In 1979, the Rhode Island Blood Center was established by the hospitals in Rhode Island as a private, not for profit agency to collect, test, and distribute blood products. Today, the Rhode Blood Center is a division of New York Blood Center and is among the nation's premium providers of blood products and services and an integral part of the Rhode Island community's health care system. As of December 2018, the Rhode Island Blood Center employs approximately 320 full- and part-time employees. Our employees are committed to the Blood Center's mission of providing a safe and adequate blood for patients within our community. We seek individuals who are caring and compassionate, who take pride in their work, and are looking for a rewarding experience. At the Rhode Island Blood Center, you not only have a job but also the opportunity to make a difference.

For more information about a career with us, please watch the video below:

“Career in Blood” video

The Supervisor of Testing is responsible for the operation of their designated team in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), applicable sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), with emphasis on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 (CLIA), and applicable policies, procedures, and quality initiatives. Responsibilities include:

• As defined by CLIA, this position is responsible for pre-analytic, analytic procedures, maintaining records of tests and for reporting test results in a high complexity laboratory.
• This position performs only those tests that are authorized by the CLIA laboratory director and performs only those tests that require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training or experience, and technical abilities.
• Maintains competency in donor testing functions and performs assigned proficiency testing and follows GMP at all times, with attention to detail.
• Reviews test results prior to release to meet expected turn around time.
• Conduct and maintain In-House/Competency Testing with direct observation/evaluation of testing personnel.
• Assist in training staff in new or revised donor testing assay procedures, equipment use and maintenance procedures and processes.
• Assist in Maintaining training records of staff.
• Promotes an engaged workforce through coaching, mentoring, and developing staff. Conducts regular staff meetings and weekly huddles.
• Develop Performance Evaluation standards. Observe and communicate performance evaluations with staff throughout the year. Provide constructive feedback regularly. Conduct annual performance appraisals in a timely manner and with professionalism. Maintain performance documentation of staff.
• Responsible for hiring new staff with the Laboratory Directory and Manager.
• Directs day-to-day operation and workflow, promoting efficient processes across all shifts. Manage testing processes to ensure efficient use of reagents and schedule staff to provide adequate coverage during hours of operation.
• Ensures that preventative/corrective actions are taken when staff, equipment, or test systems are found to deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Maintain inventory and order testing supplies in an efficient and cost-effective manner
• Address failed runs due to reagent deficiency, staff error, or equipment failures as required by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
• Troubleshoots equipment, schedules preventative maintenance, maintains a spare parts inventory. Utilizes service recovery responses when appropriate.
• Oversees laboratory inventory management processes for designated platforms. Tasks include reviewing weekly inventory counts against par levels, reviewing pre-qualification runs, performing lot changes, and placing ad hoc orders for supplies.
• Assist with validation plans and execution as needed.
• Ensures department provides quality customer services to all customers. Monitors production workflow to ensure department meets TAT requirements for internal and external clients. Provides technical assistance to internal and external customers for laboratory related issues.
• Coordinates communication during lab crises. Initiates adverse testing event procedure and product recalls for critical testing errors.
• Accessible to staff to provide on-site, telephone, or electronic consultation to resolve technical problems.
• Approves PTO requests and performs payroll/timeclock functions.
• Act as administrator for software systems that drive testing equipment.
• Acts as back-up for lab or testing related tasks
• Oversee the Temperature monitoring system along with other laboratory supervisors.
• Develop and implement new laboratory procedures and equipment following FDA and AABB (Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies) practices.

Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science (CLS/MLS/MT) or Bachelor of Science degree in chemical or biological science, with minimum requirement of 6 credits of biology and 6 credits of chemistry completed. or BA in core sciences (approval is dependent on transcript review). Must meet testing personnel requirements as described in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 for Highly Complex Laboratory.

A minimum of four years of experience in a high-complexity laboratory. National Clinical Laboratory Certification (ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) or equivalent)

Lead or Supervisory experience; Donor Testing laboratory experience.

Schedule:  Second shift – 3-11:30, rotating weekends & holidays

Hiring Range:$78,000 to $88,000/year.