Job Postings
Flow Cytometry Technical Specialist
November 13, 2024
POSITION SUMMARY
The Flow Cytometry Technical Specialist 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
- 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. Participates in the evaluation and selection of new procedures and instrumentation. Responsible for writing new procedures, optimization of instrument settings and acquisition templates and developing advanced analysis templates. Reviews and standardizes procedures between testing sites if applicable. Responsible for development and workflow optimization, LIS configuration and implementation.
- Focuses on quality by working with the Flow Cytometry department leadership in the development and implementation of QC and QA policies and procedures for Flow Cytometry. Participates in Six Sigma projects and outcome measurement studies. Provides technical expertise for the Flow Cytometry area. Ensures that appropriate policies exist for specimen integrity. Develops plans for validation of all processes. Ensures that regulatory and compliance standards are met. Provides technical support during inspections. Standardizes practices between sites if applicable.
- Works with Flow Cytometry Department Leadership to provide technical staff development within the Flow Cytometry area. Provides technical in-services for all personnel within Flow Cytometry. Develops and oversees training and continuing education programs for staff in Flow Cytometry. Develops personnel competency assessment programs. May assist in assessing department personnel competency. Reviews results and identifies additional training needs.
- Serves as a system technical resource for Flow Cytometry. Provides technical support for problem solving. Provides technical consultation to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Works closely with the Medical Director(s) on policies and procedures. Demonstrates a high level of effective professional verbal and written communication skills. Under the direction of the department leadership, responsible for implementation of system technical initiatives in their area of responsibility.
- 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.
- Provides all customers of LSA/SQL with an excellent service experience by consistently (1) supporting the Company’s goals and mission, (2) following all Company policies and procedures, (3) providing quality customer service, and (4) following safety standards in performing all aspects of the functions below, reporting/removing unsafe equipment and attending safety education sessions.
- May participate in the monitoring and ordering of inventory and assist in providing financial data for the department. 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.
- 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.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
NONE
DIRECTLY REPORTING
NONE
MATRIX OR INDIRECT REPORTING
Flow Cytometry Coordinator, Flow Cytometry Technologist, Flow Cytometry Technician
TYPE OF SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
NONE
SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY
The core functions are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented as outlined by the incumbent's immediate manager.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT FACTORS
• Able to stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and stretch frequently.
• Needs adequate hearing and visual acuity, including adequate color vision.
• Requires fine motor skills, adequate eye-hand coordination, and ability to grasp and handle objects.
• May be required to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Must use standard precautions due to threat of exposure to blood and bodily fluids.
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
• At least 4 years of hands on > 5-color leukemia/ lymphoma immunophenotyping assay development.
• At least 4 years of flow cytometry experience including but not limited to operation, quality control and preventative maintenance of flow cytometry equipment
• Previous experience with hematology analyzers, centrifuge, microscope, slide stainer, pH meter and pipettors.
• 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)
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.
More Information: https://bannerhealth.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/sonoraquestcareers/job/Papago-424-S-56th-St/Flow-Cytometry-Technical-Specialist_R4393460