Production Laboratory Scientist

Overview

The Production Laboratory Scientist (PLS) is responsible for conducting laboratory processes that support specimen processing and testing. This position works with department management and quality team members to ensure that laboratory activities are defined, documented, and completed to support inspection readiness and that compliance is maintained through procedures, training, documentation, and continuous improvement projects.

The Production Laboratory Scientist (PLS) position works closely with our Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) to process patient samples using our automated instrumentation. The PLS position may also assist our assay and hardware development teams with development and validation of new instruments and assays.

Available Shifts:

• A1: Sunday-Wednesday 7:00am-5:30pm
• A2: Sunday-Wednesday 11:00am-9:30pm
• B2: Wednesday-Saturday 11:00am-9:30pm

Responsibility

Each employee's specific job responsibilities are uniquely defined by their individual training plan and assigned duties, but are generally defined as follows:

1. Complying with the laboratory's technical, administrative, and safety policies and procedures.
2. Operating high complexity testing under the guidance of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)
3. Processing patient samples using our automated platform under the guidance of a CLS
4. Participating in the laboratory's quality assurance plan, adhering to quality control and preventive maintenance policies, and appropriately documenting these activities.
5. Working as part of a team to produce repeatable quality results.
6. Maintaining a clean and organized laboratory space.
7. Participating in proficiency testing in the same manner as routine samples.
8. Participating in continuing education according to accepted laboratory standards.
9. Actively participating in successful and timely completion of training and competency assessment as outlined in the laboratory and departmental training programs.
10. Following the laboratory's policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within acceptable limits and documenting the problem and any corrective action.
11. Troubleshooting and identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance and/or reporting of test results by initiating corrective action and using the defined electronic system to make the required management notification.
12. Participates within the departmental team to resolve problems or implement projects.
13. Serves as a trainer on technical processes within the group.
14. Communicating with co-workers to ensure smooth and efficient workflow.
15. Performing setup, teardown, and preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment.
16. Preparing reagents for use on laboratory equipment.
17. Preparing labware for use on laboratory equipment.
18. Archiving and retrieving patient samples.
19. Working with a CLS to perform qualification protocols for recently repaired instruments.
20. Restocking laboratory inventory items.

Qualifications

1. Doctoral, bachelor's, or master's degree in medical technology or a chemical, biological, or clinical laboratory science.
2. Experience with laboratory operations and procedures (preferred but not required)
3. Familiarity with range of molecular biology techniques (qPCR, DNA extraction, DNA sequencing) and proficiency with molecular biology calculations (dilutions, DNA and protein concentration measurements, enzyme activity measurements) (preferred but not required)
4. Ability to adapt to changes in a fast-paced and evolving work environment.
5. Some schedule flexibility - occasional overtime hours may be required.
6. Basic proficiency with computers (Excel, other Office tools) and statistics.
7. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
8. Extensive documentation skills and attention to detail skills including the ability to develop and follow written procedures, the ability to organize information, ensures that data is recorded correctly and can be easily understood by others.

Physical Requirements

Lifting Requirements - medium work or exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds of force frequently, and 10 pounds of force consistently. Physical Requirements - stationary positioning, moving, operating, ascending/descending, communicating, observing, reaching, and repetitive motion. Use of equipment and tools necessary to perform essential job functions. Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions - exposure to fumes, dust, extreme temperatures, wet and/or humid, noise, vibration, mists or gases, mechanical hazards, chemical hazards, electrical hazards, and radiant energy hazards. OSHA Category I - duties performed routinely requires exposure to blood, body fluid, and tissue.

EEO

We recognize that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our global workforce are directly linked to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. In hiring and all other employment decisions, we prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.