Flow Cytometry Technical Specialist

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Job description

Primary City/State:

Phoenix, Arizona

Department Name:

Flow Cytometry-Ref Lab

Work Shift:

Day

Job Category:

Lab

POSITION SUMMARY
This position provides technical expertise and support for the Flow Cytometry department under the direction of department leadership by writing procedures, performing assay and instrument research and development, assisting in complex troubleshooting of assay and instrument issues, developing technical policies, monitoring and establishing continuous quality improvement and providing technical education to staff. This position serves as a system resource and is responsible for assisting with department compliance with all pertinent laboratory accrediting agency and regulatory requirements (e.g., CLIA '88, JCAHO, CAP, OSHA).

Performs all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, as well as applicable professional standards.

CORE FUNCTIONS
1. Performs technical research and development of new assays in Flow Cytometry under the direction of Flow Cytometry leadership. Evaluates referral testing and makes recommendations on bringing testing in-system. Responsible for writing new procedures, optimization of instrument settings and acquisition templates and developing advanced analysis templates. Responsible for development and workflow optimization, LIS configuration and implementation.

2. Evaluates quality by working with the Flow Cytometry department leadership in the development, implementation and validation of QC and QA policies and procedures for Flow Cytometry. Participates in Six Sigma projects and outcome measurement studies. Ensures that appropriate policies exist for specimen integrity and practices are standardized between sites if applicable. Ensures that regulatory and compliance standards are met and provides technical support during inspections.

3. Assists Flow Cytometry Department Leadership to provide technical staff development and technical in-services for all personnel within Flow Cytometry. Develops and oversees training, continuing education and personal competency assessment programs for staff in Flow Cytometry. May assist in assessing department personnel competency. Reviews results and identifies additional training needs. Interacts with co-workers with an emphasis on teamwork and a focus on customer service. Demonstrates preceptor and coaching skills and promotes a constructive environment that encourages learning and development.

4. Works with the Flow Cytometry Department Leadership to provide input on financial evaluations for both new and current testing procedures. Performs financial evaluations as a part of procedure, instrumentation, and reagent evaluations. Assists the Department Leadership in reviewing current procedures and instruments utilized periodically to ensure that they are cost effective. Recommends changing procedures instrumentation, or processes when appropriate to increase cost-effectiveness and improve the quality of results. May participate in the monitoring and ordering of inventory and assist in providing financial data for the department.

5. Participates in quality control of new reagents as well as, quality control, quality assurance, and preventive maintenance of department instrumentation. Responsible for the accurate and timely completion and review of the Reagent log. Responsible for the production of antibody cocktails and QC of the cocktails and review of daily instrument/assay quality control.

6. Serves as a system technical resource for Flow Cytometry and provides technical support for problem solving. Provides technical consultation to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals and works closely with Medical Director(s) on policies and procedures. Under the direction of the department leadership, responsible for implementation of system technical initiatives in their area of responsibility. May assist in clinical workflow, including but not limited to review gating leukemia lymphoma or lymphocyte subset cases.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

DIRECTLY REPORTING

None

MATRIX OR INDIRECT REPORTING

Flow Cytometry Coordinator, Flow Cytometry Technologist, Flow Cytometry Technician

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates a high level of technical knowledge and application of that knowledge to assay optimization, development, validation, implementation.

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of flow cytometry instrument setting and compensation optimization and acquisition template building.

• Demonstrates advanced assay and instrument problem solving skills.

• Demonstrates competency in the operation of all equipment in the Flow Cytometry lab including: routine operation as well as Quality Control, Quality Assurance and Preventive Maintenance.

• Demonstrates high level of technical procedure and workflow writing skills.

• Demonstrates the ability to work in a team environment.

• Demonstrates ability to train new employees.

• Demonstrates the ability to meet deadlines and complete responsibilities in a timely manner.

• Demonstrates ability to discern when issues need to involve leadership.

• Demonstrates the ability to meet deadlines and complete responsibilities in a timely manner.

• Demonstrates advanced level of effective verbal and written communication skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicant must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:

  • Associate degree in a laboratory science (chemical or biological science) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution, or

  • Bachelor's degree in chemical or biological science (transcripts will be reviewed to determine eligibility).

  • Equivalent laboratory training and experience meeting the requirements defined in the CLIA regulation 42CFR493.1489, or

  • Meet other criteria defined in 42CFR493.1489 or 42CFR493.1491 (including US military medical laboratory procedures training courses)

• Four (4) years of hands on > 5-color leukemia/ lymphoma immunophenotyping assay development.

• Four (4) years of flow cytometry experience including but not limited to operation, quality control and preventative maintenance of flow cytometry equipment

• One (1) year previous experience with hematology analyzers, centrifuge, microscope, slide stainer, pH meter and pipettors.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• ASCP SCYM certification

• Experience with FCS Express analysis template building

• Experience with Beckman Coulter Navios and or AQUIOS flow cytometers

• MLS with Hematology experience, including morphology.

• Additional related education and/or experience.

EEO Statement:

EEO/Female/Minority/Disability/Veterans

Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.

Privacy Policy:

Privacy Policy

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