Lab Core - Metabolics Laboratory Sr Scientist

Job Title & Specialty Area: Metabolics Lab Senior Scientist

Department: Lab Core

Location: Dallas, TX

Shift: Full Time, Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm or 6:00am - 2:30pm

Job Type: On-Site

Why Children’s Health?

At Children's Health, our mission is to Make Life Better for Children, and we recognize that their health plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.

Through our cutting-edge treatments and affiliation with UT Southwestern, we strive to deliver an extraordinary patient and family experience, ensuring that every moment, big or small, contributes to their overall well-being.

Our dedication to promoting children's health extends beyond our organization and encompasses the broader community. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of children and contribute to a brighter and healthier future for all.

Summary

This position is responsible for leading the clinical assay development, optimization, validation and verification work in a CAP/CLIA certified lab. This person must have strong problem-solving skills, extensive knowledge and technical expertise to design and implement clinical assays, clear understanding and good laboratory practices from assay development to clinical implementation of the assays according to CAP/CLIA requirements. The Sr Laboratory Scientist is also expected to work independently, handle multiple projects concurrently, and contribute new knowledge in Pediatric Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. In addition, this position will provide guidance to the clinical staff. Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to ensure consistent use of Lean principles and processes and continuous process improvement. (will have to send to Lean Classes)

Responsibilities

• Direct activities of Sr Laboratory Scientist toward achieving project objectives and provide technical leadership and guidance to the clinical staff.
• Perform clinical assay design, development, optimization, validation, verification, and result evaluation with autonomy. Work with laboratory manager, supervisor and clinical staff to improve protocols, evaluate new techniques, and develop strategies for their implementation.
• Report findings and updates to the Manager, supervisor and Clinical Consultant, and as needed to other physicians. Prepare and maintain SOPs for processes and instruments.
• Assist with preparation of the laboratory to comply with regulatory guidelines. Understand and adhere to Lean principles and processes such as standard work and maintaining 5S concept in work area realizing that all processes are driven by the needs of the customer.
• Using an awareness of how the work performed is valued by the customer, perform duties, make decisions, take actions and continually strive to improve work processes.
• Establish and maintain close working relationships with colleagues, manager, and clinical consultant.
• Maintain current knowledge of related literature in clinical assays. Assist in writing publications results.
• Align daily work with individual, section, departmental and organizational goals and objectives. Actively looks for ways to improve standard work processes and shares insights to that end with team members with the same level of importance as performing quality technical work.
• Promote a trusting and secure work environment through supportive, dependable interactions.
• Take ownership of performance and PEAC process by understanding lab goals and objectives and align individual activities with hospital and lab goals and objectives.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, LC-QTOF instruments and related laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Develop, validate and refine clinical assays for the analysis of drugs, metabolites, hormones, and other substances in biological matrices.
• Analyze and interpret chromatography and mass spectrometry data, ensuing accuracy and reliability.
• Collaborate with pathologists, laboratory and clinical staff to enhance patient care through accurate and timely testing results.
• Enhance compliance with hospital policies, laboratory safety protocols, and regulatory standards (e.g., CLIA, CAP).
• Provide technical expertise and training to laboratory staff on chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques and safety procedures.
• Participate in quality assurance and quality control activities to maintain laboratory accreditation.
• Contribute to research and development initiatives within the chemistry/Metabolics lab to advance laboratory capabilities. Document and report findings accurately, maintaining detailed laboratory records, and reagent inventory.
• Participate in tracers, mock inspections, regulatory review, and help with other duties as required. Attend and participate in stand-up meetings, staff meetings and Laboratory Town Hall meetings.
• Share knowledge and provide instructions to new employees, students, specialists, and other staff and participate in training of said individuals.
  
  

Work Experience

• Proficiency in operating mass spectrometry Required
• Proficiency in understanding chromatographic techniques Req
• At least 3 years in mass spectrometry, preferably in a clinical or toxicology laboratory setting Required
• Technical Assay development and validation experience Preferred
• Ability to provide introduction of new or improved clinical assays to clinical staff Preferred
• Competence with data processing with Sciex OS, Waters, Agilent technologies software Pref
  
  

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Must be certified or certification eligible in medical technology with acquisition of
• certification within 12 months of hire, or have special competence in a specific discipline
• germane to the position, as determined by the Chief of Pathology. 1 Year Pref
• Individuals possessing a bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline other than medical
• technology (such as biology or chemistry) and who are performing in a specialized area of
• medical technology (such as molecular testing) and who are seeking categorical
• certification in this targeted area will have 12 months to complete their certification.
• Extensions beyond 12 months can be approved by the Chief of Pathology provided
• competence in patient testing activities is documented in compliance with CLIA. Preferred
  
  

A Place Where You Belong

We put our people first. We welcome, value, and respect the beliefs, identities and experiences of our patients and colleagues. We are committed to delivering culturally effective care, creating meaningful partnerships in the communities we serve, and equipping and developing our team members to make Children’s Health a place where everyone can contribute.

Holistic Benefits – How We’ll Care For You

• Employee portion of medical plan premiums are covered after 3 years.
• 4%-10% employee savings plan match based on tenure
• Paid Parental Leave (up to 12 weeks)
• Caregiver Leave
• Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement
  
  

As an equal opportunity employer, Children's Health does not discriminate against employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran or military status, disability, or genetic information or any other Federal or State legally-protected status or class. This applies to all aspects of the employer-employee relationship including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfer pay, training, discipline, workforce adjustments, termination, employee benefits, and any other employment-related activity.