Immunohematology Reference Lab Supervisor

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob Title: Immunohematology Reference Lab Supervisor
Job Description

We have a wonderful new job opportunity for a Supervisor in the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory. The incumbent would supervise departmental staff, ensure the management of departmental projects, and participate in interdepartmental projects according to established priorities and timelines. Coordinate quality review and management of errors, error correction, corrective actions, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) revisions, and validations associated with IRL projects. Provide technical expertise in IRL testing and the development and implementation of new methods and as needed, perform clinical laboratory testing.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the Leadership Team to support organizational goals.
• Provide feedback, support, and challenge fellow managers.
• Ensure workforce safety and maintain confidentiality.
• Hire, develop, and retain a successful team.
• Set performance goals and provide ongoing feedback.
• Conduct performance evaluations and manage staff development.
• Communicate frequently using various methods, including one-on-one, email, and staff meetings.
• Oversee staff training, competency assessments, and documentation.
• Schedule and manage staff work assignments for optimal productivity.
• Ensure turnaround time goals are met and manage workflow.
• Implement process improvements and best practices.
• Administer the department budget and optimize resource use.
• Rotate as the on-call supervisor and be available for consultation after hours.
• Review time coding before payroll deadlines and ensure pay practices are consistently applied.
• Maintain competence to perform testing during staffing gaps.
• Review workup documentation, final reports, and coordinate billing for testing performed.
• Serve as initial consult to external laboratory personnel and physicians regarding the clinical significance of results.
• Utilize LEAN principles to manage inventories and minimize waste.
• Coordinate the evaluation of alternate reagents and equipment for potential future process integration.
• Set priorities and arrange staffing for emergency or STAT procedures.
• Ensure customer needs and expectations are met.
• Resolve customer service issues in collaboration with leadership.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Investigate and document errors, accidents, and adverse outcomes.
• Participate in laboratory accreditation inspections and audits.
• Ensure staff are customer-focused and understand the needs of the customer.
• Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor work practices for Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Coordinate proficiency testing and maintain records integrity.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Investigate and document occurrences contributing to errors or adverse outcomes, and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in the qualification and validation of new/revised processes, equipment, and software.
• Monitor work practices to ensure quality control and equipment maintenance.
• Coordinate the completion of Proficiency Testing (PT) CAP/AABB Surveys and ensure rotation among staff.
• Ensure the integrity of written and electronic records generated by the department.
• Oversee 24-hour REES monitoring for equipment, in concert with Managers.
• Participate in interdepartmental projects affecting IRL operations.
• Implement genomics testing into laboratory processes.
• Coordinate the screening, typing, packing, and shipment of rare units and samples.
• Develop written standard operating procedures as assigned.
• Assure a safe work environment by reviewing safety practices, developing safe practices, communicating with staff, and ensuring compliance.

Essential Skills

• Certification as a Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB).
• A minimum of five years of laboratory technical experience with at least two years of experience in immunohematology reference testing (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Demonstrated expertise in immunohematology reference testing.
• Basic knowledge of molecular techniques.
• Ability to comprehend the criticality of the testing being performed, as it relates to the blood components being prepared for transfusion or organs being transplanted.
• Understanding of the financial value of the testing reagents and blood components being prepared.
• Knowledge of and compliance with regulatory rules and regulations (AABB, CFR, EU, CLIA, HIPAA, and State), including FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, customer service, decision-making, mentoring, problem analysis, independent judgment, and action.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
• Ability to effectively prioritize activities and re-prioritize to accommodate tight deadlines and a varying workload.
• Ability to work effectively under stress.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) is preferred.
• A minimum of three years of laboratory supervisor or lead experience is preferred.
• Research experience is a plus.
• Experience in MLT, MLS, GMP, GLP, LEAN principles, and CLIA.

Work Environment

This is a highly regulated position and is subject to meeting various regulatory agency and accrediting body rules and regulations (FDA, AABB, CLIA, CAP, etc.). Telecommuting is an occasional and not permanent condition of this role. The position requires extensive computer and close work; occasional heavy lifting, constant standing, overtime; as well as infrequent evening meetings and weekend work. Ability to work scheduled 'on-call'. The position may require intermittent work (up to 30 minutes on each occasion) in cold rooms (1 – 5&degree;C) and walk-in freezers (-35&degree;C). As this is an essential position with direct responsibility to donors and/or patients, the incumbent should be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts and/or possibly at a different location during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies. Ability to work scheduled holidays and weekends, as necessary. This position has direct exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Employees regularly scheduled for 24+ hours per week are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with family coverage also available. Also, able to participate in retirement plans (401a & 403b), consolidated paid leave program (4.8 – 6.8 weeks of time off accrued per year, based on length of service), subsidized back-up childcare program, subsidized transit program, educational reimbursement. Candidates hired from outside of our service area may be eligible for a relocation assistance bonus.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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