Description

Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

US-OR-Portland

Requisition ID: 2026-37668
Position Category: Laboratory
Job Type: AFSCME union represented
Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Posting Department: Molecular Lab
Posting Salary Range: $37.61 - $51.63 per hour with offer based on experience, education and internal equity
Posting FTE: 1.00
Posting Schedule: Tuesday- Friday with rotating on-call weekend
Posting Hours: 7:00 am- 5:30 pm
HR Mission: Healthcare
Drug Testable: Yes

Department Overview

This position provides technical support to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and clinic patients.

 

The Molecular Technologist performs high complexity laboratory procedures to produce DNA/RNA results for interpretation and diagnosis of complex genetic and /or pathogenic disease. Specimen processing, test performance, and result reporting is performed independently after appropriate training. Supervisor or director

review of results is required in situations dictated by policy or procedure.

 

Employees in this class have general knowledge of laboratory and molecular biology, specific terminology, equipment, materials, techniques, and safety procedures.The person filling this position will be of professional

demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude, which will best serve the clients of the department.

Function/Duties of Position

• Laboratory Testing: extracts DNA/RNA from human tissues manually using various extraction methodologies or by using an automated DNA extractor; quantitates DNA samples using a UV spectrophotometer or fluorimeter; prepares PCR reactions including: preparation of buffers; setting up PCR reactions; and performs all PCR reactions in a manner that minimizes the chance of obtaining false positive results due to accidental contamination; resolves the desired PCR fragments using techniques including: gel electrophoresis, hybridization reactions, real-time PCR, rSSO sequencing or other advanced molecular techniques. Handles and stores samples in a manner which prevents degradation, contamination or mislabeling. Performs other related molecular techniques as they are introduced.

• Materials Preparation: prepares solutions and reagents for all protocols used in the DNA Laboratory; maintains reagent and consumable laboratory supply inventories, prepares orders for replacement chemicals and supplies as needed.

• Prepares samples for testing. Determines acceptability of specimens and results. Interprets the PCR run using defined quality metrics and knows when results are invalid. Repeats analysis as necessary to insure accuracy. Reports test results via computer and telephone.

• Equipment Quality Control and Maintenance: calibrates laboratory equipment on a regular basis. Runs quality control checks on calibrated equipment by checking test results against known standards to determine accuracy of results. Cleans and makes minor repairs to equipment such as lubricating fittings, cleaning electrodes, flushing out lines and tubing and replacing worn out tubing, fittings, batteries and/or fuses, cleans and sterilizes glassware and plastic-ware.. Records all actions taken in a maintenance record book. Performs monthly wipe test. 

• Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Lab Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Chemical or Biological field, and current certification MT (ASCP), or MLS (ASCP) within 90 days of hire.  Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004.  Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. OR

• Completion of a 2-year accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, plus MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 90 days of hire, and 4 years of experience in a clinical laboratory. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. OR 

• Bachelor's degree in a Chemical or Biological field, and four years' experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory performing testing and related tasks. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Note: experience in a specialty lab area will only qualify candidate to work in that specialty area.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials and techniques, regulations and safety.
• Skill in handling of laboratory specimens, record keeping and laboratory equipment.
• Skill in identifying cells and cell morphology.
• Skill in using several different computer systems, including: word processing, dedicated LIS/HIS, etc.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately, and operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines, to adjust to rapidly changing priorities, and apply problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees.
• Demonstrate personal integrity, efficiency, and ability to adjust to rapidly changing testing priorities.
• Ability to work in a multi-tasking environment and display technical skills at many different workstations throughout the laboratory.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation
  

Preferred Qualifications

• BS in Medical Laboratory Science
• Certification as MB (ASCP), MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred.
• Completion of a training program or one year of experience performing molecular techniques

Additional Details

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends

and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by

stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards,

radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal

Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature control problems in

building.

 

Benefits:

• Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
  
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
  
• Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
  
• Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
  
• 8 paid holidays per year
  
• Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
  
• Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  

All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.

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