Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Job Summary

This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), Public Health Laboratory (PHL). The mission of DFS is to provide high‑quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology to enhance public safety and health. The PHL provides clinical diagnostic testing, disease surveillance, emergency response support, applied research, laboratory training, and other essential services through its laboratory units:
Accessioning Unit (ASU), Microbiology Unit (MBU), Clinical Toxicology Unit (CTU), Immunology‑Virology Unit (IVU), Molecular Diagnostic Unit (MDU) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The PHL is a member of the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and operates a bioterrorism and a chemical terrorism laboratory. As an LRN lab, the PHL supports emergency preparedness and response functions to support investigation of chemical or biological terrorism.

The Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist coordinates, performs and advises on laboratory testing of human blood, urine, and other body fluids or tissues, using manual or automated techniques; confirms test results and develops data which may be used in determining the presence and extent of disease or in support of research; modifies or designs laboratory procedures; establishes and monitors quality control systems and measures;

provides basic theory, technical skills, and application of laboratory test procedures; and ensures compliance with accrediting and regulatory agency requirements including Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP). Oversees and participates in planning and administrating the required activities in their respective unit and coordinates the performance of highly complex analyses. Prioritizes work and makes assignments so that quality results are reported to customers without interruption.

Coordinates the processing of clinical specimens for appropriate analyses, establishes and monitors programs that ensure data accuracy; coordinates scheduled shipments of reagents and supplies. Using automated equipment and specialized instrumentation performs numerous complicated tests simultaneously and accurately interprets the results. Coordinates and performs the isolation and identification of bacteria and viruses from clinical specimens, using multiple methods and procedures for the identification of pathogens of public health significance.

Verifies, evaluates, and implements new testing and analytical methodologies in a public health laboratory by performing test validations and verifications as required by CLIA and CAP. Oversees the successful participation in proficiency testing programs which are devised by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in order to demonstrate competence in performing the test method and comparing the results to established values on a national level.

Reviews and accessions specimens into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); reviews and analyzes specimen and test data to identify unusual patterns of either specimen submission or test results, orders additional testing as needed, initiates and prepares corrective action reports as needed, prepares reports and maintains records of work performed on patient specimens, and maintains inventory of reagents and supplies ensuring that supplies and reagents are available as needed.

Compiles and collates data requested for daily specimen intake statistics and for evaluation reports. Oversees/prepares the preparation of quality control material and specimens to be stored or transported to the reference laboratory. Evaluates, modifies, or adapts new methods or revises standard techniques to improve or expand quantitative assays sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, or proficiency of analyses. Reviews and evaluates current literature for improved quality control procedures;

and evaluates new quality control protocols to determine their suitability for use and…