Clinical Laboratory Technologist

About the Role

Vibrant America is seeking a part-time Immunoassay Technologist to provide floating coverage in the clinical laboratory. This bench-focused role involves performing routine testing on human specimens using immunoassay methods such as ELISA, chemiluminescent, and electrochemiluminescent assays, as well as multiplex or bead-based platforms. Responsibilities include specimen processing, instrument operation, quality control, reagent preparation, result review, and documentation under established SOPs. This position ensures laboratory coverage for call-offs, leaves of absence, PTO, and changes in testing volume. A minimum of 16 hours per week is guaranteed, primarily on Sundays and Mondays, with additional hours available based on coverage needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Specimen Preparation:
• Verify specimen identity, labeling, sample type, volume, stability, and acceptability.
• Identify and document specimen discrepancies.
• Prepare and stage specimens for immunoassay workflows.
• Organize work based on testing priorities, assay schedules, and turnaround-time requirements.
• Track specimens throughout testing using LIS/LIMS, worksheets, logs, or other approved systems.
• Testing and Quality Control:
• Perform routine immunoassay testing according to approved SOPs and manufacturer instructions.
• Operate laboratory equipment including ELISA plate readers and washers, chemiluminescent analyzers, multiplex systems, and related instruments.
• Use manual and automated liquid-handling equipment, including single-channel and multichannel pipettes.
• Prepare reagents, calibrators, controls, wash buffers, diluents, and other assay materials.
• Perform calibrations, quality control testing, dilutions, repeats, and reflex testing.
• Monitor assay performance and recognize common issues.
• Review QC results before releasing patient results.
• Review patient results for accuracy, completeness, plausibility, and consistency.
• Enter, verify, or validate results in the LIS/LIMS.
• Escalate assay failures, QC concerns, and unusual testing patterns.
• Follow corrective-action procedures and document troubleshooting steps.
• Maintain accurate and complete worksheets, instrument printouts, maintenance logs, reagent logs, and QC records.
• Instrument Maintenance:
• Perform routine maintenance on assigned instruments and supporting equipment.
• Document preventive maintenance, function checks, calibrations, cleaning, and troubleshooting.
• Monitor instrument performance and report issues.
• Assist with vendor service coordination and repairs under supervision.
• Quality, Compliance, and Safety:
• Follow applicable CLIA, CAP, OSHA, HIPAA, and internal laboratory quality-system requirements.
• Adhere to approved SOPs, safety procedures, and document-control practices.
• Participate in proficiency testing, competency assessments, and validation support.
• Document deviations, nonconformances, and corrective actions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe BSL-2 work area.
• Use required PPE and follow biosafety, chemical hygiene, spill-response, and waste-disposal procedures.
• Laboratory Operations:
• Support daily operations to meet testing-volume and turnaround-time expectations.
• Monitor bench-level reagent and consumable inventory.
• Assist with receiving, labeling, storing, and monitoring the expiration of reagents.
• Maintain an organized work area using good laboratory practices and 5S/LEAN principles.
• Communicate with team members, supervisors, and other departments as needed.
• Support workflow improvements and process standardization.
• Assist with training new team members when appropriate.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, or a related life-science field.
• Prior hands-on clinical laboratory experience performing immunoassay testing.
• Demonstrated ability to perform routine laboratory testing, accurate pipetting, reagent preparation, calculations, and proper sample handling.
• Ability to operate relevant immunoassay instruments and recognize common assay or instrument issues.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures precisely.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to document work accurately and maintain organized records.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, multitask, and adapt to changing laboratory needs.
• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Availability for a flexible part-time schedule, with the ability to provide coverage primarily on Sundays and Mondays and on other days when needed.
• Experience with ELISA, chemiluminescence, electrochemiluminescence, or multiplex/bead-based immunoassays is preferred.
• Familiarity with automated liquid handlers, plate readers, plate washers, or immunoassay analyzers is preferred.
• Experience using LIS/LIMS, barcode-based workflows, or electronic documentation systems is preferred.
• Basic understanding of CLIA/CAP requirements, quality control, proficiency testing, and laboratory documentation is preferred.
• Experience with reagent lot verification, instrument maintenance, sample dilution, repeat testing, or assay troubleshooting is preferred.
• CLS/MLS licensure or certification is not required unless mandated by state or test-complexity requirements.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work takes place in a clinical laboratory with potential exposure to human specimens, biohazards, chemicals, and laboratory reagents.
• Requires the ability to stand, walk, and work at a bench for extended periods.
• Perform repetitive tasks such as pipetting, sample handling, labeling, scanning, and computer entry.
• Occasionally lift or move up to approximately 25 pounds.
• Visual acuity and fine motor skills are needed.