Medical Laboratory Scientist

Flow Cytometry Department at Virginia Cancer Institute

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

Molecular Pathology has an immediate opening for a full-time Medical Laboratory Scientist position in the Flow Cytometry Department in the Virginia Cancer Institute Laboratory, Richmond, VA.

Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network, Inc. (MPLN) is a privately held, College of American Pathologists, New York State Department of Health and ISO15189 accredited molecular diagnostic laboratory specializing in oncology, infectious disease testing, women's health testing and clinical trials.

This is a full-time day shift position - Monday through Friday with an occasional Saturday rotation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive, unpack, and accession cases into the LIS (Laboratory Information System), including patient insurance demographics, office location, sample types and proper test and billing codes.

• Set up and run assays (Leukemia/Lymphoma Immunophenotyping and PNH) on the flow cytometer.

• Review orders (requisitions and other submitted documentation), and sample labeling, assess adequacy of sample, research case history, resolve unclear or conflicting information and select appropriate flow cytometry panel.

• Triage caseload (monitor pending logs, assess workload, prioritize, and collaborate with the flow team about distribution of workload).

• Process samples: including cell counts, viability assessments, tissue disaggregation, smear preparations, morphological review, concentration or dilution of samples and documentation of findings on flow worksheet.

• Set up assays, including sample and reagent pipetting, staining, lysing, washing and preparing for acquisition.

• Perform instrument preventive maintenance and operates instrument, including start-up, shut-down, quality control/assessment, worklist set-up, data acquisition optimization and instrument troubleshooting.

• Analyze data files, including assessment of sample light scatter and staining adequacy, cellular differential assessment, detection and identification of normal and abnormal cellular populations, assessment for aberrant antigen expression patterns, recognize technical artifacts, non-specific staining patterns, and improper compensation.

• Isolate subpopulations using gating strategies. Determine phenotype of individual cell populations.

• Perform and document lab quality control, calibration, instrument/equipment maintenance, trouble-shooting, and corrective actions.

• Ensure adequate inventory of supplies, reagents, consumables including expiration dates, and order/plan accordingly.

• Monitor quality and document actions/findings.

• Ability to articulate and effectively communicate and provide prompt and courteous service to all clients and staff.

EDUCATION, LICENSE OR CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required.

• ASCP certification required.

• 1 year of laboratory experience in Flow Cytometry preferred.

Environmental / working conditions:

• Work in a well-lit and well-ventilated area.

• Potential for exposure to infectious materials, communicable diseases, and toxic substances.

• Physical / mental demands:

• High-level thinking, multi-tasking and communicating verbally and electronically.

• Must work as an integral part of a strong team.

• Must have competent computer skills.

• Must be detail-oriented with consistent focus on quality.

• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time.

• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.

• Manipulation of small volumes reagents/samples with accurate pipetting techniques.

• Requires hand/eye coordination.

• Must pass color-blind testing.

• Ability to hear within normal range.

• Occasionally required to lift up to 20 pounds.

Applicants must be able to pass a drug screening and background check.

MPLN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• Bereavement leave

• Dental insurance

• Dependent care reimbursement

• Dependent health insurance coverage

• Disability insurance

• Employee assistance program

• Flexible schedule

• Flexible spending account

• Health insurance

• Health savings account

• Life insurance

• Paid holidays

• Paid jury duty

• Paid sick time

• Paid time off

• Prescription drug insurance

• Retirement plan

• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• clinical laboratory: 1 year (Preferred)

• Flow cytometry: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• ASCP Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person