About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope’s translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope’s specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation’s “Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work -- and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

Working under the general direction and guidance of the Director of Laboratory Operations and Clinical Pathology Lab Manager under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, CFR Section 493, this position directs the daily workflow of the Clinical laboratory, CRU laboratory and specimen processing including work assignments and result review. Monitors the competency and performance of employees providing diagnostic testing within the scope of work within the department. Ensures that procedure and methods are performed according to laboratory/department protocol, including quality control parameters and result reporting. Provides technical expertise in the use, calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of all laboratory instruments, equipment reagents and procedures. Works with Department Managers and other staff to evaluate and introduce new test methods into the division. Meets objectives and expectations as established for all City of Hope employees by the medical center leadership.

Key Responsibilities include:

Review, revise, establish section policy and test procedures to assure regulatory compliance and test accuracy. Maintain knowledge in managerial, technical and instrumentation development. Develop and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to maintain the validity of all diagnostic laboratory procedures performed in the section. Monitor staffing needs and prepare work schedules for Clinical Laboratory, CRU and specimen processing. Hire and oversees the training of new employees. Monitors personnel performances and foster the spirit of teamwork within and between departments and medical staff. Monitor and assist in developing of clinical laboratory budgets, i.e. operational and capital, and responsible for cost accounting. Manage inventory to maintain adequate lab supply. Attend meetings as required. Provide back-up supervisory coverage for other divisions as necessary.

• Direct daily workflow assigned to the division, including working in various laboratory sections as needed for staffing coverage
• Review department scheduling needs; Provide timely written work schedule for all employees.
• Ensure adequate bench coverage to meet service needs.
• Reviews, and reports time and attendance reports.
• Ensures that all staff are properly trained and competent.
• Provides summary of deviations and or staffing issues to Medical Director and Divisional Directors.

Procedures

• Writes and updates section SOP’s and policies.
• Develop and maintain competencies in the LIS applications, (EPICBeaker).
• Ensures that specimen test cost accounting, CPT coding are accurate and up to date.
• Ensures that supply inventories are adequate to meet service needs.
• Oversee and perform troubleshooting when needed
• Updates personal skill and knowledge to remain current and proficient in the section.
• Consults with Medical Director and Managers regarding technical issues as appropriate
• Reviews proficiency survey program activities and ensures proper response;
• Assists in instrument/testing method correlation / validation studies as needed
• Performs bench work as assigned.
• Receives and investigates complaints.
• Reports complaints and occurrences to QRRM (TIPS) for tabulation and trending; maintains department QA indicators and monitors activity.
• Follows up as needed to ensure that problems are corrected.
• Also reviews and prepares QA procedures and activities; troubleshoots issues as necessary.
• Ensures that QA/QC programs comply with all regulatory guidelines.
• Resolves patient testing activity problems / issues.
• Assists laboratory management in providing input for Strategic Planning, annual budget, performance reviews, personnel recruitment and disciplinary activities
• Reports budget variations and workload fluctuations to management and derives remedies to issues revealed.
• Participates in committee activities, task forces and improvement teams as necessary
• Oversees and assists with the validation planning, validation of instrument, validation of testing methodologies and correlation prior to anticipated implementation. Follows change control procedures as outlined in SOPs.
• Communicates changes to staff in effective/timely manner.
• Ensures that competency documentation is completed with each change.
• Assists with division and enterprise initiatives as defined.
• Ensures that changes are implanted in orderly process

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

• BS Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
• Completion of one-year practical training at an accredited training institution.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in clinical laboratory operations, including relevant recent experience in Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, and Flow Cytometry, competency in organization, human relations, communication, leadership, problem-solving, statistical analysis and computer skills, laboratory information systems and regulatory standards and requirements.

Required Certification/Licensure:

• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Specialist Licensure.

Preferred education experience and skills:

• 3 years of lead or supervisory responsibility is strongly preferred.
• Professional Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Additional Information:

• As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.
• Evenings shift schedule.