Technical Specialist (Ft, 40 Hours)

This is an exciting time to join our dynamic organization! BioReference, an OPKO Health company, is the largest full service specialty laboratory in the United States that gives healthcare providers and patients the power to make confident healthcare decisions. With a focus on oncology, urology and womens health, BioReference offers comprehensive test solutions and unparalleled expertise based on a 40 year legacy of proven science and exceptional service. Join our team and become part of the journey in making our patients and customers the highest priority.

We are looking for a Technical Specialist to work in our Clinical Labs at our Elmwood Park, NJ location.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm

Job Description

The Technical Specialist is responsible for working with the department supervisor to maintain technical and procedural operations in the assigned testing bench within the department. This includes performing and/or reviewing quality control, and quality improvement and regulatory compliance.

QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum):

1. BSMT or Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Biology, or a related life science. Meets CLIA and NYS personnel standards for Medical Technologist.
2. State licensure required (if applicable).
3. ASCP preferred.
4. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a Clinical Laboratory.
5. Strong interpersonal skills. Must maintain a professional demeanor and appearance.
6. Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
7. Good time management and prioritization skills.
8. Strong computer skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
9. Demonstrated problem solving abilities. Shows attention to detail.
10. Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulatory requirements preferred.
11. Knowledge of testing methodologies and laboratory terminology preferred.

PHYSICIAL DEMANDS

1. Medium work of lifting up to 50 pounds and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
2. Responsible for lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects.

METHODS OF EVALUATION: Documented evaluations occur at the end of six months and annually thereafter.

1. Direct observation of work performance
2. Observation of compliance with safety protocols
3. Review of intermediate test results or worksheets (if applicable), quality control records, and preventative maintenance records
4. Evaluation of recording and reporting of test results (if applicable)
5. Direct observation of performance of instrument maintenance/function checks  
6. Assessment of test performance through testing of previously analyzed samples, internal blind, or external proficiency testing samples
7. Review of training, competency, and continuing education records
8. Assessment of problem solving skills 
9. .
10. Review of compliance with SOPs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Work requires contact with water (hand washing and cleaning), biohazardous body fluids, and hazardous chemicals.
2. Work is varied in nature with sufficient noise and interruptions to cause distraction and stress.
3. Work requires sitting, standing, and/or walking for periods of up to four hours.
4. Work requires close attention to detail and accuracy.
5. OSHA risk factor: Category 1

DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Duties may include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

1. Proficient in all principle duties of Medical Technologist I and II.
2. Maintains an up to date working knowledge of applicable technical procedures. 
3. Maintains a clean, well-organized, and safe working environment.
4. Assists with state, local, and regulatory inspections.  Conducts self-audits.
5. Complies with all regulatory and company protocols for safety and compliance.
6. Follows all company policies for attendance and punctuality.
7. Assists internal and external customers with problem resolution.
8. Applies professional knowledge and judgement to analytical decision making. Escalates problems appropriately.
9. Understands department and business goals.
10. Capable of performing job duties independently without direct supervision.
11. Conducts departmental audits such as labeling, temperature monitoring, safety, and self- inspections against regulatory standards.
12. Write and/or review Standard Operating Procedures and perform practice vs. procedure audits.
13. Tracks department Quality Monitors as outlined by the QMP, and works with the Supervisor to implement quality improvements. Monitors effectiveness of changes.
14. Quality Control- Establish targets and ranges based on laboratory data. Updates the LIS system with changes to QC information. Capable of reviewing quality control data and recognizing statistical anomalies such as bias, trend, imprecision, and shifts.
15. Coordinate and manage QC/QA activities as defined by federal, state, and local regulations, including but not limited to, calibration verification, pipette calibration, instrument correlations, etc.
16. Assist with planning validation protocols and preparing validation packages for submission.
17. Assist with NCE/CAPA investigations for quality failures such as revised reports, lost specimens, PT failure, etc.
18. Capable of analyzing department metrics to spot trends over time, identify areas of improvement, and recommend appropriate actions to department supervisor.
19. Record Review- Verify appropriate documentation of all QC/QA standards, such as validations, failed run logs, training and competency assessments, continuing education, preventative maintenance/function checks, etc. Ensures records are maintained as specified by regulatory guidelines.

 BioReference Health LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer