities.
• Troubleshoots and improves current diagnostic assays.
• Prepare QSDs (Quality System Documents), and other documentation, and executes verifications and validations independently.
• Performs specialized tests for laboratory-specific research, Research Use Only protocols, contract research, and other special projects.
• As needed, performs advanced clinical molecular testing
• Develops and maintains comprehensive knowledge of areas of expertise in the laboratory.
• Adheres to all required biosafety and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations to maintain a safe work environment. Promotes safe practices in the laboratory.
• Assists in performing tasks involved in changes to processes and procedures, including new test implementation.
• Listens, anticipates and responds to the needs of internal and external customers and strives to meet customer's expectations.
• Maintains knowledge of and adheres to CLIA, CAP, and cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards/regulations.
• Notifies management or other appropriate person of problems or issues as appropriate.
• Works effectively with others to meet customer needs and organizational goals.
• Supports and promotes BCW's mission and values, both at work and in the community.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Education

• Bachelor's Degree cience degree from an accredited college or university in Medical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology (MLS/MT) required
• or equivalent required

Experience

• 4-6 years of pertinent clinical laboratory experience of which at least 2 years are working in a clinical laboratory under a director at the doctoral level required
• 4-6 years experience working in an immunohematology reference laboratory preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• In depth knowledge of immunohematology, immunology theory and blood group genetics. required
• Strong knowledge of equipment and ability to troubleshoot complex problems with lab equipment required
• Knowledge of general laboratory methods, principles of quality control, quality assurance, AABB (American Association of Blood Banks), FDA (Food and Drug Administration), CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act) regulations, CAP (College of American Pathology) standards, cGMPs (current Good Manufacturing Practices), and other state accrediting agencies required
• Skilled in the operation of laboratory equipment, instrument, computer and materials. required
• Effective time management and organizational skills to coordinate a broad base of laboratory functions and appropriately prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously required
• Maintain accurate, timely records of patient/donor information and laboratory results. required
• Strong detail orientation and analytical skills to evaluate and ensure accuracy of data related to laboratory results and patient or donor information required
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey understanding of factual information and make recommendations to staff and customers required
• Good technical skills required
• Effective problem solving skills. required
• Ability to work independently and as a team member required
• Ability to teach/train other personnel required

Licenses and Certifications

• MLS - Medical Lab Scientist (Formally MT Certification) MT American Society for Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) certification required
• or equivalent required
• SBB certification required

Tools and Technology

• General laboratory equipment including molecular platforms such as thermal cyclers and sequencing platforms required
• Computer technology for generating work sheets, reports and other documents. required