Medical Lab Scientist I

POSITION SUMMARY:

Natera is currently seeking a licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist to analyze specimens and maintains equipment in good operating condition.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Verify the proper specimen being analyzed and perform tests that need to be completed
• Proficient at analyzing clinical laboratory specimens following the standard methods and procedures in an efficient manner with little to no errors
• Responsible for maintaining updated understanding and knowledge of methods performed in the lab
• Provides general oversight of personnel and the daily operations in the lab.
• Meet expected performance metrics within role as applicable.
• Follows GLP (good laboratory practice): maintain clean and organized workspace
• Completes training and other deadlines on time.
• Provide guidance for new Clinical Laboratory Operator and/or Medical Laboratory Scientists.
• Train on specialized instructions for instruments/protocols (super users)
• Recognizes and escalates equipment malfunctions; troubleshoots common analytical and processing errors according to the laboratory’s standard operating procedure
• Recognizes, documents, and escalates protocol deviations in lab to lead/supervisor
• Assists with documentation for nonconformance reports.
• Participates in the updating of departmental standard operating procedures and database to accurately reflect the current practices.
• Conducts independent continuous improvement projects
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory agency requirements through proper documentation (example maintenance logs, bench worksheet)
• Performs quality control procedures to ensure accuracy of clinical data (if applicable)
• Maintains equipment and instruments in good operating condition (such as calibration and expiration date)
• Maintain inventory of material, supplies and equipment in the laboratory for performance of duties.
• Communicates with team and other departments on various platforms (including via e-mail)
• Provides feedback on day-to-day schedule and tasks to lead/supervisor; offers suggestions/ideas for improvement
• Assists teammates in completing daily tasks and facilitate workflow as needed
• Conducts himself/herself in a professional manner; acts as a role model/mentor to others
• Adheres to Departmental Expectations
• This role works with PHI on a regular basis both in paper and electronic form and have access to various technologies to access PHI (paper and electronic) in order to perform the job
• Employee must complete training relating to HIPAA/PHI privacy, General Policies and Procedure Compliance training and security training as soon as possible but not later than the first 30 days of hire.
• Must maintain a current status on Natera training requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS/BA degree in Medical Technology, Biological Sciences, or a related field
• Current MT/MLS/CLS/MB certification preferable from ASCP, AMT, or AAB 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, computer, troubleshooting, and pipetting skills.
• Experience in Molecular Biology preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Word processing and data management skills.
• Ability to work well in a group
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Duties typically performed in BSL-1 to 2 laboratories with potentially hazardous material
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time may be necessary
• Duties may require working weekends and overtime
• Must be able to lift boxes or supplies up to 35lbs
• Duties require wearing safety goggles, gloves, and laboratory coat.
• Duties require exposure to cold air due to frequent accessing of refrigeration and/or freezer units.

Must be able to discern color visually [or be able to evaluate cellular morphology when applicable] and pass applicable screening assessment