JOB SUMMARY
The Clinical Laboratory at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital provides laboratory testing services for inpatients and outpatients of ZSFG, Laguna Honda Hospital, District Health Centers and other facilities under the auspices of the SF Public Health Department. Responsible for all work assigned in all areas of the Clinical Laboratory including routine procedures, method improvement and development and evaluation. All work performed is to be completed within a required time frame ensuring shortest turnaround time as it relates to patient care. All work is to be accurately and professionally documented and reported. This position performs laboratory testing procedures, computer functions, quality control and preventative maintenance. This position performs all duties in a manner that denotes the team concept and reflects the UCSF and ZSFG mission, vision, and values. In addition, the CLS Specialist will have assigned area(s) of responsibility for technical, administrative, and quality activities. The specialist participates in teaching, training, and education of other CLS personnel, new hires, CLS students and laboratory medicine residents. The CLS Specialist is also primarily responsible for the validation of test assays/laboratory instruments and performing a variety of experiments as needed by the department. Attends and participates in scheduled operations meetings. Participates in and prepares reports for monthly Quality Reporting Meetings. Actively participates in projects relating, but not limited to, process improvements, test/workflow optimization and streamlining operations. The specialists must be able to work independently, under pressure: recognize problems, objectively identify causes, and determine appropriate solutions; while maintaining a high level of organization, accuracy, and efficiency. Collaborates on projects as needed and act as the lead CLS in the absence of a supervisor. The specialist must follow all health and safety precautions and procedures as mandated by regulatory agencies and complies with all UC, ZSFG, and Clinical Laboratory policies For questions, please send email to jedediah.wilson@ucsf.edu.
% of time Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
40% YesTechnical and Quality Assurance Responsibilities
- Functions as key operator and technical expert for multiple instruments, tests, methodologies, information systems and workflows in their assigned department/s.
- Perform advance troubleshooting of instrument and assay issues.
- Responsible for the investigation, validation, and implementation of new methodologies, computer/information systems, and workflow in the assigned department/s.
- Performs assay optimization and various projects as directed by supervisor/s, manager/s, and/or medical director/s; assist in evaluating criteria on result/data/test/workflow acceptability
- Participate in the development of department-specific protocols. Writes, reviews and modify procedure manuals/ protocols as needed. Assist in proper implementation of protocols.
- Assist supervisors in monitoring and evaluating quality control charts to identify shifts, trends and probable issues with quality control material, reagents, and analyzers. Responsible for proper assaying and evaluation of new lot of controls, including handling of materials, performing statistical calculations, documenting the evaluation, and assisting in establishing limits. Ensures that the evaluation is carried out in a timely manner.
- Assist supervisors in monitoring instrument maintenance and issues, ensuring that periodic maintenance is performed on time; maintenance records are complete and reviewed in a timely manner; and instrument issues are documented and resolved.
- Assists supervisors in reviewing turnaround time and other statistical reports on a regular basis
- Assist supervisors in ensuring that the laboratory meets all regulatory requirements.
- Organizes and submits peer group data. Routinely and appropriately refers to peer group data when assessing issues with instruments, QC, proficiency testing, linearity testing, method comparisons, et.al.
- Responsible for ordering and proper handling of proficiency test samples; for timely submission of proficiency test results; as well as troubleshooting and documentation of failed proficiency tests; also demonstrates knowledge on alternative proficiency testing if proficiency samples are not commercially available.
- Responsible for timely performance and submission of linearity testing, method comparison and reference range experiments as required by regulatory agencies.
- Utilize critical thinking skills to troubleshoot issues and to evaluate statistical data, workflow efficiency and system optimization; initiates inquiries to prevent amplification of problems; promptly follows through on issues that may negatively impact patient care and operations.
- Organize and maintains data and documents needed for regulatory compliance
- Assist supervisors in inventory management ensuring that the laboratory maintains an optimal amount of supply and reagents to prevent any interruptions in operations
- Act as a primary trainer for the core laboratory staff. Teaches basic and advanced instrument operations, workflows, and standard operating procedures/policies. Ensures that all staff trained and signed off are competent and can manage workloads independently in all the areas that they have been trained in; creates training sign-off sheets and competency assessments that complies with regulatory requirements; provides complete and accurate documentation of training; assist in timely completion of staff competencies, including, but not limited to initial and annual competency assessments; utilizes excellent interpersonal skills, competence in teaching, and fair assessments of trainees to encourage learning.
- Participates in the training of students and residents.
