Medical Laboratory Scientist

Appointment Type: Full-Time Regular (FTR)

Location: Oak Ridge, TN (on-site)

*Salary Range: $62,483 - $86,931

This position will be required to work full-time on-site at the Oak Ridge, TN office.

PURPOSE:

To perform the Beryllium Lymphocyte Proliferation Test (BeLPT) under strict biohazard and radiological safety guidelines to protect the patient, the employee, and the environment.

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Beryllium Laboratory is one of only three facilities in the United States currently performing the test known as the BeLPT or the Beryllium Lymphocyte Proliferation Test. The procedures involve testing lymphocytes from beryllium exposed workers to determine whether their cells have become sensitized to beryllium. In this test, lymphocytes are separated and cultured with varying concentrations of beryllium. The cells are observed for increased metabolic activity as seen in cell division and are compared to control cells cultured without exposure to beryllium. The BeLPT results are an indicator of beryllium sensitivity and a possible indicator for Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD). 

• Knowledgeable about the hazards of the laboratory and the necessary equipment and procedures to protect the patient, the employees, and the environment through required ORAU and lab specific training.

• Attention and strict adherence to quality control measures are required to maintain the lab’s Quality Management (QM)/Quality Assurance (QA) policies, College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation, and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards.

• Participates in review of all lab’s policies and procedures held under document control. Provides feedback on updates, changes, and improvements.

• Performs all steps of the BeLPT procedure: separating lymphocytes from whole blood using density gradient, counting blood cells, and inoculating cultures in microtiter plates.

• Harvests cultures and counting radioactivity using specialized equipment designed for 96 well microtiter plates.

• Analyzes statistical data to interpret LPT which generates patient reports and data that must be managed electronically. Analysis requires strict attention to detail to correctly identify data for each individual's LPT. Patient confidentiality is preserved and adherence to HIPAA is strictly enforced.

• Assists in receiving laboratory supplies and equipment. Keeps the laboratory stocked with supplies.

• Provides routine maintenance to equipment and instruments as assigned and part of troubleshooting.

• Keeps the laboratory clean, well-organized, and in compliance with all safety requirements.

• Contributes to training/mentoring of other team members.

• Participates in maintaining the lab’s CAP, ISO accreditation, and continuing education for State of Tennessee license.

Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, biological, chemical, or physical science and 2-4 years of job-related experience. Higher level education above minimum may count for additional experience (master’s and 0 years’ experience). American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) certification preferred.

• Must be licensed by the State of Tennessee as a Laboratory Professional (Medical Technologist) to analyze and sign laboratory results.
• Experience in any section of a laboratory where clinical tests are performed, test results reported to a physician, and patient confidentiality is maintained.
• Background in computer skills (including Word and Excel) is needed for learning the specific programs to be applied to the LPT.
• Working knowledge of cell biology, immunology, and hematology is required.
• Good manual dexterity and visual acuity are necessary.
• Knowledge and use of blood-borne pathogen and radiological safety rules and regulations and sterile techniques are essential.
• Understanding of experimental methods, data processing and analyzing, and statistical methods is necessary.
• Understanding and participation in previous CAP and ISO reaccreditation process is preferred.

*The candidate’s starting salary will be determined upon hire and ORAU will use salary survey data, internal comparators, and the candidate’s qualifications to determine salary.

TOTAL REWARDS

ORAU has a strategic approach to providing total rewards to employees through a fair, equitable, and competitive total compensation package. The goal of our total rewards system is to integrate compensation, benefits, work-life balance, performance, recognition, development, and career opportunities to attract, engage, and retain the talent required to achieve ORAU’s business objectives.  The benefit component of our total rewards program supports business goals by offering the following benefits based on employee eligibility:

• Legally required benefits
• Group Health insurance including: Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision
• Retirement plan contribution matching
• Disability insurance
• Group life insurance
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Section 125 reimbursement accounts
• Other voluntary employee paid benefit and insurance offerings

The ORAU total reward package also promotes work-life balance. Mindful of the need for employees to care for themselves and their families, ORAU offers the following additional work-life benefits based on employee eligibility:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible work schedules
• Occupational Health and Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program