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Position Overview

The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist provides leadership support to the technical lab staff. This role is responsible for being the workflow and troubleshooting point person in the technical lab, coordinate and conducts day-to-day activities in the laboratory to ensure timely and accurate testing. The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist works directly with the Clinical Laboratory Supervisor to anticipate and resolve issues related to efficiencies in throughput, staffing, and laboratory processes. This role is also responsible for verifying result release and pending list management and investigation. The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist is expected to spend at approximately half of their time performing laboratory testing on the bench.

Location: 650 Forward Drive

Essential Duties (include but are not limited to):

• Perform highly complex analytic processes without direct supervision.
• Utilize routine and specialized automated and non-automated laboratory procedures and/or techniques after completing training and demonstrating competency according to established lab section operating procedures.
• Operate laboratory instruments, performs maintenance, as needed, and ensures proper functioning of laboratory equipment.
• Identify errors and problems, assists in troubleshooting instrument malfunction(s), and may assist service and support in performing preventive and corrective maintenance and repairs on laboratory equipment.
• Complete required maintenance activities on equipment, recognizes, and elevates potential issues to the team members responsible.
• Maintain records and documentation of maintenance.
• Calibrate laboratory instruments to ensure accuracy of test results.
• Perform quality control procedures as specified and maintains quality control records and documentation necessary to meet the standards of accrediting agencies.
• Understand appropriate specimen collection, handling, and transport procedures.
• Prepare specimens for analysis and determines acceptability of samples within guidelines.
• Verify accuracy and enter data in the laboratory computer system, along with appropriate explanatory or interpretive information.
• Assist the department supervisor in ensuring that all section turn-around times are maintained.
• Review and approve employee timecards as delegated by department supervisor.
• Conduct new employee interviews and participate in the hiring decision process as assigned.
• Validate acceptability of test results by review of quality control and all other test parameters.
• Identify the technical, instrumental, and/or physiologic causes of unexpected test results.
• Evaluate and calculate quality control statistics to assess accuracy, reproducibility, and validity of current laboratory methods.
• Monitor quality assurance and assists in data collection and preparation of quality assurance (QA) indicators.
• Perform internal and external proficiency testing and handle proficiency testing samples in the same manner as patient samples.
• Meet work product output expectations.
• Understand and assist the Quality Control Specialist in performing lot to lot and analyzer to analyzer testing.
• Comply with all safety and hazard regulations as outlined in the Clinical Laboratory Safety Manual and ensures that all employees are following laboratory and regulatory guidelines.
• Utilize statistical methods to assess laboratory testing.
• Observe and demonstrate principles of data security and patient confidentiality.
• Maintain ethical standards in the performance of testing and in interactions with patients, co-workers, and other health care professionals.
• Perform analytical and decision-making functions without direct supervision.
• Prioritize order of testing based on priority of request, workload, and testing schedules to meet turn-around times.
• Coordinate general workflow in assigned area daily to ensure workload is satisfied.
• Differentiate technical, instrumental, and/or physiologic causes for unexpected test results.
• Resolve and document resolution of all quality control (QC) results which fail lab criteria and institutes corrective action.
• Evaluate instrument/method failure and determine when back-up methods must be initiated.
• Respond to technical questions of laboratory staff and others in Exact Sciences’ Labs.
• Participate in continuing education and staff meetings and take ownership of own professional development.
• Perform training and competency of employees.
• Assist with knowledge transfer of changes and additions to laboratory procedures, processes, and policies, such as methodology and instrument operation.
• Give lectures, provide demonstrations and/or assist the education coordinator in the development of objectives, learning activities, and evaluation mechanisms, as needed.
• Provide technical information and/or instruction to clients, new employees, medical students, residents, peers, and the public as requested.
• Contribute to design, research, review and writing of laboratory procedures.
• Remain informed of procedure updates and changes and ensures employees demonstrate knowledge and competency regarding changes.
• Act as the primary contact for staff in the laboratory area for technical and administrative problem solving.
• Conduct check in meetings with members of their respective shift.
• Participate in year-end reviews of employees by providing input and delivering the review.
• Maintain adequate inventory of reagents and supplies.
• Suggest cost-effective laboratory procedures and protocol changes.
• Apply step by step thinking, problem solving and critical thinking patterns.
• Supervise laboratory personnel as assigned.
• Provide specimen processing leadership, as needed.
• Implement changes as assigned in response to new technology and laboratory procedures.
• Review daily data reports as requested.
• Report test results through Exact Sciences Software System (ESSS).
• Maintain open and effective communication with personnel in work team, and with members of other teams throughout the laboratory.
• Demonstrate willingness to cooperate with team members and with cross-functional groups in the laboratory to accomplish timely and accurate testing.
• Demonstrate professional demeanor, in personal appearance and behavior, in all work-related interactions inside and outside of the laboratory.
• Demonstrate adaptability by embracing changes in the laboratory with a positive attitude.
• Provide constructive criticism for modification of laboratory procedures, policies, and test/employee scheduling.
• Interact with other healthcare workers to solve problems and interprets patient lab results within the framework of medical technology.
• Ability to respond to stakeholder requests in a professional and timely manner.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to train others on technical concepts and test for understanding.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.
• Ability to use near vision to view samples at close range.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job such as hear timers go off, etc.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job such as communicating with staff, patients, colleagues, and providers.
• Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job such as the stress of reporting STAT lab work and performing multiple lab tests simultaneously.
• Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds on an occasional basis (up to 25% of time).
• Ability to work seated for approximately 50% of a typical working day. Ability to work standing for approximately 50% of a typical working day.
• Ability to work overtime as needed.
• Ability to work outside assigned schedule as needed.
• Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.
• Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 75% of a typical working day.
• Ability to perform technical work up to 50% of a typical working day and administrative work up to 50% of a typical working day.
• Travel between Madison Laboratory locations may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in a laboratory science (chemical or biological science) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution.
• Or equivalent laboratory training and experience as defined:
  • 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR 24 semester hours of science courses that include six semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination.
• 4+ years of high complexity clinical testing experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated strong professionalism and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated intermediate level project management skills.
• Demonstrated strong technical skills and professional working knowledge of job industry.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution.
  • For degree not in those listed above: 90 semester hours which must include 16 semester hours in chemistry (6 of which must be in inorganic chemistry); 16 semester hours in biology courses and 3 semester hours of math.

• Certification from one of the nationally recognized certification agencies such as ASCP or state licensure that has been determined to be equivalent.
• Experience with laboratory automation.
• Experience working with laboratory information systems.

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Salary Range:

$60,000.00 - $97,000.00

The annual base salary shown is for this position located in US - WI - Madison on a full-time basis. In addition, this position is bonus eligible, and is eligible to receive company stock upon hire as well as annually.

Exact Sciences is proud to offer an employee experience that includes paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time), paid leave for parents and caregivers, a retirement savings plan, wellness support, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Learn more about our benefits.

Our success relies on the experiences and perspectives of a diverse team, and Exact Sciences fosters a culture where all employees can develop personally and professionally with a sense of respect and belonging. If you require an accommodation, email hr@exactsciences.com. We’ll work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

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We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. Any applicant or employee may request to view applicable portions of the company’s affirmative action program.

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