Description

JOB OVERVIEW

The Laboratory Engineer (LC-MS) leads all aspects of LC-MS maintenance and service as the on-site LC-MS expert, ensuring that proper maintenance is performed on each LC-MS instrument, LC-MS issues are resolved in a timely manner, service calls are submitted when necessary, and there are enough parts and consumables on-site for LC-MS running and troubleshooting. In addition, the Laboratory Engineer (LC-MS) will supervise Analytical Chemists and work with the Confirmation department to ensure that patient samples are analyzed properly and efficiently using LC-MS instruments according to CAP/CLIA standards. Finally, the Laboratory Engineer (LC-MS) will participate in the selection of new LC-MS instruments and participate in the development of new processes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee the maintenance and service for all LC-MS instruments
• Supervise LCMS Specialist who work with LC-MS instrumentation
• Perform and/or schedule appropriate preventative maintenance (PM) for all LC-MS instruments
• Identify and troubleshoot instrument issues, and work in close contact with Analytical Chemists to correct instrument issues. Identifying potential issues developing within LC systems (chromatography related) and MS systems (contamination or sensitivity related)
• Ensure that patient samples are analyzed in a proper and efficient manner using LC-MS instruments
• Determine which actions are taken and documented when significant deviations from the laboratory’s established instrument performance are identified
• Maintain an appropriate inventory of reagents, parts, and supplies needed for continuous operation of all LC-MS instruments; notify the appropriate person when reagents, parts, or supplies should be ordered
• Take steps to increase efficiency and productivity with instrument processes, minimizing downtime while maintaining optimum conditions
• Ensure that nitrogen generators used for all LC-MS instruments are functioning properly; schedule service or troubleshoot when necessary
• Participate in research and acquisition of new instruments and equipment
• Participate in installation of new instruments, as well as participating in development of new processes and methods
• Write SOPs for new or modified processes
• Train laboratory scientists on new or modified processes
• Schedule and run meetings with the LCMS Specialist and other positions that use LC-MS instrumentation
• Work with the Quality Management team to ensure acceptable analytical test performance is established and maintained for each test system
• Continuously monitor new developments throughout clinical testing industry and academic research to evaluate new technologies and methods that could improve uponcurrent processes
• Schedule appropriate maintenance and certifications as required by CLIA and CAP
• Collaborate with other supervisors on workflow and process improvement initiatives
• Maintain appropriate records of certifications, repairs, and maintenance for LC-MS instruments according to CLIA and CAP regulations
• Review and sign off on all maintenance records weekly for LC-MS instruments
• Track maintenance repairs and monitor usage of consumables to stay within established budgets
• Track and maintain data and instrument performance indicators on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements
• Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Communicate issues, as needed, with other supervisors and/or Lab Director in a timely manner
• Document incidents and accidents on the appropriate forms, perform remedial training, if required, to prevent further incidents/accidents
• Develop and review various analysis reports to track efficiency and productivity
• Participate in the optimization of new analytes; and potentially assist in the preparation of quality controls and calibrators from certified standard materials
• Other duties as assigned

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• An expert-level understanding of LC-MS instrumentation, specifically triple quadruple mass spectrometers
• An advanced understanding of toxicological analysis in urine or oral fluid
• Ability to coordinate laboratory functions and represent the laboratory professionally 
• Able and willing to follow established protocols employing acceptable forensic standards of analysis and requires the use of judgment in searching for solutions or new applications within one’s own experience
• Proficient in operating complex laboratory instrumentation and computers with scientific software applications 
• Must be able to plan and organize his/her work, and have ability to participate in method development, validation or research
• Must be able to achieve superior results when work is reviewed in terms of quality, volume, timeliness, and adherence to established methods, standards and policies
• Attend relevant conferences for continuing education and networking opportunities
• Must be able and willing to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications 
• Regular and prompt attendance

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s Degree in Life Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or similar analytical science field with 3 years of relevant experience, a Bachelor’s degree in a similar field with 5 years of relevant experience.
• Preference for candidates with an advanced understanding of LC-MS/MS
• Preference for candidates with Agilent LC-MS experience
• Preference for individuals with high-throughput testing experience
• Preference for individuals with experience in CAP and CLIA compliant laboratories

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Must be able to work with limited supervision where the work assignments are subject to established procedures, practices, precedents, methods, techniques, standards, and/or well-defined policies 
• Regular and prompt attendance
• Ability to function in a team environment 
• Attention to detail, understanding and adhering to established protocols, communication, and team work are required for this position
• Ability to listen, learn, and promote accountability and responsibility related to all instrument, calibration, and quality control processes

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in a laboratory environment and exposes the incumbent to normal laboratory hazards and chemicals, including biohazard materials
• Work in varying degrees of temperature (heated or air conditioned)
• Position requires sitting, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing