Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist

**STATEMENT OF PURPOSE**

The Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist (SMLS) must excel as a specialist with the necessary knowledge and skills in the field of Molecular Diagnostics. He/She must also display good working knowledge in the general field of all grades below him/her.

The SMLS must show leadership qualities in administrative and technical duties, as well as in the training of staff. He/She must also be an active member of the Quality Management System of the department, and must not only embrace the ideals of the organisation but also be seen to promote such ideals within the ranks when opportunity arises.

The SMLS must also display keenness in research and development in the pursuance of excellence.

**MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the laboratory Molecular Diagnostics Section, including Quality Assurance, Quality Improvement and day-to-day operations.
- Responsible for the laboratory section meeting the expected turn-around-time.
- Perform morning and afternoon shifts as well as be available on nights and weekends when additional manpower is needed.
- Spend at least 50% of working time on the bench.
- Perform routine specimen reception and order entry.
- Evaluate new tests and new analysers.
- Perform and validate laboratory tests.
- Troubleshoot variances in performance of laboratory.
- Manage inventory using lean principles.
- Help select and monitor laboratory suppliers.
- Assist Laboratory Manager, Assistant Laboratory Manager and Principal Medical Laboratory Scientist roster staff.
- Participate in the continuous education of the laboratory staff.
- Responsible for training Medical Laboratory Technologists, Junior Medical Laboratory Technologists, and Medical Laboratory Assistants.
- Responsible for preparing the laboratory for accreditation inspection.
- Conduct periodic competency assessment of staff.
- Responsible for the documentation of all laboratory investigations on proficiency testing survey programme samples.
- Ensure reports are verified before being allowed to leave the laboratory.
- Participate in the laboratory weekly CME discussions.
- Perform maintenance on laboratory analysers.
- Assist Laboratory Manager, Assistant Laboratory Manager and Principal Medical Laboratory Scientist in designing and implementing the Laboratory Quality Management Program and Quality Improvement initiatives throughout the laboratory.
- Take an active role in managing any issues in the section’s Proficiency Test (PT)/External Quality Assurance (EQA) performance, including identifying these issues, carrying out investigations and escalating to the QAO and senior consultants/consultants promptly.
- Monitor Key Performance Indicators and assist Laboratory Manager and Assistant Laboratory Manager in establishing new useful KPIs.
- Address any complaint, request, or suggestion from staff and/or users of laboratory services.
- Ensure workbench remains clean and tidy after use.
- Responsible for the documentation of all operating procedures in the section.
- Participate in community outreach programmes.
- Assist Laboratory Manager and Assistant Laboratory Manager in promoting safety in the laboratory.

**GENERAL**
- Any other duties as directed by the Laboratory Manager and Assistant Laboratory Manager.
- Be involved in hospital activities including participation in Continuous Improvement Programme.
- Uphold the ideals and practices of Yishun Health.
- Perform duties in a proficient and professional manner commensurate with their academic and technical skills and training.

**EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE**

**New Hire**:

- MSc or BSc in Medical Technology or related discipline
- Minimum 1 - 3 years relevant experience