- Acts as an effective liaison who facilitates information exchange, encourages cooperation between departments and ensure success of projects
- Demonstrates proficiencies in handling assigned projects independently; in meeting deadlines and multi-tasking in high pressure environments; in building reports and charts though the use of various tools, technologies, applications, or software; in statistics and data analysis; and in demonstrating a positive and innovative attitude when faced with challenges
- Responsible for timely completion and submission of monthly QA reports.
- Act as a lead CLS in the absence of a supervisor
- Actively participates and initiate projects, process improvements and inquiries to improve systems, tests, and workflows with the approval of the supervisor/manager/s/ medical director/s.
- Regularly attend and participate in departmental/ division meetings and any meetings that a supervisor/ manger/ medical director calls for, particularly if a specialist’s expertise is deemed to bring value.
- Promptly identify and appropriately refer issues to supervisors, manager/s, and leadership.
25%YesRoutinely rotates in all the work benches of the department. Performs all the duties and responsibilities of Clinical Laboratory Scientists. Operations
- Performs patients, quality control (QC), proficiency, linearity, precision testing; develops skills and maintains competency in performing stat, routine, limited, specialized, waived, moderate and high-complexity non-waived testing in the core laboratory
- Understands basic test principles, methodologies, and clinical conditions.
- Determines suitability of specimen by following established procedures and policies.
- All testing is performed, and results are reported in accordance with departmental and hospital policies.
- Applies critical thinking in analysis of test results. Ensures accuracy and precision of results. Validates test results through correlation with standards, basic test principles, other test parameters and available clinical information.
- Identifies issues with test values that may require a direct conversation with the patient’s clinical team. Appropriately notifies the clinical team of any critical result, result modifications, discrepant results, as well as sample, instrument and workflow issues that may impact test results and/or patient care.
- Recognizes quality control issues and out-of-control values. Corrective action is immediately taken to resolve issues and prevent any negative impact to patient results, patient care and departmental workflow. All QC runs, out-of-control values and corrective actions taken are well-documented and communicated to other team members. Supervisor/s are informed immediately of any unresolved quality control issues.
- Successfully complete all training in areas assigned by supervisor/s.
- Constantly demonstrates and maintains proficiency and competency in all areas trained. Successfully passes all competency tests within set deadlines.
- Reads, comprehends, and keep pace with new and/or modification/s in policies and procedures. Fully understands and follows established procedures and policies. Appropriately refers any question that is beyond the scope of the policies to a senior team member and/or specialist/s and a supervisor/s.
- Manages workflow in the area to meet established turn-around-time standards for all tests. Monitors and clears pending logs; follows through on pending samples in a timely manner. Notifies appropriate laboratory and hospital personnel when turn-around-times is expected to be impacted or delayed.
- Appropriately and correctly responds to inquiries regarding sample requirements, laboratory testing, and sample status with minimal assistance.
- Promptly and effectively follows through on issues.
- Effectively utilizes the laboratory and hospital information system to perform testing, analyze results, export statistical data/reports, review, verify and release accurate values. Complies with HIPAA regulations and hospital policies in accessing patient data.
- Demonstrates awareness and recognition of the team’s need. Assist co-workers when help is needed to meet team and departmental goals. Assist colleagues and laboratory leadership when samples need to be prioritized and/or during events when laboratory operations and/or patient safety/care may be significantly compromised.
- Maintains knowledge and current developments in the field by keeping abreast with new technology, reviewing published peer-reviewed articles and journals as well as attending seminars and conferences. Keeps up to date with departmental and institutional e-mails, announcements, and information pertinent to job duties and operations.
- Complies with all established hospital, administrative and laboratory procedures, and policies.
- Demonstrates the ability to multi-task and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Completes tasks, assignments and required submissions within given deadlines.
- Assists in data entry and file creation. Demonstrates proficiency in different applications and software products routinely used in business settings, including, but not limited to Microsoft word, excel, outlook, teams, zoom, statistical software, et.al
Maintenance, Safety and QA
- Performs emergency, routine, and scheduled preventive maintenance in accordance with procedures. Recognizes and addresses instrument issues in a timely manner.
- Troubleshoot instrument with or without assistance from the service technical team/vendor hotline and/or Lab supervisor. Troubleshoots instrument correctly and appropriately using good judgement and knowledge of the instrument. Utilize troubleshooting time efficiently while minimizing negative impacts on turnaround time and patient testing.
- Document and communicate all issues and corrective action/s to team members, specialist/s, and supervisor/s.
- Use appropriate documentation and/or logs specific to issue/communication/ QA activity.
- Maintains and submits laboratory, institution, and state requirements in a timely manner. Responsible for prompt renewal of required license.
