New

Technical Specialist, HLA

Massachusetts General Hospital
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
55 Fruit Street (Show on map)
Jul 22, 2025
Histocompatibility (HLA) Lab Technical Specialist Day Shift The Histocompatibility (HLA) Lab Technical Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring compliance, quality assurance, and operational efficiency within the HLA laboratory. Reporting to the HLA Lab Technical Director, this individual is instrumental in regulatory compliance, performance improvement, and the implementation of new testing methods. Key Responsibilities: Quality & Compliance Oversee regulatory compliance and ensure adherence to accreditation standards. Monitor lab performance and review surveillance documents (daily, weekly, monthly, annually). Develop and implement remedial action plans in collaboration with leadership. Prepare and support lab staff for inspections and accreditation applications. Coordinate and manage laboratory quality assurance (QA) and safety programs. Conduct and document staff competency assessments. Plan and provide HLA-specific continuing education. Technical & Operations Manage day-to-day sample workflows, ensuring proper receipt, accessioning, and ordering in the LIS. Oversee quality control (QC) systems, including reagent, equipment, and procedural assessments. Maintain lab equipment, ensuring compliance with maintenance and service protocols. Review QC data with leadership and update the Quality Plan as needed. Coordinate proficiency testing, including survey orders, test result entry, and deficiency investigations. Develop, validate, and implement new procedures, methods, and instruments. Identify workflow inefficiencies and propose solutions for process improvement. Perform periodic bench work (less than 20% of the time) and participate in on-call responsibilities. Human Resources & Training Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new staff. Provide ongoing education and training for existing team members. Clinical & Collaboration Review and report test results as needed. Communicate with clinical teams regarding testing status and sample requirements. Participate in transplant-related and pathology operations meetings. Financial & Inventory Management Oversee supply and reagent inventory. Manage lab equipment inventory, maintenance schedules, and replacement planning. Professional Development Teach medical technologist students, transplant coordinators, and other professionals. Stay updated on industry advancements through seminars, conferences, and literature review. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with a strong background in HLA lab operations, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement. Qualifications - Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in biological or chemical scienceormedical technology or clinical laboratory science Certified Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS) certification preferred (ACHI) Minimum of six years progressively responsible experience in a Histocompatibility (HLA) testingenvironment (at least 1-3 years in a lead/supervisory role is preferred). Required: Active national certification (ASCP or ACHI) and Minimum of six years progressively responsible experience in a Histocompatibility (HLA) testing environment (at least 1-3 years in a lead/supervisory role is preferred) Minimum of three years as a senior medical technologist in the HLA lab at MGH and Total of three consecutive years of performance which meets or exceeds expectations at the senior medical technologist level. and Thirty-six hours of documented continuing education in the previous three years. Preferred: Active ACHI CHS certification Two or more years of prior experience in a supervisory capacity or in a project management or quality role in a histocompatibility testing setting. At least 1-3 years in a lead/supervisory role. Demonstrated knowledge in all areas of a histocompatibility laboratory accredited for solid organ and bone marrow transplantation. Competence with antibody screening and analysis. PCR-based typing experience (rSSO, SSP, SBT, or NGS). Troubleshooting experience with assays and equipment. Demonstrated knowledge of flow cytometry equipment, assays, and analysis. . Skills and Competencies Technical Detailed working knowledge of safety policies and technical procedures utilized in histocompatibility testing. Advanced level of analytical ability to recognize and resolve problems and to interpret HLA quality control data and patient results. Ability to plan and organize complex systems. Detailed knowledge of relevant regulatory standards including JC, OSHA, ASHI, NMDP and UNOS. Ability to work with outside vendors to evaluate and implement new equipment or methods; and to explain to and train staff on these methods. Demonstrated familiarity with quality management tools such as metrics, failure mode, or root cause analysis. Advanced computer skills. Effectively identifies issues/concerns and escalates appropriately. Maintains competency and works on the bench up to 20% of the time. Leadership Ability to manage staffing levels and workloads, if necessary, in the absence of lab technical director. Work independently with little direction. Ability to interview and train new employees. Make appropriate decisions, develop, and complete follow-up actions in conjunction with lab leadership. Ability to design, implement and complete projects. Lead others, foster teamwork, and provide instruction or feedback to attain high levels of performance. Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally with individuals at all levels and in group settings. The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.