Molecular Clinical Laboratory Scientist

 Scope: The Molecular Clinical Laboratory Scientist I (Testing Personnel) performs high-complexity clinical laboratory testing and ensures the accurate, timely, and quality reporting of patient results in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA; 42 CFR 493), CAP requirements, and Southwest Labs policies and procedures. This position is primarily assigned to the Molecular Department and is responsible for performing molecular testing, operating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation, documenting quality activities, and supporting daily laboratory operations.

As organizational needs evolve, the Clinical Laboratory Scientist I may be cross-trained and assigned responsibilities in additional laboratory disciplines, including Toxicology, provided all applicable training, competency assessments, and regulatory requirements have been successfully completed.

• This position reports administratively and within the CLIA accreditation structure to the Molecular General Supervisor.
• Duties / Responsibilities:
• Testing & Laboratory Operations
• Perform high-complexity clinical laboratory testing in accordance with approved procedures, training,
• competency assessments, and regulatory requirements.
• Performs specimen receipt verification, specimen preparation, and nucleic acid extraction activities according to
• approved laboratory procedures and assigned competencies
• Successfully perform real-time RT-PCR testing and other molecular diagnostic methodologies in accordance with
• approved procedures, training, competency assessments, and regulatory requirements.
• Operate laboratory equipment, instrumentation, biosafety cabinets, and designated workstations safely and in
• accordance with established procedures.
• Perform required instrument and equipment maintenance procedures and document completion as directed.
• Use the Laboratory Information System (LIS) to ensure accurate data entry, result documentation, and reporting.
• Maintain laboratories and workstations in a clean, organized, and inspection-ready condition.
• Complete logs, forms, inventory records, and other documentation required to support laboratory operations
• Quality and Regulatory Compliance
• Maintain compliance with CLIA (42 CFR 493), CAP requirements, and Southwest Labs policies and procedures
• applicable to assigned testing responsibilities.
• Adhere to laboratory quality control policies and procedures and document quality activities as required.
• Identify and implement authorized corrective actions within assigned responsibilities and escalate significant
• quality concerns to supervisory personnel.
• Assist in identifying, investigating, and resolving laboratory quality issues to support continuous improvement
• initiatives.
• Participate in competency assessments, proficiency testing activities, and continuing education programs as assigned.

Required Skills / Abilities

Demonstrates proficiency in Molecular laboratory workflows, good laboratory practices, and contamination

prevention techniques applicable to assigned testing responsibilities.

Able to work effectively in a clinical laboratory environment and follow assigned responsibilities, laboratory

procedures, and supervisory direction.

Successfully complete all required training, competency assessments, and continuing education requirements in

accordance with CLIA, CAP, and Southwest Labs policies.

Must write legibly and check email daily for important messages.

Education & Experience

Qualify as CLIA Testing Personnel for a high-complexity laboratory in accordance with applicable federal

regulations (42 CFR 493).

Meet the education requirements for high-complexity testing personnel as defined by CLIA (42 CFR 493).

At least three (3) months of experience performing high-complexity clinical laboratory testing. Experience in

Molecular Diagnostics is preferred.

ASCP certification or equivalent professional certification is preferred but not required.