This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.
The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.
Summary
Under limited supervision, oversees daily operations within a clinical lab, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations. Supervises technical staff and maintains quality control systems to ensure accurate patient results. Serves as the Laboratory Director for the purpose of the Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation (COLA), monitoring and ensuring that the lab meets all necessary standards. Acts as a resource for medical staff, faculty, and patients, and maintains a safe lab environment following safety regulations to support patient care and research.
Duties and Responsibilities
Oversees all facets of daily laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with University policies and state and federal regulations. Develops and maintains laboratory policies and procedures to uphold quality standards.
Ensures testing systems provide quality services appropriate for the patient population, covering all aspects of test performance and testing protocols.
Implements a quality system approach to laboratory testing that delivers accurate and reliable patient test results. Monitors testing processes to identify errors or potential issues, takes corrective actions, and evaluates their effectiveness to prevent recurrence.
Maintains optimal physical and environmental conditions of the laboratory to support adequate and appropriate testing. Ensures a safe work environment by adhering to safety and biohazard regulations, protecting employees from physical, chemical, and biological hazards.
Supervises research and technical personnel, including work allocation, training, and problem resolution. Evaluates performance, makes recommendations for personnel actions, and motivates employees to achieve peak productivity. Maintains proper staffing levels and ensures all personnel have appropriate education, experience, and training to perform testing operations reliably.
Performs and oversees complex laboratory tests, such as blood cell analysis, blood typing for transfusions, and chemical analyses of body fluids. Validates and records test results, maintains log books and quality control records, and reports findings accurately.
Provides guidance and assists medical staff in interpreting test results and selecting additional tests as appropriate. Serves as a resource to faculty, staff, and patients regarding clinical testing protocols, procedures, and results.
Researches and addresses problems with clinical laboratory procedures, making modifications and corrections as necessary. Ensures compliance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments (CLIA) regulations, accreditation standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Serves as a Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Job Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or an equivalent field; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure: National Medical Technologist Certification.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Demonstrated ability to strategically manage all technical and operational aspects of a complex, high-tech laboratory facility.
Knowledge of laboratory operations and regulatory compliance requirements, including CLIA and COLA.
Knowledge of accreditation, certification requirements and standards.
Ability to develop and formulate working processes, policies, and procedures in area of expertise.
Knowledge and understanding of the operational, logistical, and administrative requirements of a medical laboratory.
Knowledge of patient testing systems suitable for a diverse patient population.
Ability to utilize, calibrate, configure and/or troubleshoot laboratory testing systems and instruments.
Ability to identify and evaluate clinical testing problems and to effect corrective procedures and modifications.
Ability to use independent judgment, analyze and solve problems, and manage and impart confidential information.
Knowledge of safety procedures and standards for the handling and processing of hazardous biological specimens and/or materials.
Ability to train and supervise technical staff and students in laboratory operations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Ability to perform a range of clinical laboratory tests and chemical analyses on biological samples.
Ability to validate, record, and report accurate test results, maintaining detailed logs and quality control records.
Ability to independently assess clinical test results and recommend appropriate additional tests and procedures to medical staff.
Ability to serve as a resource to faculty, staff, and patients regarding clinical testing protocols, procedures, and results.
Conditions of Employment
Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
UNM will provide Hepatitis vaccination, candidate may decline vaccination through declination form or may provide record of vaccination from previous employer.
Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
Must maintain certification status.
Must maintain certification as a Medical Technologist and complete 20 CE credit hours annually in laboratory practice, covering director responsibilities.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Light physical effort. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.
Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.