- Maintains a clean, safe, and neat work area. Minimizes injuries through a thorough understanding and practice of safety standards as well as proper ergonomics.
- Actively participates and assists in quality assurance activities to ensure all standards are met by the laboratory.
- Identifies and reports quality issues promptly and accurately to the supervisor/s.
- Assists in follow-up and investigation of problem specimens and computer issues.
- Actively participates and assist supervisors and specialists with investigation and resolution of data for Performance Improvement and Patient Safety (PIPS) projects as well as other improvement other projects.
- Answers appropriately and competently to questions related to role, tasks and required working knowledge.
- Makes recommendations on process improvements.
- Complies with all departmental and institutional policies.
- Complies with local, state, federal regulations and standards set by accrediting agencies when performing job duties.
Communication and Professionalism
- Communicates appropriately using good interpersonal skills
- Ensures a smooth transition to the next shift through detailed endorsements of problem samples, workflow/Instrument issues, incomplete tasks, and any other information that is pertinent to operations.
- Specimen status (pending logs, problems, etc.) and endorsements are documented and communicated to the appropriate person(s).
- Interacts positively, constructively, respectfully, and professionally with all laboratory staff, management, faculty, hospital personnel, patients, contractors, and guests.
- Participates as a team member. Promotes a collaborative and team-oriented environment. Accountable for own work responsibilities. Demonstrates excellent work ethics.
- Conducts herself/himself/themselves in a highly professional manner regardless of circumstances, activities, and environment.
- Optimizes workflow and time on the bench to increase productivity and prioritize work duties. Avoids unnecessary non-work-related activities including, but not limited to, personal phone use, messaging, prolonged personal conversations, online/social media browsing and any other activities that may be disruptive to other team members, workflow, operations and/or may negatively impact patient care.
20%YesTeam goals and projects
- Actively participates in huddles, meeting and projects as requested by supervisor/s, manager/s, medical director/s
- May assist in phlebotomy, ordering tests, calling critical results and/or processing samples when needed.
10%YesSupplies and Reagents
- Monitors and maintains proper inventories; perform inventory check; correctly uses supplies and reagents
- Workstations are re-stocked with supplies to maintain a consistent workflow
- Assist with inventory and in ensuring that the clinical laboratory has sufficient supply to avoid disruption in testing. Appropriately notifies other specialist/s and supervisor/s when any supply issue is identified.
- Supplies are used appropriately for laboratory testing and operational need. Refrains from unnecessary and personal use of laboratory reagents and supplies.
Data Management
- Assists lab technician, other Clinical Lab Scientists, Specialists, Supervisors in data collection, handling, and processing.
- Processes data derived from normal computer operations.
- Assists in collection of statistical data as directed and/or as needed.
- Performs statistical calculations and report formatting.
- Uses LIS and Windows software efficiently
Information Systems Downtime
- Follows the Lab Information Downtime Procedures.
- Forwards specimens to the proper testing sections with appropriate bar code labels
- Continues to efficiently perform duties and responsibilities as assigned when the Lab or Hospital information system is not functioning
5%YesOthers/ Miscellaneous tasks
- Clerical duties are done as requested by supervisor/s and/or manager/s
- Contribute to continuing education programs as required.
Job responsibilities and shift assignments will change to meet the ever-changing needs and demands of the laboratory
100%
Required Qualifications:
- Graduation from college with a major in an appropriate scientific field, possession of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist's license or a similar license of equal or higher level issued by the State Department of Health, and two years of experience as a licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of duties assigned to the position.
- Proficiency in Clinical Laboratory statistical analysis and regulatory compliance
- Considerable technical experience and knowledge of the laboratory department that the specialist position is specified for.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in verbal and written use of the English language.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proficiency with using Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Possess computer skills adequate to perform the position responsibilities.
- Experience in multi-tasking and prompt adjustments to changing work volumes.
- Able to work independently, under pressure; recognize and resolve problems while maintaining a high level of organization.
- Possess excellent skills in interpersonal communication and customer service.
- Able to critically analyze information relevant to the responsibilities of the position and effectively communicate findings both verbally and in written reports.
- Able to understand and write technical procedures.
- Excellent work ethics.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Two or more years of clinical laboratory testing experience.
- At least one year of teaching/trainer experience with evidence of success in completing training/assessing skills of trainees within the given training deadline.
- Experience in a high-volume computerized laboratory.
- Experience in Teaching.
- Experience using EP Evaluator.
- Experience preparing quality reports.
- Demonstrate technical expertise in the specified division’s test methods.
- Knowledgeable and/or has successfully completed validation experiments
Required Licenses and/or Certifications:
- California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
