Purpose:
This position assists the Laboratory Supervisor by monitoring the work of technical and ancillary employees. The Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist assists in test development, gathering data for management reports and regularly performs the duties of a Medical Lab Scientist, including the accurate performance of routine and advanced testing. This position functions as the Laboratory Supervisor during the Supervisor’s absence. Assures compliance with the UPMC mission and values for providing service excellence.

Responsibilities:

Assumes supervisory duties and performs `in charge duties as needed. Evaluates problems in the absence of the Supervisor and solves those that are possible. Communicates problems with the Laboratory Supervisor, Manager or Director as appropriate. Participates in an extensive administrative call rotation with the other supervisory staff (only for Tissue Typing Laboratory). Assists supervisory personnel in the observation and documentation of laboratory staff competency. Completes all assigned duties within the required time frame. All duties of a Medical Technologist. Ensures that instrument maintenance and/or function checks are performed and documented accurately, according to procedure. Troubleshoots instrument malfunctions and informs the Laboratory Supervisor, Manager or Director of problems. Reviews QC logs. Documents and brings to the attention of the Laboratory Supervisor, Manager or Director any errors, omissions or discrepancies in QC. Compiles QA data and prepares reports as directed by the Laboratory Supervisor, Manager or Director. Monitors proficiency testing activity and assists the Director with evaluation of results and documentation of responses to deficiencies. Assists the Laboratory Supervisor or Manager with staff scheduling as directed. Maintains confidentiality regarding patient, hospital and laboratory business. Interacts professionally with other departments. Represents the Laboratory on Hospital committees as needed. Adheres to abnormal and/or critical results reporting policy and turn-around-time policy. Participates in and monitors quality assurance indicators. Adheres to personal appearance standards and displays hospital ID badge. Telephone / Internet privileges are followed according to policy. Complies with attendance and tardiness policy. Helps to monitor subordinate attendance and tardiness. Adheres to the compliance policy and serves as a resource for subordinate questions. Adheres to all safety policies as outlined in the Laboratory Safety Manual. Demonstrates awareness of appropriate inventory levels in all relevant sections of the laboratory. Takes action to prevent supply shortages or overages. Performs purchasing of supplies in the absence of the Laboratory Supervisor or Manager as directed. New procedures are mastered within established time frames. Demonstrates awareness of changes in procedures and protocols. Performs orientation and training assignments in an organized, thorough manner. Serves as a resource to other employees by sharing knowledge of procedures or testing outcomes when consulted. Develops, performs and/or evaluates special projects. Performs test evaluations and validations of new procedures and/or reagent systems. Formulates, authors and/or revises procedures according to CLSI guidelines. Prepares and delivers student lectures and bench instruction where relevant