Medical Laboratory Scientist - Oregon Health & Science University

Department Overview:

OHSU is proud to be designated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Just 9 percent of U.S. healthcare organizations hold this designation. We pride ourselves in not only serving our community with the highest of accolades but also pushing a multifaceted mission that strives for excellence within the OHSU Culture.

 

OHSU is hiring! We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage at low or no cost to employees
• Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
• Several retirement plans to choose from! – Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan and University Pension Plan, voluntary savings plans (403b, 401a and 457b)
• Up to 200 hours (equal to 25 full days) a year of paid time off 
• 96 hours of sick leave a year (prorated by FTE status) 
• Commuter subsidies
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
• Annual Raises
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses
• Childcare service discounts
• Growth/Development Opportunities

We want you, apply and work with us today! https://www.ohsu.edu/

 

With decades of academic laboratory experience in hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapies, the Cellular Therapy Laboratory delivers advanced cell products to make personalized medicine a reality. The laboratory is FDA registered and Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) accredited.  Our Medical Directors and seasoned technical staff have many years of experience in clinical testing and test development and are dedicated to providing the best quality service for physicians and their patients.

 

The Medical Laboratory Scientist works in the Cellular Therapy Laboratory and is part of the health care team, utilizes his/her knowledge and expertise to process cellular therapy products and other tissues for Departments and Centers at OHSU.  These tasks require the incumbent to use a high degree of technical judgment, have good decision-making skills and to have the ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision.  The position requires the Medical Laboratory Scientist to have an understanding of flow cytometry, immunology and cell therapy as it relates to the treatment of hematologic malignancies and other diseases. The Medical Laboratory Scientist adheres to requirements for staff members as outlined in Compliance Rules and Responsibilities of OHSU Hospitals and Clinics.

Function/Duties of Position:

• Handles, stores, prepares and distributes cellular therapy products for infusion or transplantation.
• Participates in the collection of bone marrow harvest in OHSU Operating Rooms.
• Cryopreserves cellular therapy products and other tissues using both manual techniques and the Controlled Rate Freezer.
• Thaws and assists in infusion of cellular therapy products both in the laboratory and at the patient’s bedside.
• Handles and prepares tissues for storage and release, including autologous bone flaps, parathyroid tissue, and UNOS cadaveric vessels.
• Prepares infectious disease marker panels for send out, reports on results and ensures regulatory compliance with positive products.
• Performs cellular therapy product selection and/or depletion procedures using the Miltenyi CliniMACS or Prodigy.
• Performs both plasma and red blood cell reduction on incompatible products.
• Receives cellular therapy products and other tissues from national and international transplant centers and manufacturers.
• Uses sterile technique for product handling in Biosafety Cabinets.
• Follows written procedures and policies. 
• Accurately calculates and records product cell doses for the clinical care team.
• Prepares samples for testing, including viability and colony forming unit (CFU) assays. Determines acceptability of specimens and results. Repeats analysis as necessary to insure accuracy. Reports test results via computer and telephone.
• Performs all computer functions using EPIC, OnBase and Microsoft Office applications – Access, Notebook, Excel.
• Follows regulatory standards and guidelines put forth by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapies (FACT) and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).
• The position participates in many clinical trials and research endeavors.
• Available for emergency action response in the event of a freezer or refrigeration malfunction.
• Assists with miscellaneous technical administrative functions to support daily laboratory activities.
• Performs inventory of reagents and supplies.
• Reviews critical patient records.
• Enters data into various registries including the CIBMTR.
• Uses the Sepax, Endosafe, Liquid Nitrogen Storage Freezers, and other specialty instrumentation.
  
• Answers telephone requests for laboratory information.
  
• Calibrates, maintains and troubleshoots laboratory instruments and procedures.
  
• Performs and evaluates quality control data to determine functionality of instruments and procedures.
  
• Completes competency training, review of the quality management plan, policy and procedure manuals, and safety review. Attends and participates in staff meetings and training sessions.
  
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and training sessions.
• Senior staff assist with training and mentorship of new employees
• Reviews questionable data with Manager.
  
• Performs validations, audits and other quality control data as delegated by the Laboratory Manager and/or Laboratory Director.
  
• Follows current good tissue practices (cGTP) and current good laboratory practices (cGLP)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Science
  • Which includes a clinical lab externship, and current certification as MT (ASCP), or MLS (ASCP) within 90 days of hire;
  • Current certification and credential maintenance must be
    maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004.
• OR Completion of a 2 year accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, plus MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 90 days of hire, and 4 years of experience in a clinical laboratory;
  • Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred;
  • Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004.
• OR Bachelor's degree in a Chemical or Biological field, and four years experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory performing testing and related tasks;
  • Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred;
  • Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004.

Note: experience in a specialty lab area will only qualify candidate to work in that specialty area.

 

Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without accommodation.

Additional Details:

Pay Range: $37.61 - $51.63 per hour, Commensurate with experience, qualifications and internal equity.

 

Environment, Physical Demands & Equipment Usage

 

Human tissue/fluid exposure, liquid nitrogen exposure, on call status, occasional late night cell processing, weekend work and holiday work.

 

Ability to lift up to 30 pounds; ability to stand for four continuous hours a day; ability to perform microscope work and safely handle liquid nitrogen (LN2).

All are welcome:Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.