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Department: Laboratory

Reports to: Certifications Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs tasks that result in the accurate and timely determination of drugs and chemicals in specimens submitted to AIT Laboratories. Participates in troubleshooting of test procedures. May perform tests categorized by CLIA as waived, moderate or high complexity.

Must meet testing personnel qualifications and responsibilities as defined in 42 CFR Part 493, Subpart M, sections 493.1487, 493.1489, and 493.1495 as summarized below.
     
Each individual performing high-complexity testing must have:

• Earned a bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution
• Documentation of training appropriate for the testing performed prior to analyzing patient specimens
• The skills required for proper specimen collection, if applicable, labeling, handling, preservation, processing or preparation, transportation and storage of specimens
• The skills required for implementing all standard laboratory procedures
• The skills required for performing each test method and for proper instrument use
• The skills required for performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration procedures related to each test performed
• A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage
• The skills required to implement the quality control policies and procedures of the laboratory
• An awareness of the factors that influence test results
• The skills required to assess and verify the validity of patient test results through the evaluation of quality control sample values prior to reporting patient test results

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Operates, calibrates and maintains laboratory equipment and analytical instruments such as a GCMS, LCMS, or Chata Chem+Mix
2. Participates in improvement of analytical methodologies\
3. Performs the initial analysis and interpretation on data from analytical instrumentation
4. Performs liquid-liquid, solid-phase and protein precipitation extractions
5. Reviews quality control material to ensure data is acceptable and within limits
6. Manually posts or checks auto-posting of quality control and specimen results into LIMS
7. Reviews initial analysis of specimens by other chemists and laboratory technicians and releases data within LIMS for final reports
8. Provides basic technical support to other chemists, laboratory technicians and laboratory aides
9. Responsible for following established maintenance protocols and standard operating procedures
10. Prepares buffers, quality control materials, internal standards and calibrator materials
11. Performs a weekly inventory of all reagents, standards and controls
12. Quantitatively aliquots controls and standards for use during confirmation testing
13. Understands and can explain the principles behind solid phase, liquid-liquid and protein precipitation extraction methods
14. Follows established laboratory and chemical safety procedures, including proper biohazard waste disposal and practicing Universal Precautions
15. Other duties or tasks may be assigned periodically by immediate supervisor; however, these duties or tasks will be limited to the competency of the employee and their current documented training. Management will be responsible for documenting these duties or tasks.

The testing personnel are responsible for specimen processing, test performance and reporting test results. Each individual performs only those tests that are authorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training or experience and technical abilities. Each individual performing high-complexity testing must:

• Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results
• Maintain records that demonstrate proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples
• Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies by documenting all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed
• Follow the laboratory's established corrective action policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance
• Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify their supervisor, manager or director
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES

SKILL REQUIREMENTS

1. Problem Solving – Gathers and analyzes information efficiently; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations
2. Technical Skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others
3. Ethics – Works with integrity and ethics; upholds organizational goals and values
4. Organizational Support – Follows approved policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks accurately and on time; respects diversity
5. Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness in daily tasks; continually looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance
6. Communication Skills – Demonstrates ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations; demonstrates ability to write analytical procedures, effectively present information and respond to questions from managers
7. Mathematical Skills – Demonstrates ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, and volume; applies concepts of basic arithmetic and algebra
8. Reasoning Ability – Applies principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems; properly interprets nonverbal symbolism such as formulas, scientific equations and graphs
9. Computer Skills – To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Database software, word processing and spreadsheet software
10. Professionalism – Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for their own actions; follows through on commitments; asks for and offers help when needed

WORKING CONDITIONS
The normal working conditions under which your work is performed

1. Requires extensive safety training
2. Alternative work schedules
3. Contact with chemicals or reagents
4. Laboratory
5. Requires protective devices

PHYSICAL EFFORT
The physical demands of the position

1. Intermittently sitting, standing, stooping
2. Occasional lifting 25 to 50 pounds

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements 

Bachelor’s degree in a life science from an accredited college or university

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations 

None required

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