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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, coordinating and conducting 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 approximately half of their time performing laboratory testing on the bench.

Essential Duties (include but are not limited to):

• Perform highly complex analytic processes and decision making 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.
• Identify errors and problems impacting test results, assist in troubleshooting instrument malfunction(s), and may assist service and support in performing preventive and corrective maintenance and repairs on laboratory equipment.
• Complete and document required maintenance activities on equipment, recognize and escalate potential issues to the team members responsible.
• Perform quality control procedures as specified and maintain quality control records and documentation necessary to meet the standards of accrediting agencies.
• Prioritize adherence to the acceptability, handling, and transport guidelines required for maintaining specimen integrity.
• 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.
• Evaluate and calculate quality control statistics to assess accuracy, reproducibility, and validity of current laboratory methods.
• Monitor quality assurance and assist in data collection and preparation of quality assurance indicators.
• Perform internal and external proficiency testing and handle proficiency testing.
• Understand and assist with Quality Control items by performing lot to lot and analyzer to analyzer testing.
• Comply with all safety and hazard regulations as outlined in the Clinical Laboratory Safety Manual.
• 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.
• Prioritize testing and resource allocation based on priority of request, workload, and testing schedules to meet turn-around times and production goals.
• Resolve and document resolution results which fail lab quality control 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 other stakeholder requests in a professional and timely manner.
• Assist with knowledge transfer and communication of changes regarding laboratory procedures, processes, and policies.
• Contribute to design, research, review and writing of laboratory procedures, suggesting cost-effective changes where possible.
• Remain informed and assist with implementation of procedure updates and changes; ensuring employees demonstrate knowledge and competency regarding changes.
• Act as the primary contact for laboratory staff for technical and administrative resource needs.
• Review daily reports. Assess laboratory testing for accuracy, perform data entry and provide appropriate explanatory or interpretive information as needed.
• Demonstrate and maintain effective communication with internal employees, managers, customers and cross-functional teams.
• 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 input for modification of laboratory procedures, policies, and test/employee scheduling.
• Plan and execute training and competency on testing procedures and technical concepts.
• 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 grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.
• Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds on an occasional basis (up to 25% of the 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 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 Exact Sciences sites 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.
• 4.5+ years of high complexity clinical testing for Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientists performing data review.
• 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, please contact us here.

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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.

To view the Right to Work, E-Verify Employer, and Pay Transparency notices and Federal, Federal Contractor, and State employment law posters, visit our compliance hub. The documents summarize important details of the law and provide key points that you have a right to know.