Medical Laboratory Scientist (Special Testing Lab)

Do you have a passion for making an impact on patient care behind the scenes? Thrive when solving complex problems? Value a lab culture that encourages communication, learning, and shared expertise?

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is currently seeking a skilled and highly motivated individual for a Medical Laboratory Scientist position in our Special Testing Laboratory in Gainesville, FL .

Our Special Testing Laboratory offers exposure to a diverse range of testing methodologies, including flow cytometry, molecular biology, hematology, serology, cellular therapies, histocompatibility (HLA), chemistry, and coagulation. In this role, you will perform and interpret high-complexity clinical laboratory testing while exercising independent judgment to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Have questions about the position? Our hiring manager would be happy to provide additional information and can be contacted at klanderson@lifesouth.org .

New Graduates Accepted!

Varying shifts available. A standard work week is four (4), 10-hr shifts. Rotating or set schedules available. Rotating holidays. Times may be negotiable. Shift differential may apply. Day or Mid-Shift available. Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. We do not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Our Benefits

• Career Development Opportunities
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurances available to full-time employees the first of the month after 60 days
• Supplemental insurances including life, cancer, accident, and disability
• Access to mental wellness resources and counseling through telehealth
• Free basic life insurance for full-time employees
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match each pay period
• Employer funded retirement plan for vested employees & 403b offered
• Access to wages prior to pay day

What You'll Need

• National certification such as MLS (ASCP), MLS (AMT), or MT (AAB); or eligibility to sit for an applicable certification exam
• Florida Technologist license or eligibility to obtain licensure
• Blood Banking, Molecular, Flow Cytometry, and/or Histocompatibility experience preferred
• Valid driver’s license

What You'll Do

• Perform and interpret a diverse range of high-complexity clinical laboratory testing while exercising independent professional judgment to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• Perform specialized testing in support of cellular therapies, including quality control testing of cellular therapy products and blood components.
• Perform specialized molecular testing, including RBC and HPA genotyping, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), and DNA extraction.
• Perform platelet refractory workups, including HLA typing and HLA/HPA antibody identification.
• Evaluate specimen integrity, test results, and inter-result validity, using critical thinking and professional judgment to identify discrepancies and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Troubleshoot testing, instrumentation, and quality issues that may affect test performance or result reporting, taking appropriate corrective action or escalating concerns when necessary.
• Perform testing in accordance with established laboratory procedures and quality standards, including requirements for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, result reporting, quality control, calibration, maintenance, and documentation.
• Participate in proficiency testing and other quality activities to support the accuracy, reliability, and regulatory compliance of laboratory testing.
• Maintain accurate and complete testing, quality control, corrective action, and patient result records.
• Collaborate with laboratory leadership and team members to resolve complex testing issues and support a culture of communication, learning, and shared technical expertise.

Who We Are

LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 150 hospitals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. We are committed to meeting the blood supply needs of hospitals and their patients by providing the highest quality blood components and services. With more than 45 donor centers, 55 bloodmobiles and 2,000 blood drives a month, our LifeSouth team is dedicated to making sure the blood is there when you or your family is in need.

Our Mission

To provide a safe blood supply that meets or exceeds the needs in each community we serve, and to provide a variety of services in support of ongoing and emerging blood and transfusion related activities.

This is a full-time position. Starting salary range is $31.00 - $37.20 an hour, commensurate with experience. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Drug-Free/Tobacco Free Workplace. Criminal background check and drug screen required upon conditional offer of hire. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Drug-Free/Tobacco Free Workplace.

The position description may not include all the duties and responsibilities of the job. Duties and responsibilities that are not listed, but which the employee may be expected to perform, will fall within the scope of the skills, knowledge and training for the position.

LifeSouth is a Drug-Free and Tobacco-Free Workplace. LifeSouth is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor as well as an affirmative action employer and provides equal opportunity to all persons, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, disability, status as a protected veteran, national origin, color, or any other classification in accordance with federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and ordinances. Veterans are encouraged to self-identify as LifeSouth desires to provide protected veterans priority referrals for open positions. LifeSouth complies with all laws and regulations associated with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). LifeSouth is an E-Verify employer.

If you require any assistance to complete the application process or during the interview due to a disability, please contact the LifeSouth region where you are applying or call 1-888-795-2707 to request an accommodation. Applications may be completed at a LifeSouth facility or mailed to corporate headquarters in lieu of the on-line application process.