Medical Laboratory Scientist; MLS

Department Overview

This position provides technical support to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and clinic patients.

The Molecular Technologist performs high complexity laboratory procedures to produce DNA/RNA results for interpretation and diagnosis of complex genetic and/or pathogenic disease. Specimen processing, test performance, and result reporting are performed independently after appropriate training. Supervisor or director review of results is required in situations dictated by policy or procedure. Employees in this class have general knowledge of laboratory and molecular biology, specific terminology, equipment, materials, techniques, and safety procedures.

The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude that will best serve the clients of the department.

• Laboratory Testing: extracts DNA/RNA from human tissues manually using various extraction methodologies or by using an automated DNA extractor; quantifies DNA samples using a UV spectrophotometer or fluorimeter; prepares PCR reactions including preparation of buffers, setting up PCR reactions, and performs all PCR reactions in a manner that minimizes the chance of obtaining false positive results due to accidental contamination; resolves the desired PCR fragments using techniques including gel electrophoresis, hybridization reactions, real-time PCR, rSSO sequencing or other advanced molecular techniques;
  
  handles and stores samples in a manner which prevents degradation, contamination or mislabeling; performs other related molecular techniques as they are introduced.
• Materials Preparation: prepares solutions and reagents for all protocols used in the DNA Laboratory; maintains reagent and consumable laboratory supply inventories; prepares orders for replacement chemicals and supplies as needed.
• Prepares samples for testing. Determines acceptability of specimens and results. Interprets the PCR run using defined quality metrics and knows when results are invalid. Repeats analysis as necessary to ensure accuracy. Reports test results via computer and telephone.
• Equipment Quality Control and Maintenance: calibrates laboratory equipment on a regular basis. Runs quality control checks on calibrated equipment by checking test results against known standards to determine accuracy of results. Cleans and makes minor repairs to equipment such as lubricating fittings, cleaning electrodes, flushing out lines and tubing and replacing worn out tubing, fittings, batteries and/or fuses, cleans and sterilizes glassware and plasticware.
  
  Records all actions taken in a maintenance record book. Performs monthly wipe test.
• Other Duties as Assigned

• Bachelor s degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Lab Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Chemical or Biological field, and current certification MT (ASCP), or MLS (ASCP) within 90 days of hire. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT is preferred. OR
• Completion of a 2-year accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, plus MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 90 days of hire, and 4 years of experience in a clinical laboratory. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT is preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. OR
• Bachelor s degree in a Chemical or Biological field, and four years’ experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory performing testing and related tasks. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT is preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004.
  
  Note:
  
  experience in a specialty lab area will only qualify candidate to work in that specialty area.

Job Related Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

(Competencies):

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials and techniques, regulations and safety.
• Skill in…