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At Merrimack Health, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The base salary range is $34.49 (Min) — $46.75 hourly (Max), excluding fringe benefits and potential bonuses.

Your final base salary will be determined based on your education, experience, licensure, and internal equity considerations. Offers are typically made below the top of the range to support future salary growth.

Merrimack Health is the regional health care provider of the Eastern Merrimack Valley, serving communities across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Our integrated system includes hospitals in Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen, as well as a network of community-based physician practices. We are a recognized leader in heart and stroke care, maternal and child health, orthopedics, surgical services, trauma and emergency care, and outpatient programs. Committed to delivering trusted, compassionate care close to home, Merrimack Health is advancing a unified and patient-centered approach to health care for the region.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Lead Technologist supports the Laboratory Supervisor in managing daily operations within the hospital laboratory. This role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of laboratory testing services, while maintaining compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. The Lead Technologist provides technical expertise, oversees workflow, and assists in staff development to promote a high-performing laboratory environment that contributes directly to quality patient care. In the absence of the Supervisor, the Lead Technologist assumes responsibility for the overall operation of the laboratory.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

+ Oversee daily laboratory operations in a designated testing area (core laboratory or blood bank).

+ Assign a bench schedule, and ensure adequate department staffing.

+ Perform and validate complex laboratory tests, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

+ Monitor and troubleshoot instruments, reagents, and technical issues.

+ Review quality control data and implement corrective actions when needed.

+ Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, and hospital accreditation standards.

+ Document procedures, quality checks, and regulatory requirements for audits/inspections.

+ Recognize and promptly communicate critical results to physicians or nurses, documenting notifications.

+ Serve as a liaison between the laboratory and the healthcare team or educational institutions.

+ Advise clinicians on test selection, interpretation, and limitations.

+ Participate in interdisciplinary meetings as needed.

+ Evaluate and implement new procedures, instruments, and techniques for efficiency and accuracy.

+ Adhere to safety, infection control, and confidentiality standards.

+ Participate in training, continuing education, and competency assessments as required.

+ Assist in training and mentoring staff and students.

EDUCATION AND RELATED EXPERIENCE:

Required:

The minimum qualifications for meeting the CLIA and CAP personnel qualifications:

+ Medical Laboratory Scientist: Doctoral, master’s, or bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; Completion of a NAACLS-accredited program with clinical internship.

+ Medical Laboratory Technician: Associate degree in a laboratory science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution; Completion of a NAACLS-accredited program with clinical internship or have held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician)

+ Have at least 4 years of laboratory experience in the designated specialty or subspecialty areas of service for which the individual is responsible