Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist

Position Overview

Fairview is seeking a full-time Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist (MLS/MT) for the Infectious Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory (IDDL) at the Mayo building, M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center-East Bank. Although the role is designated as day shift in the posting title, the work schedule is a 10‐hour night shift (8:30 pm to 7:00 am) with every other weekend and rotating holidays; the schedule may change as needed. Note that phlebotomy is not required for this position.

This role is eligible for a Sign On Bonus of up to $5,500 as well as a shift incentive bonus of up to $2,000 paid every six months (bonus is pro-rated based on FTE). In an environment performing over 800,000 Microbiology and Virology tests annually, the laboratory spans from manual reading of bacteriology cultures to state-of-the-art PCR testing and offers expertise in Bacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, and Virology.

The MLS functions independently to perform a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing, acts as a resource for troubleshooting and result interpretation, correlates clinical data with laboratory results, and collaborates with laboratory customers to ensure excellent patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Follows established guidelines to obtain specimens and prioritize work.
• Obtains specimens from patients of all ages and degrees of physical and/or mental disability.
• Properly verifies patient identity.
• Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing.
• Verifies correct identification of specimens before testing.
• Follows guidelines for determining the priority of specimen testing and procurement.
• Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing.
• Performs waived, moderate, or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA '88.
• Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedure.
• Completes specified maintenance on instruments.
• Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them.
• Acts as a resource for troubleshooting lab procedures and unexpected events in lab operations.
• Initiates proper safety or emergency responses and consults with the supervisor if issues persist.
• Exercises critical thinking to maintain and improve department productivity and efficiencies.
• Evaluates testing results for accuracy and intervenes appropriately.
• Determines if results fall within normal parameters and applies age-specific reference ranges.
• Correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise, and other factors affecting test results.
• Rechecks abnormal, discrepant, or unexpected results as needed.
• Directly communicates abnormal and critical results to the caregiver and obtains additional information if necessary.
• Demonstrates commitment to Laboratory Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement and Compliance Programs by documenting deviations and taking corrective action.
• Documents reagent, test kit, and calibrator checks and communicates any values or trends that exceed QC decision levels.
• Participates in the laboratory performance improvement program and reports progress and issues to the supervisor/manager.
• Orients and mentors new employees and students in routine and complex testing methodologies, instrumentation, and information systems.
• Checks work prior to release and completes training checklists and evaluations as appropriate.
• Adapts care or service approaches to address the developmental level and cultural differences of the patient population.

Required Qualifications

• Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college/university in a related laboratory field, including related lab practicum; alternatively, transcript evaluation verifying equivalency or completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course, or a Master's degree in a relevant field. (Diploma, transcript, or equivalency documentation must be provided.)
• Applicant must possess or be eligible to receive appropriate Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved laboratory certification – ASCP, ASCPi, or AMT - MLS/MT within 1 year or consideration may be given for HEW Medical Technologist certification.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance
• PTO along with Sick and Safe Time
• Tuition reimbursement and retirement plans
• Early access to earned wages and more – for additional details, visit Fairview Benefits

Compensation Disclaimer

An individual's pay rate within the posted range may be determined by various factors including skills, knowledge, relevant education, experience, and market conditions. Our organization prioritizes pay equity and internal team equity when making offers. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program in effect at the time of offer will apply.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any lawfully protected status (EEO/Vet/Disabled).