Job Description

Our Senior Analytical Chemist operates in a new state-of-the-art laboratory with immense natural light! The successful candidate will lead an exemplary team of experienced individuals who are hungry to learn from an experienced PhD level Analytical Chemist. If you have the communication skills and expertise to lead a production laboratory while concurrently leading a team in research and development of new assays - this could be the role for you.

Importantly, we are an independent, for-profit clinical reference laboratory - not an academic institution.

This position is responsible for over-site and management of the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS and ICP-MS as well as others) projects in the Clinical Mass Spec Laboratory and Clinical Toxicology Laboratory. The assigned laboratory will perform routine clinical tests for a plethora of analytes, such as steroids, metabolites, drugs of abuse, and therapeutic drugs. The Analytical Chemist serves as an innovator in evaluating and implementing new tests, methodologies, technologies, or products for the laboratory under the intellectual and scientific guidance of the Chief Science & Quality Officer.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Maintains current Understanding of laboratory quality measures and familiarity with CAP and CLIA regulations.

2. Performs routine analysis using approved test methods in a timely manner.

3. Prioritizes assigned workload to meet the company and client needs.

4. Maintains current status on all training requirements.

5. Initiates and conducts laboratory test development in collaboration with senior leadership.

6. Maintains a safe working environment in accordance with established procedures and requirements.

7. Completes daily work to meet established schedules with limited supervision.

8. Accepts responsibility for the overall results of shifts of a multi-shift laboratory operation that is open 7 days per week.

9. Coordinates activities for teams to ensure delivery of all key performance metrics including those in quality, financial, productivity and people.

10. Leads efforts required to deliver quality and compliance performance for shifts. Initiates, manages, and makes decisions which impact product quality.

11. Models and promotes a thorough understanding of what drives product costs, profitability, and cash flow for the shift and within the department, while operating within budget material utilization and Cost Improvement Program goals.

12. Manages budget accountability for head-count, overtime, and direct expenses for a shift. Specifically, tracks, trends and continuously improve budgetary performance for direct expenses, head-count, overtime (OT), and scrap and cost improvement projects (CIP).

13. Manages and guides technical team(s) to improve quality and increase productivity of the laboratory.

14. Performs highly complex ICP-MS and LC-MS analysis on high volume specimen screening and testing.

15. Validating and verifying results of new tests as required by CLIA/CAP.

16. Performs separations based on differential chemical properties.

17. Communicating results and conclusions to senior leadership as well as supervised team(s).

18. Serves as a critical-thinker and excels at identifying and solving scientific and operational problems.

19. Maintains high motivation while leading and coordinating projects in a timely manner.

20. In this role, you will work with LC-MS technologies to guide and support development and characterization of current and new analytes for clinical testing.

Technical Supervision

1. Responds to inside and outside questions of a technical nature which apply to testing within the department. This requires the maintenance of a broad knowledge range of technical subjects.

2. Takes initiative as it relates to implementation of new tests and instrumentation.

3. Effectively communicates with team and purchasing manager to minimize downtime and continued quality operation of equipment in the department.

4. Oversees calibration, operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of department equipment.

Team Supervision

1. Strategically determines optimal FTEs within the laboratory, recommending changes to the Chief Operations Officer as necessary.

2. Monitors the technical competencies of each team member within the laboratory and provides guidance regarding career development (e.g., technical assistants becoming certified as MLT/MT).

3. Serves as a collaborative leader who effectively balances the needs of the company and team.

4. Effectively engages in professional growth and performance management (performance evaluations) of assigned team members within the laboratory. This includes, but is not limited to facilitating mentorships and learning and development opportunities.

5. Manages the monthly schedule for the laboratory, approves time-cards and leave requests.

6. Maintains compliance with all policies, protocols and procedures.

7. Oversees and participates in team training and educational opportunities.

Culture of Quality

1. Understands and implements CLIA/CAP regulations.

2. Oversees preparation for inspections and accreditation processes within the department.

3. Ensures annual review by all leads of applicable accrediting agency checklists.

4. Develops and tracks quality indicators for assigned department and oversees all process improvement projects.

4. Actively participates in quality improvement projects.

5. Work with leads to ensure initial, 6-month and annual training and competencies are completed and documented.

6. Consistently maintains Interpath\xe2\x80\x99s corporate culture and commitment to quality.

7. Adopts and advocates for a culture of quality and appreciation as well as implement the continuous improvement mentality.

8. Understands and adheres to HIPAA policies, procedures and regulations to assure patient confidentiality.

• Robust background in mass spectrometry-based analysis, strong critical thinking skills, a passion for science, and effective interpersonal and communication skills to work efficiently in cross-functional teams to achieve program goals.
• PhD with 2-4 years proven experience in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field, and a record of publications involving mass spectrometry-based analysis.
• Experience troubleshooting, maintaining, and calibrating laboratory equipment and analytical instruments in addition to working with instrument vendors to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Demonstrated ability to meet time-lines with minimal supervision and effectively interact with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of research and development experience with standard chemistry techniques as applied to new test development.
• Demonstrated record of managing multiple priorities, and diverse projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated analytical and scientific competency with development and/or validation of lab techniques or procedures. Experience with data collection, organization, analysis and delivery of information.
• Expertise in designing and/or performing ICP-MS and LC-MS clinical tests.
• Experience in validating and verifying clinical tests.
• Demonstrated record of being team-oriented and open to ideas and suggestions to solve complex issues.
• Effective record of supervising a team of professionals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS * Working knowledge of Apollo software is a significant plus.

Life at Interpath:

We are a devoted team of professionals that pride ourselves on building a vibrant work culture where curiosity, persistence, and positive attitudes are at the core. From a comprehensive benefits package to an ever evolving learning and development program which fosters career growth - we truly value our employees and are very proud of the work family that we have built since 1967.

More About Us:

Interpath Laboratory, Inc. is a family owned & operated, clinical and anatomic pathology laboratory with over 90 locations in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. We are the Northwest\xe2\x80\x99s leading, innovative laboratory dedicated to providing, rapid, reliable, and economical laboratory testing services. With over 50 years of growth and prosperity, we are the region\xe2\x80\x99s largest independent laboratory. We emphasize the vital importance of a vibrant work culture and environment where building relationships, teamwork, and positive attitudes are highly valued!

Manual dexterity for office machine operation including computer and calculator; stooping, bending to handle files and supplies, sitting for extended periods of time. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Applicant must be able to handle stress triggered by multiple staff demands and deadlines.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a clinical reference laboratory environment. Involves frequent contact with members of assigned team and across the company.

EOE Disabled/Veteran

Interpath Laboratory is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Interpath Laboratory