Medical Laboratory Scientist

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Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Job Summary

To perform a variety of routine or specialized tests and procedures for use by physicians in diagnosis and treatment of patients in one or more areas of work within the Division of Diagnostics and Genetics (DGG). Molecular Diagnostics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Genetics, and other specialty departments.

Responsibilities*

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

Provide Clerical/Administrative Support

• Answer phone calls, monitor call list, make critical value calls, report results and document calls, as needed.

• Scan documents (scan requisitions and worksheets); organize and file test reports and documents, file slides.

• Identify and correct incorrect orders and specimen issues, which include duplicate tests, missing or incorrect samples, missing information, and unacceptable specimens.

• Communicate effectively with lab staff, clinicians, and other customers to meet customer service expectations and maintains patient confidentiality.

• Manage inventory, unpack shipments, stock lab supplies, and reconcile invoices.

• Assist lab leaders in development in technical procedures, protocols, and projects, as needed.

Accessioning, Specimen Processing and Distribution

• Accession and process samples with accuracy which includes specimen receiving, centrifuging, aliquoting, and evaluating specimens for suitability of testing.

• Prioritize and accurately distribute patient samples within the laboratory consistent with quality assurance goals.

• Access and navigate the Pathology Document Control System, Hospital Information System (HIS), and Laboratory Information System (LIS) to accession patient specimens, requesting additional information from appropriate resources.

• Assist in Problem solving (duplicate tests, missing samples, incorrect samples, and missing information); call on unacceptable specimens (clotted, hemolyzed, wrong container etc.).

• Work with other laboratory personnel to process patient casework with optimal efficiency and accuracy (e.g. basic sample preparation and setup of assays or loading automation lines).

• Assist medical staff by attending procedures (bone marrows procedures, interoperative surgery), as required.

Laboratory Support / Maintain and Operate Instruments for Waived, Moderate and High Complexity Testing Instruments.

• Perform and document daily maintenance as specified in instrument procedures.

• Analyze patient samples as specified in the instrument procedures.

• Enter test results into laboratory databases.

• Ensure continuous operation by monitoring the status of reagents, parts, and supplies.

• Monitor error codes and perform troubleshooting. Document problems, action taken and outcomes in instrument logbooks.

• Perform general lab upkeep such as cleaning, removing trash, washing/sterilizing lab ware dishes, taking and recording temperatures, refrigerator and freezer maintenance, handling biohazard and chemical waste Assist with media and reagent preparation.

• Maintain work area in a well-stocked, clean condition.

Perform Testing for Waived, Moderate, and High Complexity Tests

• Perform and document quality control and proficiency testing for waived, moderate, and high complexity tests. Act on out-of-range quality control values.

• Perform waived, moderate, and high complexity testing.

• Analyze patient samples and report test results consistent with accuracy and quality assurance goals of the laboratory into laboratory databases.

• Interpret test results for waived, moderate, and high complexity tests.

• Testing and analysis can include, but is not limited to, Chromosomal Microarray, Optical Genome Mapping, Fluorescent Insitu Hybridization (FISH), Katyotyping, and other molecular techniques.

Other Duties

• Meets departmental continuing education requirements.

• Provides instructions in laboratory technique, instrumentation, and application of procedures to students and new employees.

• Maintain competencies for all assigned sections.

• Other duties as assigned.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• This role will have duties and responsibilities in one or more areas of work within the Division of Diagnostics and Genetics (DGG), such as Molecular Genetics, Molecular Diagnostics, Cytogenetics, and other specialty departments.

Required Qualifications*

In order to be considered for this position the applicant must have met or will have met all the required qualifications prior to the start date of employment.

• Bachelor degree in Medical Laboratory Science or other biological science.

• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist or eligibility for certification at the time of hire.

• Specialized laboratories may accept a Bachelor degree in a biological science with certification eligibility specific to that laboratory.

• Six months of professional experience molecular laboratory (defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in aspects of molecular methods including, but not limited to, nucleic acid isolation, amplification, detection, sequencing, hybridization techniques, and data analysis).

• Requires frequent (standing/walking/sitting/hand pipetting) for long periods of time and the ability to lift 25 lbs.

• Demonstrated successful clinical experience.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate medical terminology and technical procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to identify and take appropriate actions with clinical results.

• Demonstrated effective organizational skills within a lab setting.

Desired Qualifications*

• Previous experience in a clinical molecular laboratory
• Molecular data analysis experience including Sanger sequencing, Next Generation sequencing, and/or chromosomal microarrays
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as a member of our team
• Excellent attendance, ability to prioritize appropriately, and exercise good judgment
• Competent computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel and willingness to learn specialized software packages

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Schedule

This full time position will be on the evening shift, hours will me M-F 11 am to 7:30 pm and will include rotating holidays and weekends and on call.

Additional Information

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Works with infectious disease and/or hazardous materials.
• May have exposure to noise from laboratory equipment and pneumatic tube system.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.