Laboratory Operations Training Specialist

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Remote Type

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Position Summary

The Laboratory Operations Training Specialist is responsible for the training of all incoming Lab Ops Specialists in accordance with established and approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Additionally, the Laboratory Operations Training Specialist is responsible for supporting the Department with all clerical and ancillary duties, ensuring that case workflow is operating consistently and testing turn-around times are being managed appropriately. While maintaining job functions, the Laboratory Operations Training Specialist has a thorough understanding of the regulations (CLIA, CAP and NYS) which the laboratory functions by. This position works under the direction of the Training Supervisor and follows standard laboratory procedures and policies.

Job Responsibilities

• Trains all incoming Lab Ops Specialists by following effective SOPs within Master Control.
• Answers any/all training questions relevant to the processes.
• Determines when an employee is ready to move on to the next process and issue the appropriate competency.
• Provides retraining to employees that are making repeated mistakes on a process.
• Continuously strives for process improvement.
• Understands lab operations protocols as set forth by lab management team; communicates questions/clarifies uncertainties.
• Executes laboratory protocols and SOPs with strong attention to detail and few or no mistakes; mistakes are not repeated.
• Performs standard Lab Ops duties when not training someone at that time.
• Regularly plays a strong QC and troubleshooting role within the department.
• Actively engages leadership for instruction and growth.
• Assists in the cleaning and maintenance of the laboratory space and applicable equipment/resources.
• Consistently exhibits a professional demeanor in the workplace and works to maintain positive relationships with peers and management.
• Handles, prepares, and maintains printers, stainers and other equipment; conducts dehydrating and cover slips slides utilizing manual or automatic systems.
• Responsible for filing, tracking, retrieval, and accurate record keeping.
• Maintains diagnostic viability of all specimens and ensures correct patient labeling of all materials.
• Routinely checks and verifies that surgical case numbers match blocks and slides; prints labels as appropriate.
• Logs appropriate information into the Laboratory Informations System (LIS) and other logs as necessary.
• Responsible for Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) of cases moving through the laboratory.
• Collaborates with other laboratory leaders to develop new protocols and SOPs to address problems and improve quality and safety within the laboratory.
• Works independently to interface with outside departments and effectively represents and communicates lab needs.
• Assists as needed to perform other related duties and special projects to support the laboratory as required.
• Troubleshoots problems and successfully maintains workflow in the lab.
• Responsible for answering emails in a thorough and timely fashion, and completing the task required.
• Is consistently viewed by teammates, supervisors and management as professional, positive, solution-oriented and a leader within the Laboratory Operations Team.
• Accepts other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge and Skills

• Thoroughly understands the overall laboratory process and is able to present that information in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrated ability to take and follow direction and to know who the resources are for their direction.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, and general working knowledge of Internet for business use.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-past, deadline driven environment.
• Enthusiasm and dedication to meeting group objectives.
• Understands operations protocols and executes with a strong attention to detail.
• Proficient in troubleshooting problems and investigating errors.
• Effectively manages complex cross-functional operational activities within and outside the laboratory with a high degree of independence and strong managerial judgment.
• Ability to work under routine and stressful situations in an accurate and timely manner.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures for biohazards and chemicals, as well as quality control procedures and regulations.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Proven attention to detail with effective organizational skills.
• Effective interpersonal and team skills.
• Drive for Results (Service, Quality, and Continuous Improvement) – Ensure procedures and processes are in place that lead to delivery of quality results and continually reassess their effectiveness to achieve continuous improvement.
• Communication – Proficient verbal and written communication skills. Willingness to share and receive information and ideas from all levels of the organization in order to achieve the desired results.
• Teamwork – Commitment to the successful achievement of team and organizational goals through a desire to participate with and help other members of the team.
• Customer Service Focus – Demonstrate a focus on listening to and understanding client/customer needs and then delighting the client/customer by exceeding service and quality expectations.
• Conditions of Employment: Individual must successfully complete pre-employment process, which includes criminal background check, drug screening and reference verification. Also, individual must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by the date of hire to be considered for U.S.-based jobs, if not currently employed by Caris Life Sciences.

Education, Certification/Licensure, and/or Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required.

Physical Demands

• Will work at a computer some of the time as well as need to keep inventory and ordering records requiring the use of copiers, fax machines, and PDF scanners.
• Visual acuity and analytical skill to distinguish fine detail. Ability to pass a visual color discrimination test.
• Manual dexterity to use common laboratory equipment and perform sterile techniques as required.
• Must possess ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
• Must possess ability to perform repetitive motion.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• May have exposure to high noise levels in the data center, fumes and bio-hazardous material in the lab environment. Exposure to formaldehyde, xylene, DAB and alcohol which emit fumes. The formaldehyde, xylene, and DAB are carcinogenic.
• May be required to handle blood-borne pathogens and general laboratory reagents.
• May have exposure to extreme temperatures, high noise levels, fumes and bio-hazardous material/chemicals including formalin in the lab environment.

Required Training

• Safety Training (Annually)
  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Chemical/Biological Spill Training
  • Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety
  • DOT Dangerous Goods Training
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Hazard Communication Parts 1 & 2
  • Laboratory Safety
  • Office Ergonomics
  • RCRA Hazardous Waste Awareness
  • Radiation Safety
• Security Training (Annually)
  • HIPAA Privacy & Security
  • Ethics & Compliance
  • Preventing Discrimination & Harassment
  • IT Information Security
• Job Specific Training & Competency

Other

• This position requires periodic travel and some evenings, weekends and/or Holidays.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Caris Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.