Description

Purpose: Oversee daily operations of the Flow Cytometry Section; write technical policies and procedures and deliver staff training, as needed; assay development and optimization; perform clinical laboratory tests as assigned and trained; provide oversight for non-licensed staff, perform quality control and calibration of test systems; maintain and repair laboratory equipment; specimen processing.

General Requirements

Essential Duties 
The competencies listed below are an overview of the essential duties required to be successful in the position. Note: The listed examples do not include all tasks which may be expected within this job description. Employees are expected to perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Essential Job Functions
Principal Accountabilities Oversee daily operations of the Flow Cytometry section of the PPMG Laboratory
Write technical policies and procedures and deliver staff training, as needed;, assay development and optimization
Perform clinical laboratory tests as assigned and trained
Provide oversight for non-licensed staff
Complies with documentation requirements and participates in quality control, quality assurance and proficiency testing survey programs

Performs QC and preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments according to laboratory procedures and regulatory requirements

Maintains related documentation in compliance with regulations and/or as needed for laboratory operations

Performs quality control procedures on reagents and assays

Responsible for adhering to all regulations including, but not limited to, CAP, CLIA, San Mateo County Waste management regulations and inspections

Develops and implement department specific processes/procedures and quality control programs to ensure reliability of testing procedures, proper function of laboratory equipment and compliance to safety/health and state/federal regulations

Monitors and evaluates machinery, equipment, systems and supplies to ensure operational efficiency and reliability of results.

Prepares technical reports reflecting department process volume, testing results, analysis, adverse trends, conclusions or recommendations for management and other personnel.

Ensures prompt, quality and appropriate lab testing along with the delivery of high-quality slides by overseeing the performance and interpretation of various routine and complex laboratory tests.

Directs the purchase/requisition of laboratory supplies and equipment by evaluating quality, cost, and service to select the most desirable vendors; evaluates, justifies, installs, and maintains equipment within the department.

Maintains open communication with supervisors, pathologists, and fellow employees to ensure optimal operation of the laboratory. Communicates pertinent information to other members of the health care team in a clinically relevant time frame to enhance the lab’s contribution to patient care.

Recognizes abnormal or unusual test results and determines proper course of action prior to reporting results; consults with Pathologist regarding difficult analyses or abnormal findings when appropriate.

Reviews technical procedures in use and modifies, researches, and implements new and/or revised procedures or equipment for the section in consultation with management and pathology staff; ensures that policies/procedures conform to requirements of accrediting agencies.

Uses appropriate safety procedures for handling, storage, and disposal of biohazardous, infectious, radioactive, and toxic substances.

Functional Competency
Works as a team player and takes initiative to complete unassigned tasks and assist others to complete work.
Able to organize, prioritize specimens and tasks to produce a high-quality product in an efficient and timely manner
Ability to follow procedures and orders.
Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to details.
Perform work accurately and in a timely manner.
Follow all safety policies and regulations.
Able to work overtime and other shifts as warranted by the department
Conduct all communication in a positive, constructive and non-confrontational manner
Able to work in a fast paced, high volume laboratory
In addition to the principal accountabilities listed, employees working in this position are expected to accept and perform other duties as requested.

Requirements

Qualifications and Standards

Qualifications:

Education:
Successful completion in an accredited college or university of a course of study which meets all academic requirements for a bachelor’s degree in one of the chemical, physical or biological sciences and, in addition at least three (3) years of pertinent laboratory experience, including at least 1 year covering the specialty or subspecialties in which he/she performs tests.

Licensure/Certifications:
Current California CLS license

Experience: 
Minimum of 1 year CLS experience in Flow Cytometry in a clinical and/or research setting

Skills and Knowledge: 
Knowledge of PowerPath and/or other AP LIS software
Ability to use MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel or equivalent
Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to change tasks rapidly and frequently.
Working knowledge of basic pathology terminology required.
Must be willing to work with hazardous chemicals, including formalin, alcohol and xylene.
Clear understanding of regulatory requirements, including those pertaining to chemical agent, facility, and biohazardous waste.