Flow Cytometry Specialist

Texas Oncology is looking for a Flow Cytometry Specialist to join our team! This position will support the Core Lab at the Memorial City location in Houston, Texas. Some travel may be required during initial training, including visits to other Texas Oncology labs to learn workflows and training on new Core Lab equipment.

Help shape the future of oncology care!
The Texas Oncology Houston Core Lab is a newly established, advanced laboratory equipped with the latest technology to support lifechanging cancer care. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the inaugural Core Lab team in the Gulf Coast region and make a lasting impact from day one.

Work Schedule & Hours
To support the high volume of laboratory testing across the Texas Oncology Gulf Coast region, the Core Lab operates Monday-Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The work schedule will consist of 8-hour shifts that can cover the Core Lab operating hours. Candidates who are looking for a work schedule that fits their lifestyle without having to work weekends are encouraged to apply!

Texas Oncology is the largest community oncology provider in the country and has approximately 600+ providers in 300+ sites across Texas and southeastern Oklahoma. Our founders pioneered community-based cancer care because they believed in making the best available cancer care accessible to all communities, allowing people to fight cancer at home with the critical support of family and friends nearby. Our mission is still the same today-at Texas Oncology, we use leading-edge technology and research to deliver high-quality, high-touch, evidence-based cancer care to help our patients achieve "More breakthroughs. More victories." in their fight against cancer. Today, Texas Oncology treats half of all Texans diagnosed with cancer on an annual basis.

Why work for us?

Come join our team that is responsible for helping lead Texas Oncology in treating more patient diagnosed with cancer than any other provider in Texas. We offer our employees a competitive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-term and Long-term disability coverage, a generous PTO program, a 401k plan that comes with a company match, a Wellness program that rewards you practicing a healthy lifestyle, and lots of other great perks such as Tuition Reimbursement, an Employee Assistance program and discounts on some of your favorite retailers.

Join a Team That Invests in Your Future

At Texas Oncology, we recognize the long-term impact of our people and are committed to rewarding performance and potential. That's why select roles may be eligible to participate in our Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP): an incentive program designed to attract, retain, and reward top talent.

What is the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)?

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP): is an incentive program that typically vests over a three-year period and is tied to both individual performance and the operational success of Texas Oncology. Awards are discretionary and based on your position, performance, and potential for future career growth at Texas Oncology. Awards are reviewed and approved during the annual compensation review. LTIP awards are subject to your continued employment through the award payment date, and are governed by the written terms and conditions of the LTIP document.

What does the Flow Cytometry Specialist do? (including but not limited to)

Responsible for accurately processing and evaluating various types of specimens such as blood, bone marrow, tissue and fluids for immunophenotyping and performing all steps to accurately analyze specimens with minimal supervision. Also responsible for performing instrument maintenance and quality control testing / documentation. Initiates and follows quality assurance and safety policies and procedures. Acts as resource for other lab staff. Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program , to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

The essential duties and responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Follows laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient results with minimal supervision.
• Capable of independently performing all steps involved in specimen processing for in-house testing and for send-out testing.
• Performs processing that may require manipulation to produce flow cytometry results for interpretation.
• Maintains and operates all lab equipment relative to flow cytometry.
• Performs daily, weekly and monthly instrument maintenance as indicated.
• Adheres to the laboratory quality control policies and documents all QC activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and instrument maintenance.
• Records correct lot numbers of all controls, calibrators and reagents.
• Records all corrective action for QC material that is out of range.
• Participates in proficiency testing by performing sample analysis and reporting results at least once a year.
• Prepares slides for staining or other departmental testing.
• Follows the laboratory policies whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
• Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either corrects the problem or notifies the supervisor.
• Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established specifications.
• Maintains proper documentation as described by the Quality Assessment Program including risk management events, reference lab results, patient results, equipment records and checklists, and verification of critical level results and documents appropriate notification to nurse or physician.
• Must have good communication skills with physicians, other flow cytometry techs, lab staff, and lab supervisor.
• Maintains adequate inventory of supplies for flow cytometry testing and that they are in date before using in patient testing.
• Includes any reagent prep that may be needed for test analyses.
• Charts patient results in a timely manner as needed and insures results are crossing all interfaces.
• Has good working knowledge of the Laboratory Information systems and the EMR.
• Participates in development of new instruments and procedures as needed.

The ideal candidate will have the following background and experience:

Education, Licensure and Certifications:

• Bachelor's in Science degree in Medical Technology or related Laboratory Science or equivalent work experience.
• Current state license if required.
• ASCP or equivalent certification for a Medical Technologist preferred.

Experience:

• Must have at least two (2) years experience in flow cytometry analysis.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Adheres to all OSHA compliance laws and Universal Precaution Procedures. Complies with applicable regulatory agency standards.
• Properly disposes of hazardous materials.
• Maintains a clean working environment.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information related to patients and medical staff.
• Must have knowledge of CLIA 88 and CAP / COLA requirements for Flow Cytometry accreditation.
• Must be able to become proficient with Lab Information System, EMR, and Microsoft (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Knowledgeable in regulatory guidelines and participated in an CAP, CLIA or COLA inspection in flow cytometry.
• Proficiency with computer systems and MicroSoft (Outlook, Word, Power Point, and Excel).
• Uses Technical and Functional Experience: Possesses up to date knowledge of the profession and industry; is regarded as an expert in the technical/functional area; accesses and uses other expert resources when appropriate.

Demonstrates Adaptability:

• Handles day to day work challenges confidently; is willing and able to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, ambiguity and rapid change; shows resilience inn the face of constraints, frustrations, or adversity; demonstrates flexibility.

Uses Sound Judgment:

• Makes timely, cost effective and sound decisions; makes decisions under conditions of uncertainty.

Shows Work Commitment:

• Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works efficiently to achieve them.

Commits to Quality:

• Emphasizes the need to deliver quality products and/or services; defines standards for quality and evaluated products, processes, and service against those standards; manages quality; improves efficiencies.

Working Conditions:
Environment (Office, warehouse, etc.)
Possible exposure to infection from disease-bearing specimens; regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases; must comply with applicable safety procedures.

Physical Requirements: (Lifting, standing, etc.)
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this ob, the employee is required to be present at the employee site during regularly scheduled business hours and regularly required to sit or stand and talk or hear. Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination. Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

#USONTX