Lab Scientist/Extraction Specialist
2 days ago
Newport
Job DescriptionDescription: JOB OVERVIEW The Extraction Specialist is responsible for specimen accessioning, preparation, and extraction utilizing liquid-handling instruments and automated solid phase extraction methods in a high-throughput production laboratory environment where work is assessed based on speed, accuracy, quantity, and overall quality. This position requires a high level of attention to detail, where accuracy and precision are essential to ensure the highest quality standards are maintained. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Accession specimens (urine, oral fluid, plasma, and PCR) into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) by entering patient data, specimen information, medication lists, ordered tests, and point-of-care results into the LIS – manual data entry may be required for some specimens, • Ensure specimen integrity by verifying that specimens are labeled appropriately and that identifying information on the specimen matches identifying information on accompanying documentation and/or electronic orders, • Correctly identify specimens that do not meet criteria for testing and specimens that need to be placed on hold for missing information, • Pipet (aliquot) accessioned urine specimens into appropriate test tubes to prepare for testing and storage, • Prepare urine and oral fluid specimens for extraction and testing using established standard operating procedures (SOPs), • Prepare calibrators and quality controls for extraction, • Perform required weekly, monthly, and as needed maintenance on instruments and analyzers, including automated liquid handlers and solid phase extraction (SPE) robots; troubleshoot issues as needed, • Accurately aliquot specimens and controls into labeled 96-well plates and test tubes using single-channel, multi-channel, and variable-volume pipettes or use liquid-handling instruments, • Document steps performed in the process to track completion times, temperatures, and instruments used per CLIA and CAP regulations; notify appropriate personnel of any issues throughout the extraction process, • Prepare solutions for manual and automated solid phase extraction – requires performing calculations related to basic chemistry and properly calibrate and use a pH meter when needed, • Perform automated solid phase extractions on urine and oral fluid specimens utilizing lab instruments, • Learn the purpose of each step in the extraction process to better understand the overall process and become effective at troubleshooting, • Cross-train and learn the basics of other roles and instruments in the Initial Testing team, such as enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to be able to assist with instrument maintenance and operation as needed, • Document room temperature, humidity levels, reagents, and controls per CLIA and CAP regulations, • Stock and refill specimens, reagents, inventory, and supplies for lab operations throughout the day, • Dispose of urine and oral fluid specimens that have reached their retention date, • Communicate effectively with other departments about issues regarding specimen processing, • Complete general lab tasks as needed, • Aid in training and any special projects (AMR studies, validations, proficiency testing, CAP inspections, etc.) that arise throughout the year, • Meet established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for speed, accuracy, quantity, and overall quality Requirements: PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS • Regular and prompt attendance, • Ability to perform work following established SOPs and ensuring the highest quality standards are maintained, • Must be able to meet established production benchmarks in terms of quality, volume, timeliness, and adherence to established policies, • Requires ability to effectively troubleshoot process and instrument issues using critical, strategic, and analytical thinking, • Ability to listen, learn, and promote accountability and responsibility related to all sample preparation and extraction processes, • Proficient in use of single-channel and multi-channel pipettes, • Proficient in ability to operate laboratory instrumentation and computers with scientific software applications, • Must be able and willing to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required, • Proficient with Microsoft Office applications EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toxicology, Biochemistry, Biology, Forensic Science, or a similar analytical science field; or Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) with appropriate national certification and 3 years of experience, • Minimum of 1 year of data entry experience required, • Preference for candidates with familiarity with pipetting, extractions, and use of 96-well plates, • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, • Skill in data entry with minimal errors, • Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines, • Ability to function in a team environment and promote collaboration, • Must be able to work under limited supervision where the work assignments are subject to established procedures, techniques, and well-defined policies, • Work will be performed in a laboratory environment and exposes the incumbent to normal laboratory hazards and chemicals, including biohazard materials, • Work in varying degrees of temperature (heated or air conditioned), • First entry of specimens requires sitting/standing for up to 4 hours continuously, • Position requires sitting, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing, • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.