FranU Medical Laboratory Assistant PRN

The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Laboratory Assistant embraces and advances the Catholic and Franciscan mission of the University by supporting the MLS Program's academic and clinical activities. This position assists faculty in the preparation, operation, and takedown of laboratory sessions; ensures proper maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment; and promotes a safe and efficient laboratory environment. The MLS Laboratory Assistant also provides guidance to students in collaboration with program faculty and helps implement MLS program courses, policies, and procedures.

Serving Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) students and the community is paramount. To ensure a consistent quality experience across the University, the FranU Way, outlined in the Employee Handbook, describes the service expectations for all employees. The employee must also adhere to MLS Program protocols, policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Job Responsibilities

Mission Engagement

• Actively engages the Catholic and Franciscan mission and identity of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University by modeling the Franciscan values, honoring the legacy of the founding congregation, promoting justice for the communities we serve, and integrating the Catholic and Franciscan intellectual traditions in programs, courses and services
  
  

Laboratory Operations

• Ensures that sufficient quantities of materials are available for designed lab sessions
• Submits requests to purchase materials in a timely manner according to policy and procedure
• Ensures that the laboratory has been prepared in advance of class in order to facilitate efficient progress through assigned tasks, and that the necessary media, supplies and equipment are in the appropriate location
• Ensures that lab equipment and materials are cleaned and put away according to safety code following lab class
• Reports problems and malfunctions of equipment to the Program Director in a timely manner, and ensures that it is removed from student access and clearly identified to repair
  
  

Monitors Laboratory Environment for Safety Compliance

• Ensures that students understand all policies and procedures for safe participation in the laboratory
• Ensures that all safety measures are followed by all persons in the laboratory setting.
• Complies with all quality control procedures
• Monitors biohazard waste control and disposal of chemicals according to discipline standards
  
  

Participates in Course Instruction and Assessment, as appropriate

• Provides direction and supervision of students in the laboratory setting in collaboration with the discipline faculty
• Instructs students in correct techniques and applications, as required by the course faculty
• Assists in assessment of student learning, as directed by the course faculty
• Assists Program faculty in the implementation of academic and clinical courses, as needed
  
  

Coordinates Laboratory Operations

• Organizes and oversees the day-to-day functioning of instructional laboratories. Ensures that all laboratory activities run efficiently and in alignment with academic schedules and faculty needs. Schedules laboratory usage.
• Monitors inventory of supplies, materials and equipment. Oversees purchasing, receiving, storage and proper disposal processes. Maintains accurate records, secures competitive pricing, and builds vendor relationships. Submits requests to purchase materials in a timely manner according to policy and procedure.
• Maintains records and documentation by keeping detailed records of laboratory activities, safety protocols, usage logs, and inventory. Assists with compliance documentation and reporting related to accreditation, audits and institutional requirements.
  
  

Oversees Laboratory Safety and Compliance

• Ensures all laboratory operations comply with internal policies, external regulations, and safety protocols. Coordinates with campus Safety and Environmental Health Officers. Maintains accurate safety records. Ensures faculty and students understand all policies and procedures for safe participation in the laboratory. Recommends policies and procedures for student and faculty use of the laboratory.
• Performs Quality Assurance and equipment maintenance by conducting regular inspections and functional checks of laboratory instruments and equipment. Reports problems and malfunctions to the Program Director in a timely manner. Coordinates maintenance, repairs, and calibrations to ensure reliable and accurate laboratory performance. Assists in identifying the need for new or upgraded laboratory equipment.
  
  

Prepares and Maintains Laboratory Spaces

• Prepares laboratory environments for instruction, including setup and breakdown of equipment and materials. Maintains cleanliness, organization, and readiness of laboratory spaces to support smooth operation before, during and after class sessions. Ensures laboratory equipment and materials are cleaned and put away following laboratory sessions.
  
  

Supports Faculty in Instructional Delivery

• Collaborates with faculty to plan and implement laboratory procedures, develop and prepare instructional materials, and assist with curriculum support as needed.
  
  

Provides Academic Support for Students

• Assists students in understanding laboratory procedures, techniques, and safety practices. Provides direction and supervision of students during laboratory activities in collaboration with faculty and promotes a safe, respectful, and engaging learning environment. Assists in coordinating skills check-offs and facilitates student skill remediation as directed by course faculty.
  
  

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs other related tasks as required to support the University's educational mission and ensure continuity of laboratory operations. Remains adaptable to evolving academic needs and institutional priorities.
  
  

Experience

• Two (2) years of clinical laboratory practice, preferably in a teaching or research setting
  
  

EDUCATION

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Laboratory Science, required
  
  

TRAINING

• General knowledge in a wide variety of laboratory methods, techniques, and safety practices.
  
  

Special Skills

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow established protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Proficiency in laboratory information systems and basic computer applications (preferred).
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

LICENSURE

• Medical Laboratory Scientist, Generalist, and/or Specialist