Entry Level Biology Lab Tech Jobs in Portland, OR

Pay Range: $31.05/hr. to $44.77/hr.

Position Summary – The Medical Technologist II/Medical Laboratory Scientist performs a variety of routine and complex tests at a professional level and provides data used in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of human illnesses and diseases in one or more sections of the laboratory. Participates in the solution of technical problems requiring a great degree of independent judgment and critical thinking, assists in the development of testing, monitors quality control, participates in training, and fulfills charge technologist duties in absence of laboratory management.

Key Responsibilities –

• Performs and evaluates quality control testing following departmental policies and procedures
• Participates in training of new staff in general laboratory practice and in primary area of expertise
• Participates in competency oversight of staff in primary area of expertise
• Completes competency testing through proficiency surveys from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and/or Q.C. performance, including peer observation of technique annually in all scheduled areas.
• Responsible for keeping up-to-date on policy and procedure changes for work area. Provides input/directly reviews and updates new procedures for final review by Medical and Lab Directors.
• Maintains work center. Keeps area clean and well stocked. Prepares or replaces reagents as required. Includes receipt, log-in and stocking of supplies.
• Prioritizes and evaluates results prior to verification. This includes, but is not limited to, assessment of critical limits, delta checks, linearity of method being used, and believability of results. Follow up with documentation when necessary.
• Communicates with physician or nurse to inform them of results that require immediate or prompt attention. Follows up with the pathologist in a timely fashion.
• When functioning as a lead technologist:
• Addresses any problem or question as needed by staff, or contacts laboratory management if needed (see department phone list).
• Documents any and all issues/problems for laboratory management.
• Resolves scheduling issues for absenteeism.
• Performed occasionally but critical to successful performance of the job:
• Participates in peer review, responding in a fair and honest manner, both as the reviewer and as the reviewed.
• Maintains competency in each area where they perform testing and participates in proficiency testing whenever possible.
• Troubleshoots instrumentation problems in order to regain use of instrument ASAP.
• Logs specimens into the LIS system when necessary, evaluates specimen for acceptability and resolves problems associated with unacceptable or improperly labeled specimens.
• Decision making and budget responsibilities (e.g. impact limited to the employee, entire unit or organization-wide):
• Impact limited to the employee.
• Assigned direct reports (not limited to the ones listed):
• N/A

Job Specifications

Education:

Required

Bachelor's in medical technology, clinical laboratory, chemical, physical, or biological science. If Bachelor's degree is not in science disciplines above, must have at least two (2) years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing in lieu of. A copy of your highest science-related academic diploma or transcript required upon hire.

Preferred

N/A

Experience:

Required

Previous three (3) years hospital experience as a Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist. If Microbiology bench competencies required, must have recent three (3) years clinical Microbiology experience as a Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist.

Preferred

Must be cross-trained and maintaining competency as a:

Generalist with Microbiology and/or Blood Bank competencies maintained to cover as needed in those areas of Laboratory; or Specialist in Microbiology and/or Blood Bank; or Lead Technologist responsible for department operation in Hematology, Microbiology, Blood Bank, Chemistry sections of core Laboratory.

Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations:

Required

Certification of Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) or nationally recognized equivalent certification as approved by Laboratory Administration prior to offer of employment. Able to meet CLIA standards for high complexity testing. For those Medical Technologists who obtained initial ASCP certification after January 1, 2004, participation in the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) is required (3 year renewal). Those Medical Technologists certified before January 1, 2004 must be active and are certified for lifetime.

Preferred

N/A

Job Related Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:

Required

Must be flexible and willing to support staffing of the Laboratory in order to meet patient care needs. Possesses knowledge and skills through experience and/or training to be able to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served in this job. Uses effective communication skills. Personal appearance makes a good first impression. Looks for ways to improve customer service. Keeps abreast of new computer functions, computer usage and changes having to do with computers and printers as relates to work.

Preferred

Bilingual skills a plus.

Other:

Required

If current employee, must be in good standing with no plan of action developed with the past 12 months.

Preferred

N/A

Hillsboro Medical Center believes in providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. Recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, working conditions, training, and compensation will be based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, creed, national origin, marital status, family relationship, veteran status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. We further commit ourselves to continuing the practical application of this policy in our daily business conduct.