Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Fort Carson, CO: Located just south of Colorado Springs, Ft. Carson combines scenic beauty, pleasant residential areas, and cultural activities to satisfy every taste. It is an unusually well-rounded military community which offers a variety of recreational and cultural opportunities. World-class ski resorts are available within a short 2 1/2 hour drive, golf courses and biking trails are available on the installation as well as in the surrounding community. Numerous colleges and universities are available for continuing education.

(Fort Carson Landscape)

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

Major Duties:

1. Performs a full range of laboratory testing. 

a. Works as a clinical laboratory scientist under the general supervision of a Supervisory clinical laboratory scientist, who provides initial guidance on area of responsibility and priorities and assistance with unusual test results. As a clinical laboratory scientist in the Department of Pathology, independently performs professional application of medical technology principles, concepts, and methodology in such specialties as chemistry, urinalysis, blood bank, hematology, serology, and microbiology using automated analyzers and complex manual techniques. May be assigned to one of the following sections or may rotate among these, as dictated by mission requirements: Immunohematology, Microbiology & Immunology, Hematology & Coagulation, Urinalysis, Chemistry, Shipping and Receiving, Venipuncture, Specimen Processing, and Clinical Laboratory areas overseen by the Department of Pathology to include, but not limited to, Troop Medical Clinics, Soldier Readiness Centers, and DoD Medical Homes. Performs manual and automated procedures on patient samples such as serum, blood, urine, semen, tissue, aspirates, swabs, body fluids, and stool. Manages and prioritizes laboratory work based on immediate (STAT), as soon as possible (ASAP), or routine priority. Applies professional knowledge of medical technology principles, concepts, and methodology and works in accordance with the College of American Pathologists (CAP) standards, department standard operating procedures (SOPs), the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments(CLIA) instrument manuals, manufacturer’s instructions and technical references related to testing.

b. Performing clinical laboratory testing of human blood, urine, and other body fluids or tissues using manual or automated techniques; confirming test results and developing data that may be used by physicians in determining the presence and extent of disease or in support of medical research; modifying or designing laboratory procedures; establishing and monitoring quality control systems and measures; and providing instruction in the basic theory, technical skills, and application of laboratory test procedures.

2. Technical guidance and quality assurance oversight on a full range of processes conducted in the laboratory. 

a. Prepares appropriate standards, reagents, and quality control materials required for the performance of test procedures. Conducts quality control/quality assurance reviews on work performed, existing and/or new equipment and reagents, procedures, and manuals within the assigned section of the laboratory and maintains documentation of his/her reviews in accordance with (IAW) the guidelines established by accrediting/inspecting agencies and/or department policies. Reviews internal and external quality control programs and works with the supervisor or clinical laboratory chief to resolve discrepancies. Evaluates validity of data in relation to test systems and assay procedures. Integrates and correlates test data with other laboratory and patient data to lead to a conclusion about the normality of a system. Creates, uses, or modifies logic schema to determine corrective actions for problems.

b. Performs preventive maintenance for all instruments. Recognizes, locates, and implements corrective action to solve technical or clerical problems. Calibrates or standardizes equipment, troubleshoots malfunctions, and makes repairs or identifies need for external services (e.g. consults SOP or operators manual, contacts manufacturer customer service hotline, contacts biomedical maintenance, etc.). Ensures that reagents, controls, calibrators, etc. are labeled in accordance with laboratory policies. Records temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, water baths, etc. Initiates maintenance requests when required. Performs required maintenance or user level tasks (e.g. load paper or labels) in hospital information system and instrument systems and printers.

c. Monitors overall workflow pattern within section during shift; advises supervisor or clinical laboratory chief of problem areas. Ensures that hospital and department policies/procedures, to include safety practices, are effectively followed. Works in close cooperation with the supervisor, clinical laboratory chief and Non Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) and keeps them advised of any problems or changes within the service (personnel, equipment, supplies, and workflow patterns) that may affect the overall operation of the department. Compiles data for administrative reports; and reports any new or unusual trends to the supervisor, quality improvement coordinator, or clinical laboratory chief. Correlates qualitative or quantitative data with other laboratory data (i.e. biochemical, physiologic, and morphologic data). Reports test results in accordance with standard operating practices, with consideration for their significance and urgency; consults with physicians on additional tests that may be useful or necessary to clarify problems. Manages expendable and non-expendable resources effectively.

4. Train staff and assist in process improvement. 

a. Trains new staff clinical laboratory scientists/technicians and students in procedures, instrumentation, and workload organization. Communicates and demonstrates proper techniques for completion of various laboratory procedures and practices. Utilizes department/section training plan for the area to be covered. Evaluates and documents staff or student's ability to complete testing procedures in an accurate and timely manner while maintaining the workflow of assigned area. Advises supervisor, laboratory chief or quality assurance coordinator of continuing education needs of employees. Plans and presents in-service educational programs for laboratory or hospital personnel, or other interested groups. Assignments may include making structured lesson plans to present information on new procedures, methodology, or interpretations to clinical staff.

b. Communicates and relays technical information to clinician and other health-care personnel. Maintains professional competence by keeping abreast of current trends in Medical Technology and related fields through on-going continuing education programs and courses. Maintains technical competency by annual competency assessment procedures as determined by the laboratory chief IAW standards set forth by accrediting agencies.

c. Assists in correlating requirements of inspecting and accrediting agencies to ensure performance of acceptable protocols and procedures. Recommends new or modified procedures be incorporated when appropriate. Reviews literature for personal development and to improve laboratory systems; recommends and/or writes/prepares standard operating procedures for new methodologies and quality assurance procedures that would benefit the overall objectives or goals of the Pathology Department and which optimize the level of use of in-house and reference laboratory resources. Reviews current procedural manual, recommending revisions as needed, and writes/prepares updates to current procedural manuals.

Performs other duties as assigned.