This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), Public Health Laboratory (PHL). The mission of DFS is to provide high-quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology to enhance public safety and health.
The PHL provides clinical diagnostic testing, disease surveillance, emergency response support, applied research, laboratory training, and other essential services through its laboratory units: Accessioning Unit (ASU), Microbiology Unit (MBU), Clinical Toxicology Unit (CTU), Clinical Toxicology Unit (CTU), Immunology-Virology Unit (IVU), Molecular Diagnostic Unit (MDU) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The PHL is a member of the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and operates a Bioterrorism and a Chemical Terrorism laboratory. As an LRN lab, the PHL supports emergency preparedness and response functions to support investigation of chemical or biological terrorism.
The Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist coordinates, performs and advises on laboratory testing of human blood, urine, and other body fluids or tissues, using manual or automated techniques; confirms test results and develop data which may be used in determining the presence and extent of disease or in support of research; modifying or designing laboratory procedures; establishing and monitoring quality control systems and measures; providing basic theory, technical skills, and application of laboratory test procedures; and insures compliance with accrediting and regulatory agency requirements including Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP).
Duties and Responsibilities
Oversees and participates in planning and administrating the required activities in their respective unit and coordinates the performance of highly complex analyses. Prioritizes work and makes assignments so that quality results are reported to customers without interruption. Coordinates the processing of clinical specimens for appropriate analyses, establishes and monitors programs that ensure data accuracy; coordinates scheduled shipments of reagents and supplies. Utilizes automated equipment and specialized instrumentation and performs numerous complicated tests simultaneously and accurately interprets the results. Coordinates and performs the isolation and identification of bacteria and viruses from clinical specimens, using multiple methods and procedures for the identification of pathogens of public health significance. Verifies, evaluates, and implements new testing and analytical methodologies in a public health laboratory by performing test validations and verifications as required by CLIA I CAP. Oversees the successful participation in proficiency testing programs which are devised by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to demonstrate competence in performing the test method and comparing the results to established values on a national level. Reviews and accessions specimens into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); Reviews and analyzes specimen and test data to identify unusual patterns of either specimen submission or test results, orders additional testing as needed, initiates and prepares corrective action reports as needed, prepares reports and maintains records of work performed on patient specimens, and maintains inventory of reagents and supplies insuring that supplies and reagents are available as needed.
Compile and collate data requested for daily specimen intake statistics and for evaluation reports. Oversees/prepares the preparation of quality control material and specimens to be stored or transported to the reference laboratory. Evaluates, modifies, or adapts new methods or revises standard techniques to improve or expand quantitative assays sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, or proficiency of analyses. Reviews and evaluates current literature for improved quality control procedures; and evaluates new quality control protocols to determine their suitability for use and determines if additional information is needed. Confers with other staff on additional tests as necessary, makes recommendations regarding these procedures to the Unit Chief or Director prepares and updates Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) following manufacturers’ guidelines for all the tests performed in the laboratory as needed. Coordinates, operates, maintains, calibrates and conducts performance checks on automated instruments and laboratory equipment and performs preventive maintenance on these instruments and quality control procedures for those instruments as outlined in the manufacturer's instructions and operation manuals. Coordinates and assists with training lower level and/or new employees, contractors and interns on special techniques and ensures the technical staff are trained both in their primary assignment and cross-trained to assist as needed.
Qualifications and Education
A. A Bachelor’s or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. OR
B. A full 4-year course of study that included 12 months in a college or hospital-based medical technology program or medical technology school approved by a recognized accrediting organization. The professional medical technology curriculum may have consisted of a 1-year post- bachelor’s certificate program or the last 1 or 2 years of a 4-year program of study culminating in a bachelor's in medical technology. OR
C. A Bachelor’s or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester (one quarter) of mathematics, AND five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, microbiology, Immunology and Urinalysis/Body Fluids. This combination of education and experience must have provided knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of medical technology equivalent to that provided by the full 4-year course of study described in A or B above. All science and mathematics courses must have been acceptable for credit toward meeting the requirements for a science major at an accredited college or university. Acceptable experience is responsible professional or technician experience in a hospital laboratory, health agency, industrial medical laboratory, or pharmaceutical house; or teaching, test development, or medical research program experience that provided an understanding of the methods and techniques applied in performing professional clinical laboratory work. Certification/licensure as a medical technologist (generalist) obtained through written examination by a nationally recognized credentialing agency or State licensing body is a good indication that the quality of experience is acceptable.
Licenses and Certifications
None
Working Conditions/Environment
The work is performed in an office setting and laboratory setting. The office setting is when preparing documentation and the laboratory setting is during the testing and analysis phase. The incumbent may be exposed to hazardous materials, toxic substances, and blood borne pathogens and is required to follow safe laboratory practices and wear protective clothing gear such as laboratory coats, fume hoods, safety goggles, radiation badges, aprons, gloves, and shields, etc. and to adopt sterile techniques. The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease.
Other Significant Factors
Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: MS-0644-13
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
MSS At Will: Management Supervisory Service (MSS) serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.
Position Suitability: This position has been deemed Safety Sensitive under the guidelines of the DC Personnel Manual and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic criminal background checks and traffic records checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.
Position Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency and acceptance of this offer confirms you agree to adhere to the policies in sections 1271 and 1274 of DPM Chapter 12, regarding essential/emergency employees. As an emergency employee, you will be required to either report to work, stay at work, or telework (if directed to do so) during a declared emergency or during a period of non-emergency where your duties have been deemed as critical District government functions/operations. You may be required to perform other duties outside of your position description during a period of a declared emergency (such as manual labor, shelter services, etc.).
Residency Preference: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
