EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Master’s degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory, chemical, physical, or biological science OR
- Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory, chemical, physical, or biological science OR
- Associate degree in chemical, physical, or biological science.
GENERAL DUTIES
The laboratory analyst must have the ability to analyze biological matrices for both the qualitative and quantitative identification of drugs, chemicals, and toxins. The utilization of scientific techniques (liquid-liquid and solid-phase extractions) and instrumentation (gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, enzyme immunoassay, etc.) are essential. He/ She may need to instruct and aid the other laboratory staff as needed.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the supervisory staff, the laboratory analyst is responsible for the following:
1. Critical assessment and interpretation of toxicological request.
2. Perform complex testing on a variety of patient/donor samples.
3. Complete projects in a timely manner.
4. Prepare test solutions, calibrators/controls and reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
5. Monitoring status and progress of work and reviewing completed work to ensure Scientist’s instructions on work priorities, methods, deadlines, and quality have been met.
6. Ensures that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed for all testing procedures performed and determining that they accurately describe and define the procedures.
7. Ensures proper maintenance of the quality control records of laboratory equipment (i.e. balances, refrigerators, ovens, etc) and instrumentation.
8. Uses mathematical and statistical techniques to critically evaluate analytical techniques.
KNOWLEDGE
- Professional knowledge of advanced medical technology theories, practices, and established methodologies that meet the requirements for a bachelor’s degree or higher. Knowledge must be sufficient to perform the full range of duties connected with the oversight of multiple laboratory operations.
- Professional knowledge of the types of methods used to monitor and control variables that affect the quality of services provided; skill in evaluating and interpreting results of quality control procedures and implementing corrective action where indicated and mastery of mathematics and statistics as related to laboratory quality control procedures.
- Professional knowledge of accrediting and regulatory agency requirements sufficient to ensure that competency assessment and quality assessment/improvement plans are in compliance with such requirements.
- Ability to teach testing methodologies to others and to document or validate training to ensure tests performed by all trainees meet established standards.
- Knowledge to perform data base manipulations and basic word processing skills on a computer. Level of expertise must permit creation of SOPs and quality control charts and statistics.
- Professional knowledge and skill sufficient to perform the most complex laboratory testing in accordance with SOP requirements, the ability to discern abnormal test patterns, troubleshoot equipment problems, and to perform confirmation testing when indicated or suggest alternative protocols to document or validate unusual results.
SUPERVISORY CONTROL
The Lab Analyst reports directly to the Laboratory Supervisor or Manager. The lab Analyst will carry out assignments independently, with intermittent review of the quality of specimens processed and results reported; feedback will also be given on the ability to work with department and company staff.
GUIDELINES
- Guidelines include employee handbook, professional peer standards, laboratory manuals, technical references, laboratory standard operating procedures, and regulatory agency requirements.
COMPLEXITY
- The Lab Analyst considers such complex factors as the use of proficiency testing programs, procedural instructions, validation of methods, types of surveillance needed to monitor results, documentation of remedial action taken for detected deficiencies/defects, preventive maintenance and performance testing of equipment and instruments, proper preparation and storage of reagents, procedures for the collection and preservation of specimens, identification of specimens, etc.
- The Laboratory Analyst assesses the effect of such variables as the precision, specificity, and sensitivity of methods and instruments. Accordingly, the incumbent often modifies or adapts quality control procedures and techniques to ensure validity of data in relation to test systems.
SCOPE AND EFFECT
- The purpose of the position is to technically perform multiple laboratory operations, ensuring the forensic and clinical reliability of services and laboratory data in accordance with accrediting and regulatory agency requirements. Failure to meet position requirements could invalidate test results, jeopardize accreditation, or limit the ability of the laboratory to perform affected tests under established Federal Law.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as long periods of standing, bending or reaching for supplies or materials, lifting moderately heavy items such as tabletop centrifuges, and 5-liter reagent containers (i.e. saline cubes). The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity (to perform intricate collection or analysis procedures) and color vision. It may involve alternated work sites or times.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks of discomforts that require special safety precautions, (i.e. contagious disease, caustic reagents, noxious fumes, and flammable liquids). The Laboratory Analyst is required to use and enforce the use of protective clothing or gear such as laboratory coats, fume hoods, safety goggles, aprons, gloves, and face shields, and to adopt aseptic techniques.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $19.00 - $24.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Night shift
- Overtime
- Weekends as needed
Ability to Relocate:
- Deer Park, TX: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person