Toxicologist/Certifying Scientist-I

Job DescriptionJob Description
DEPARTMENT: Chemistry/Toxicology Laboratory JOB TITLE: Toxicologist/Certifying Scientist SCHEDULE: 2:00-10:30 pm, Rotating weekends JOB PURPOSE: Under general direction of the Toxicology Technical Supervisor, the Toxicologist/Certifying Scientist-I is responsible for: technical interpretation of toxicology/chemistry screening and confirmation testing, delivering information regarding the technical aspects of assays, validating and implementing new assays, assay troubleshooting, participation in laboratory quality assurance responsibilities, providing clinical toxicology report interpretation and consultation to clients, and providing technical support and supervision to laboratory technical staff. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Include but are not limited to the following (other duties may be assigned to meet business needs):
· Analyze LC-MS/MS data and certify clinical toxicology patient results reports.
· Assist with design and execution of LC-MS/MS laboratory developed test validations.
· Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
· Work with toxicology equipment which includes LC-MS/MS for drug confirmations.
· Must be well organized and possess good analytical skills.
· Perform general operation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of LC-MS/MS instrumentation.
· Analyze, review, interpret, and release clinical toxicology data and results with reliability, accuracy, and integrity.
· Ensure patient test results are reported only when the systems are functioning properly.
· Identify problems with instrumentation or data that may adversely affect resulting of data or reports.
· Follow and perform laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient results.
· Communicate with providers, staff and other health care personnel concerning laboratory results, procedures, technology, and related issues or questions.
· Troubleshoot current assays.
· Assist the laboratory staff in the coordination and processing of client samples and provide technical training and support to staff.
· Participate in continuing education and laboratory developed in-service programs.
· Perform a variety of laboratory support activities as assigned, including routine laboratory housekeeping and maintenance.
· Perform additional follow-up examinations, tests and analysis according to established laboratory procedures or as requested.
· Comply with established federal, states, and departmental policies and procedures, including: CLIA, OSHA, HIPAA, safety, compliance, quality improvement, environmental, and infection control.
· Adhere to the laboratory's quality control and assurance policies and document quality control activities.
· Monitor quality control program(s) to ensure that acceptable levels of analytical performance are maintained for each test system.
· Maintain inventory of reagents/ solvents/ test kits and any instrument parts that are needed on site.
· Interact collaboratively with other departments and external partners.
· Participate in committees as assigned.
· Perform and ensure that proficiency testing is conducted in a timely, accurate, and regulatory compliant manner, and reviewed by appropriate staff.
· Assist in maintaining the LIS by proactively identifying information needed and problems. QUALIFICATION/REQUIREMENTS:
· Working knowledge of clinical diagnostic testing in the fields of chemistry and toxicology
· Working knowledge of Shimadzu LC-MS/MS a plus
· Experience in lab operations
· Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to positively influence others
· Ability to perform at a high level with minimal supervision - A self-motivated individual
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Punctual, honest, and trustworthy
· Astute attention to detail
· Strong scientific and analytical skills
· Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
· Knowledge of quality control practices and CLIA/COLA/CAP regulations EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE
· Minimum: Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or Biology
· Clinical toxicology LC-MS/MS experience a plus (other experience will be considered: HPLC, GCMS etc) WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a laboratory as well as general office setting. Employees entering and leaving the laboratory must wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment such as masks, goggles, and gloves as applicable. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; lift; bend; sit; push; drive; use hands to finger, grasp, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is subject to repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers when typing as well as when testing samples.
The physical demands of the position are considered to be light work. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform work activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operating of machines
(including inspection); using measurement devices. The employee within this position may be subject to vibration, certain hazards due to exposure to chemicals, noise, and atmospheric conditions. TRAVEL
Percentage of travel time expected is approximately 10%. Travel is primarily local during the business day. CORE COMPETENCIES
· Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure own behavior and the behavior of others are consistent with these standards and align with the values of the organization.
· Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
· Process Flow & Analysis: Understand how to best identify and flag issues within the supply chain, communicate them to account management accordingly on both a daily and ad hoc basis.
· Communication: Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
· Client Service: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal staff and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
· Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
· Initiative : Is a self-starter, shows originality, makes decisions when required, and initiates action. Understands broader organizational and team goals to proactively address what needs to be accomplished and when, without constant managerial oversight and direction.
· Laboratory Performance: Work cooperatively towards increasing productivity, reducing TATs and minimizing process-related errors and issues.
· Critical Thinking & Decision Making : Identify communications, logistical, facility and other issues and opportunities proactively, use sound judgment in all interactions inside and outside the organization.
· Judgement: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
· Organization: Set priorities, develop a task list, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
· Operational Improvement: Proficient tracking, management, and analyzing of sample data to identify opportunities, mitigate problems, and improve workflow. Work cooperatively to experience a decrease in accession-related errors or lapses; communicate with direct supervisor to manage risk.
· Proactive Planning: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
· Problem Resolution: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
· Adaptability: Demonstrate flexibility in the face of change and project a positive demeanor at all times.
· Technical Skills: Display proficiency in using standard office and standard chemistry/toxicology lab equipment. Must be able adapt quickly to new technology and easily acquire new technical skills.
Company DescriptionVibra Health Lab (VHL) was built on the foundation of a partnership between two reputable companies known for their internal infrastructure and industry experience; OSP Health and Vibra Hospital. VHL is based in Troy, Michigan where our flagship, state of the art, full medical reference laboratory is located and services the communities of Michigan and Ohio.Company DescriptionVibra Health Lab (VHL) was built on the foundation of a partnership between two reputable companies known for their internal infrastructure and industry experience; OSP Health and Vibra Hospital. VHL is based in Troy, Michigan where our flagship, state of the art, full medical reference laboratory is located and services the communities of Michigan and Ohio.