Laboratory Supervisor - Scientific Services

LifeShare is seeking a Supervisor for our Scientific Services laboratory. The Supervisor will oversee daily organization and management of the laboratory staff in performance of quality laboratory procedures ranging from basic to advanced levels following Standard Operating Procedures.  Prepares work schedules, observes work performed by each technologist and coordinates work flow to ensure samples are processed in a timely, safe and efficient manner.  Serves as general supervisor and testing personnel, if needed, as outlined in CLIA guidance.

Join us in our important mission to connect blood donors and the lives they impact!

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Ensures appropriate staffing and scheduling to meet operational goals; approves employee timesheets, monitors work schedules and approves time-off requests to maintain adequate staffing levels.
2. Manages personnel activities which includes interviewing, hiring, coaching, counseling, disciplinary action and performance reviews; monitors and assesses employee performance related to established KPIs and competencies, addressing performance gaps and issuing corrective action where needed.
3. Provides training, continuing education programs, and in-service programs; maintains training documentation; mentors team members and champions their professional development to maintain a high degree of proficiency; assists in leading departmental meetings.
4. Ensures tests on donor and patient blood samples are performed in accordance with written reference procedures, recording observed results, making interpretations, and completing all required reports and documentation.
5. Performs routine serological testing (blood typing, antibody identification and antigen typing), molecular testing, or hematology testing on product, donor and/or patient samples; records observed results, makes interpretations, and completes all required reports and documentation in accordance with approved procedures.
6. Performs special serological testing and analyzes results to define immunohematological problems; communicates findings with requesting facility to assist with the determination of appropriate transfusion therapy.
7. Recognizes unacceptable test results, troubleshoots and identifies the causes, makes necessary adjustments to equipment, reagents or procedures, where possible, in order to complete testing.  Notifies management of all deviations and if problems cannot be immediately corrected.
8. Performs and oversees scheduled quality control procedures on equipment and reagents; troubleshoots unexpected QC results and equipment malfunctions, recognizes and reports deviations from SOPs, and takes corrective action when results are outside acceptable ranges; performs proficiency testing and assists in monitoring the overall effectiveness of quality assurance programs, reporting observations and recommendations for improvement to supervisor; completes all necessary records, reports, and documents.
9. Coordinates workflow to accommodate the successful performance of special projects, clinical trial activities, and assay development; maintains all IRB-approved processes and procedures, including maintaining confidentiality of proprietary information.
10. Accountable for adherence to budgeted operating expenses and overtime; closely monitors timesheets to ensure compliance with scheduled work hours; may assist in the development of departmental budgets on an annual basis.
11. Maintains adequate supply levels by ordering and stocking supplies, investigating back-ordered items, and sourcing outside purchases as needed; maintains all laboratory equipment in good working order through regular cleaning and preventive maintenance.
12. Develops, reviews and manages laboratory SOPs and forms, including document control; reviews laboratory records and patient and donor testing; compiles statistical reports on laboratory activities as needed.
13. Ensures all staff follow established safety practices; accurately reports all accidents and near misses; provides safer processes when needed.
14. Maintains current scientific and technical knowledge of blood banking, immunohematology, CLIA, FDA and AABB regulations. 
15. Meets or exceeds customer expectations and adheres to established quality practices while seeking to continually improve work performance.
16. Models LifeShare’s mission and values, integrating them into daily decisions, behaviors and actions.
17. Promotes cooperation and communication within a team to achieve Company and departmental goals and deliverables.
18. Completes other duties and projects as assigned.

Beginning salary is $75K annually, commensurate with experience. LifeShare offers a generous benefits package, including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance; employer base retirement and matching contributions to the retirement plan; employee wellness program; and paid time off.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES: 

1. Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or related scientific field, or equivalent work experience
2. MT (ASCP), MLS (ASCP) or national equivalent certification required
3. Current CLP licensure, or license eligible by LA State Board of Medical Examiners
4. MB or SBB Certification along with 5 years of blood bank and/or molecular experience preferred.  Graduation from an accredited SBB training program and demonstrated special interest in Immunohematology problem solving may be substituted for up to 2 years of experience
5. Working knowledge of reference laboratory testing and processes to include: blood groups and complex antibody identification principles, etc.
6. Working knowledge of molecular testing and processes to include DNA extraction and PCR assays, etc.
7. Working knowledge of AABB standards, CLIA and FDA regulations, OSHA requirements and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for laboratory operations
8. Proficiency in the operation and maintenance of all equipment used in the laboratory
9. Demonstration of confidentiality regarding patient/donor information at all times
10. Ability to work effectively under stressful situations and demonstrate need to ask for help when appropriate
11. Dependable, punctual and have effective communication skills
12. Demonstrate a positive approach toward customers and other staff members, acting in a highly professional manner at all times

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENT:

1. Position requires long periods of standing, bending or sitting.
2. Work is performed in blood processing laboratory with risk of exposure to infectious diseases from blood and blood products. 
3. Must be able to work with all laboratory equipment used to test human blood and blood components, handling needles, scissors, human blood and blood components
4. Ability to maintain composure and work effectively under stressful situations.

The requirements and physical demands listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with the ADA to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.