Laboratory Scientist

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Job description

The CDC Foundation is working with CDC, state and local authorities to provide surge staffing resources that are crucial to the nation's COVID-19 response. We are seeking candidates for the Laboratory Scientist role. Under administrative direction, oversees the overall operation of a laboratory and uses extensive knowledge to independently perform high complexity laboratory analytical procedures on blood, body fluids, and public health investigation-related samples; performs support tasks related to testing samples and reporting results; and performs related work as required.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and oversees the overall operation of the assigned laboratory.

• Performs routine preparation and laboratory analyses for human disease and public health threat samples in accordance with designated laboratory principles and practices and laboratory standard operating procedures.

• Maintains laboratory instrumentation, equipment, pipets, and testing supply/reagent inventory; perform standard equipment calibrations.

• Performs Quality Control at the time new supplies/reagents/kits are received in the laboratory; reports and resolves discrepancies and errors; performs ongoing quality control responsibilities regarding laboratory functions; reviews quality control/quality assurance assigned data to evaluate documentation requirements; logs quality control data.

• Collects and analyzes analytical data and interprets test and quality control/quality assurance results; organizes and reports results and data, via designated information management systems, and to other program personnel, as needed.

• Ensures all available samples are tested in accordance with assigned employee schedule and analyses are in-line with published turn-around-times (TATs) to meet quality measure thresholds.

• Develops, writes, and reviews new procedures for the laboratory; collaborates in the development and implementation of new testing procedures as required to support rapid public health response in the community and the state; initiates and carries out projects to improve laboratory operations.

• Develops and maintains acceptable criteria, laboratory procedure manuals, reports, guidelines, and research protocols to ensure appropriate documentation and procedures are available at all times.

• Performs support tasks that are required to maintain laboratory operations - these tasks may include, but are not necessarily limited to, specimen collection, sample handling, specimen preparation, information system procedures, customer support, and common clerical duties.

• Trains other staff, as directed.

• Maintains proficiency and updated knowledge on disease causes and controls to continuously improve the quality of laboratory testing and customer service surrounding testing performed.

• Communicates instrument repair needs, assay problems, and data issues to the supervisor expeditiously so proactive notification of clients and/or redirecting of testing can be coordinated to minimize result TATs.

• Observes all safety requirements in the laboratory setting; maintains comprehensive knowledge for all procedures that are required to be performed.

• Organizes and ensures reagents are made in advance, QC/QA activities are completed on time, and waste is removed appropriately and sterilized (if needed) in a timely fashion.

• Communicates technical information relating to abnormal test result reporting, test results, methodology, test specificity/sensitivity, and factors that can influence test results to other health professionals and public health partners.

• Contacts appropriate health officials expeditiously when a positive of public health significance and/or reportable result is identified; ensures appropriate confirmatory testing is performed on positive screening testing.

• Participates, as directed, in County Board of Health meetings, County Commission meetings, and other public meetings and forums.

• Performs duties as assigned in the event of a public health emergency.

• Represents the county with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

Education

• Qualification as a licensed laboratorian; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Qualifications

• General clinical laboratory equipment, procedures, techniques, and quality control/assurance
• Medical environment
• Administration of Public Health regulations - NRS 439.640 and NAC 439
• Hazardous waste materials such as chemicals and/or bio-hazardous materials
• Related safety, health, and environmental regulatory compliance standards, laws, and regulations, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), CLIA, CAP, FDA, EPA, NDEP, etc.
• Implementation of emergency response and management and safety program management, written safety programs, inspections, safety training, emergency preparedness and response, hazardous materials management and response
• Laboratory licensing requirements and operational mandates
• HIPAA Regulations and Compliance strategies
• Current laboratory and public health principles and practices
• Computer applications related to the work
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained

• Working with hazardous materials such as chemicals and/or bio-hazardous materials
• Applying laboratory technical knowledge and understanding of workflow
• Exercising independent judgment to plan, develop, and conduct laboratory assignments
• Maintaining confidential information
• Researching, analyzing, and compiling data for reports
• Interviewing, communicating with, and instructing individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained
• Interpreting, applying, and adapting regulations, policies, and procedures
• Analyzing situations accurately and taking effective action.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines
• Communicating orally in a clear, concise manner, tailoring the message to the intended audience
• Writing technical and narrative reports and other written materials
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities
• Demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public, other agencies, and county staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment

Relocation expenses are not included.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $68,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

COVID-19 considerations:
All employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment effective November 22, 2021. All offers of employment after that date are contingent upon proof of full-vaccination status as a part of the pre-employment process.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Chicago, IL: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: One location