Associate Scientist - Immunohematology Reference Lab

Overview

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.

Position Summary

Under direction of the Laboratory Manager serves in an associate scientist capacity to learn and perform immunohematology testing on clinical and research specimens for the resolution of serologic problems and provides the correct blood product for transfusion based on these results. In addition to performing these functions, the associate scientist will gain the required knowledge of immunohematology and laboratory transfusion medicine theory to complete training and educational curriculum to successfully obtain the BB (ASCP) certification.

Total Rewards Package

CompensationThe target salary is based on internal averages. Versiti sets salary ranges aligned to local markets in which the job is performed. Compensation decisions take into account internal salary averages and differentiation based on education, experience, skills, and performance. Specific salary and benefits information is shared at the time of the phone screening based on your location and qualifications.BenefitsVersiti 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.

Responsibilities

• Duties and responsibilities will increase as the associate scientist progresses based on successful competency assessments and understanding of theory.
• Handles and processes specimens, ensuring proper identification.
• Performs serologic and molecular tests according to SOP on clinical, study, QC and research samples.
• Performs component preparation as ordered by the provider (if applicable to the lab)
• Issues appropriate products for transfusion. (if applicable to the lab)
• Recognizes and resolves procedural discrepancies in testing results.
• Maintains accurate and complete records.
• Perform reagent preparation
• Operates laboratory equipment correctly and perform quality control testing on equipment and reagents. Knows acceptable levels of performance.
• Maintains controlled inventories of reagents and laboratory materials.
• Interprets laboratory results.
• Reports laboratory results.
• Adheres to all required FDA, AABB (American Association of Blood Banks),CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and CAP (College of American Pathology) regulations. Follows cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards.
• Listens, anticipates and responds to the needs of internal and external customers and strives to meet expectations.
• Communicates clearly, accurately and respectfully with customers, donors, and colleagues, ensuring that necessary information is shared.
• Notifies management or other appropriate persons of problems or issues as appropriate.
• Works effectively with inter or intra-department(s) and project teams to meet customer needs and organizational goals.
• Participates in quality and process improvement.
• Supports and promotes Versiti mission and values, both at work and in the community.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
• Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
• Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological science or chemistry OR a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry within or in addition to the Bachelor’s degree required

Experience

• 1-3 years experience working in a laboratory setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skill in the operation of laboratory equipment, instrument, computer and materials.
• Effective time managing and organizational skills to perform multiple laboratory tests simultaneously.
• Maintain accurate, timely records of patient information and laboratory results.
• Strong detail orientation and analytical ability to evaluate and ensure accuracy of data related to laboratory results and patient information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey understanding of factual and theoretical information and make recommendations to customers.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.

Tools and Technology

• Personal Computer (desktop, laptop, tablet) required
• General office equipment (computer, printer, fax, copy machine) required
• Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required
• General laboratory equipment including centrifuges, automated cell washers and incubator/waterbaths for performing clinical tests. required
• Molecular instrumentation such as light cyclers required
• Pipettes (single channel, multi-channel, electronic, etc.) required
• pH meter, microscopes required