Medical Technologist

Overview

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Full-Time Regular

LOCATION: Oak Ridge, TN

SALARY RANGE: $59,488.00 - $82,763.20

PURPOSE: 

To perform the Beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) under strict biohazard and radiological safety guidelines to protect the patient, the employee, and the environment. The ORISE Beryllium Laboratory is one of only three facilities in the United States currently performing the test known as the BeLPT or the Beryllium Lymphocyte Proliferation Test. The procedures involve testing lymphocytes from beryllium exposed workers to determine whether their cells have become sensitized to beryllium. In this test, lymphocytes are separated and cultured with varying concentrations of beryllium. The cells are observed for increased metabolic activity as seen in cell division and are compared to control cells cultured without exposure to beryllium. The BeLPT results are an indicator of beryllium sensitivity and a possible indicator for Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD).

Responsibilities

• Become knowledgeable about the hazards of the laboratory and the necessary equipment and procedures to protect the patient, the employees, and the environment thru required ORAU and lab specific training.
• Attention and strict adherence to quality control measures are required to maintain lab’s Quality Management/Quality Assurance (QM/QA) policies, College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards.
• Participate in review of all lab’s policies and procedures held under document control. Provide feedback for updates, changes and improvements.
• Perform all steps of Be LPT procedure: Separate lymphocytes from whole blood using density gradient, counting blood cells and inoculating cultures in microtiter plates.
• Harvest cultures and counting radioactivity using specialized equipment designed for 96 well microtiter plates.
• Analyze statistical data to interpret LPT which generates patient reports and data that must be managed electronically. Analysis requires strict attention to detail in order to correctly identify data for each individual's LPT. Patient’s confidentiality is preserved and adherence to HIPAA is strictly enforced.
• Assist in receiving laboratory supplies and equipment. Keep the laboratory stocked with supplies.
• Provide routine maintenance to equipment and instruments as assigned and part of troubleshooting.
• Keep the laboratory clean, well-organized and in compliance with all safety requirements.
• Participate in maintaining lab’s CAP, ISO accreditation and continuing education for State of Tennessee license. 

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, biological, chemical or physical science and 2-4 years of job-related experience. American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) certification preferred.

• Experience in any section of a laboratory where clinical tests are performed, test results reported to a physician, and patient confidentiality maintained.
• Experience in interacting with patients in a dignified and professional manner and in performing phlebotomies with a minimum of trauma is required.
• A background in computer skills (including Word and Excel) is needed for learning the specific programs to be applied to the LPT.
• Must be licensed by the State of Tennessee as a laboratory professional to analyze and sign laboratory results.
• Working knowledge of cell biology, immunology and hematology is required.
• Good manual dexterity and visual acuity are necessary.
• Knowledge and use of blood-borne pathogen and radiological safety rules and regulations and sterile techniques are essential.
• An understanding of computers, experimental methods, data processing and analyzing, and statistical methods is necessary.
• Understanding and participation in previous CAP and ISO re accreditation process is preferred.
• Must have the ability and required training to perform phlebotomies.

*The candidate’s starting salary will be determined upon hire and ORAU will use salary survey data, internal comparators, and the candidate’s qualifications to determine salary.TOTAL REWARDS

ORAU has a strategic approach to providing total rewards to employees through a fair, equitable, and competitive total compensation package. The goal of our total rewards system is to integrate compensation, benefits, work-life balance, performance, recognition, development, and career opportunities to attract, engage, and retain the talent required to achieve ORAU’s business objectives.  The benefit component of our total rewards program supports business goals by offering the following benefits based on employee eligibility:

• Legally required benefits
• Group Health insurance including: Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision
• Retirement plan contribution matching
• Disability insurance
• Group life insurance
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Section 125 reimbursement accounts
• Other voluntary employee paid benefit and insurance offerings

The ORAU total reward package also promotes work-life balance. Mindful of the need for employees to care for themselves and their families, ORAU offers the following additional work-life benefits based on employee eligibility:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Occupational Health and Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program

Salary : $59,488 - $82,763