Medical Laboratory Scientist – SEARHC

Employer: Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC)
Location: Sitka, Alaska, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Job Requisition ID: JR102762
Salary Range: $38.93–$54.76 per hour

Position Overview

SEARHC is seeking a qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) to provide comprehensive laboratory testing services in a hospital-based laboratory in Sitka, Alaska. The successful candidate will perform routine and high-complexity testing independently, interpret results, troubleshoot technical issues, and contribute to the quality and efficiency of laboratory operations.

This position requires shift work, including nights, weekends, and on-call responsibilities, to support continuous 24-hour laboratory coverage. The MLS will work with specimens from patients across all age groups, from infants to geriatric patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform all levels of laboratory testing, including CLIA-defined high-complexity testing.
• Analyze, evaluate, and interpret laboratory results while ensuring accuracy and reliability.
• Perform specialized testing in areas such as microbiology, transfusion medicine, molecular biology, and infectious disease.
• Evaluate specimen suitability and troubleshoot inconsistent or problematic test results.
• Provide laboratory medicine and test-utilization guidance to medical and nursing staff.
• Provide Laboratory Information System (LIS) support and consultation to SEARHC staff.
• Maintain laboratory instruments and equipment and ensure proper functionality.
• Monitor quality control data, review Levey-Jennings charts, and support laboratory quality improvement activities.
• Develop and maintain laboratory policies and procedures using appropriate standards, including CLSI formats.
• Support laboratory preparation for inspections and compliance with CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission, and other regulatory requirements.
• Review the work of MLTs and laboratory support staff to ensure accuracy and compliance with established procedures.
• Train new employees, laboratory staff, and students and participate in continuing education.
• Assist with competency assessment and process improvement initiatives.
• Monitor laboratory inventory and coordinate supply levels with the Laboratory Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Certification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related field.
• Relevant work experience, education, or training may be considered as a substitute for college education on a year-for-year basis.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification as a Medical Technologist (ASCP), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (AMT), or equivalent certification recognized by a national credentialing agency.
• Clinical competency assessment is required within three months of hire and every three years thereafter.

Experience

• At least one year of progressive clinical laboratory experience, or
• One year of hospital internship following completion of the required degree.

Knowledge & Skills

The ideal candidate should have knowledge of:

• Routine and high-complexity clinical laboratory testing.
• Laboratory Information Systems and laboratory software applications.
• Laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Quality control and quality assurance procedures.
• CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission, and other laboratory regulatory requirements.

The candidate should also demonstrate strong:

• Analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions regarding laboratory results.
• Ability to train and support laboratory personnel.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and quality in a fast-paced hospital laboratory environment.

About SEARHC

Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) is a nonprofit health consortium serving communities throughout Southeast Alaska. SEARHC emphasizes employee development, professional growth, and high-quality healthcare services.

Employee Benefits

SEARHC offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Professional development opportunities