Medical Laboratory Scientist Lead, HMC Transfusion Services Laboratory

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a
** Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Lead
** with the
** Transfusion Services Laboratory
** at Harborview Medical Center (HMC).  The MLS Lead performs clinical laboratory testing used in the screening, diagnosing, and treating of pathological conditions. Testing is performed at a professional level and may include all facets of pretransfusion testing using both automated and manual methods, routine and complex antibody identification, component preparation, unit confirmation testing, shipping and receiving units and tissue, sample processing, information processing, and quality control.

The MLS Lead may respond to trauma codes and facilitate and deliver blood products to the bedside. This role also includes training students and new employees in the performance of such testing. The MLS Lead is also responsible for daily operations in the clinical Transfusion Services Laboratory. This role regularly assigns, instructs, and checks the work of others. They also lead the professional technical work performed by Medical Lab Scientists.

In conjunction with the manager, the MLS Lead provides direction, training and leadership for staff, develops and evaluates new methodologies and procedures, and writes, reviews and revises technical procedures. Review and evaluate test results; use expert job knowledge to make critical judgments regarding acceptability of results and donor compatibility for transfusion.

Work with attention to detail and with critical review to avoid errors.
* Regularly assign, instruct and check the work of staff and students.
* Establish priorities in daily work to be done in section.
* Promote understanding and support for divisional and departmental policies.
* Display leadership and flexibility in adapting to new routines and modifications of work assignments and schedules.
* Actively model and encourage staff participation in problem solving and quality improvement activities.
* Share responsibility for emergency coverage, overtime, on-call and call-back needs of the laboratory.
* Inventory supplies and consumables and submit orders for approval. May assist in negotiation of prices and arranging of standing orders, service contracts and capital equipment purchases.
* Quality Assurance Activities
** Oversee quality assurance activities within the section, including QC and instrument maintenance.
* Maintain laboratory procedures, including writing new procedures and revising existing procedures under the direction of faculty and manager.
* Review quality assurance reports to confirm standards of care are being met.
* Review quality control reports on a regular basis to detect shifts or trends indicating potential problems, and institute corrective action before major problems develop.
* In conjunction with the manager, assess, initiate, maintain, and monitor compliance with CAP and JCAHO regulations within the section.
* Instrumentation/Computer Skills
** Exercise expertise in operation and troubleshooting of a variety of laboratory equipment, including equipment requiring interpretative knowledge such as multi-parameter cell counters and automated coagulation analyzers.

Demonstrate positive leadership skills such as empathy, creativity and fairness.

Monitor workflow and distribute resources to meet the needs of the laboratory; consult with manager about staffing requirements. Document, report and review results on CAP and other proficiency testing materials.
* Perform or oversee calibration, QC and preventive maintenance activities of staff members and instrument repair technicians.
* Effectively utilize supervisory functions in laboratory information system software.
* Keep manager informed of instrument or computer problems.
* Teaching Skills
** Provide effective orientation and training for new employees or others.
* Provide fair, immediate and private feedback on technical performance issues to individuals.
* Provide feedback to manager on performance of trainees and staff, ongoing personnel competency issues and exceptional employee performance.
* Collaborate with manager to ensure required training and documentation of training is obtained for all staff.
* Oversee new employee training activities and review training documents to ensure trainees make satisfactory progress towards completion of training requirements.
* May teach or delegate teaching of students, in both lab and lecture settings.
* Communication/Customer Service
** Represent the department professionally when interacting with other members of the healthcare team.
* Demonstrate strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
* Communicate clearly, directly, and on a timely basis appropriate information to customers and co-workers, both orally and in writing.
* Communicate changes in procedures clearly to all staff and maintain documentation of changes and staff training.

Effectively utilize computer systems, including email and…