Laboratory Coordinator I

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Laboratory Coordinator I will serve as a key team member of the Fertility Center's Andrology Laboratory. In this role, the Laboratory Coordinator I can expect to learn about the functioning of a clinical fertility laboratory and expand their laboratory skillset through training in clinical laboratory and foundational andrology tasks. Key responsibilities will include procedure set up, media inventory management, preparation and cryopreservation of samples, daily quality control, data entry, and lab maintenance. The Laboratory Coordinator I will collaborate closely with other clinical laboratory employees to deliver an exceptional patient experience and positive patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

Core Duties

Train under direct supervision to perform non-licensed andrology clinical laboratory tasks, including the following :

• Performing set-up tasks to prepare for procedures, such as labeling labware and preparing media.
• Initiating specimen chain of custody, documentation, and witness procedures.
• Preparing, facilitating analysis of, and cryopreserving patient and donor samples : prepare sperm for insemination, ICSI, and IUI; load semen sample into automated semen analysis machine; and cryopreserve client depositor patient samples.
• Perform TESE preparation, cryopreservation and thawing for use in treatment.
• Receive patient semen specimens produced offsite and prepare for treatment or cryopreservation.
• Providing patients instructions for onsite male specimen production and answering patient questions as appropriate.
• Performing media and stock inventory management.
• Contribute to the accurate documentation of patient and procedure data : collect patient data and prepare patient charts; enter procedure data into the electronic medical records (EMR).
• Maintain the laboratory through daily cleaning, clerical support, and inventory management such as delivering, unpacking, restocking, rotating, and organizing supplies, to ensure that the overall condition of the laboratory and [production room are clean according to regulatory and department standards. Notify management when supplies are low and need restocking and escalate any issues as appropriate.
• Perform laboratory maintenance tasks such as equipment maintenance, sterilization, quality assurance, quality control, and safety procedures.
• Perform daily, weekly, monthly, and annual quality control of laboratory equipment, maintain logbook with equipment performance data, and report values outside of tolerance range. Maintain accurate and complete QC forms and notify supervisor of any values outside of working range.
• Apply safety protocols, including hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment.
• Greet and interact with patients, visitors, vendors, and all faculty and staff in a courteous, helpful, professional, and ethical manner.
• Other duties as assigned within professional scope of practice / training / education.

People

• Assist with training of new Lab Assistants and Lab Coordinators, as directed by supervisor.
• Demonstrate self-development and keep current on relevant topics.

Regulatory Readiness and Continuous Improvement

• Participate in a team culture of learning and continuous improvement. Contribute ideas for improving laboratory workflows to team members and management.
• Take initiative to resolve patient safety and patient experience concerns within the scope of practice / training / education.
• Contribute to preparation for inspections by providing administrative and operational support to laboratory management and colleagues, as needed.
• Maintain a safe and secure work environment by following all OSHA, EH&S, and public safety policies and guidelines.
• Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality according to HIPAA requirements at all times.
• Keep current on all organizational, department, and patient privacy policies (e.g., infection control, HIPAA) and required trainings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong detail-orientation and organizational and problem-solving skills, including the ability to prioritize, multitask, and work independently with consistent follow-through.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including a service orientation. Ability to interact positively and constructively with patients, visitors, providers, and colleagues, demonstrating tact, empathy, and respect. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Team orientation, demonstrating collaboration, inclusion, reliability, punctuality, and adaptability to new and changing situations.
• Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and respectful manner while appreciating the unique contributions of an inclusive workforce that brings together the talents of people across multiple identities.
• Strong commitment to fostering diversity and equity.
• Basic proficiency in computer skills including, but not limited to, Electronic Health Systems, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, email systems, etc.
• Must be a motivated individual with a positive mindset and exceptional work ethic.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences.
• Laboratory experience.
• Fertility experience preferred.
• Experience with electronic medical records a plus.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is dedicated to the goal of building a multicultural faculty and staff committed to teaching, working and serving in a diverse community, and strongly encourages applications from candidates of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

We are continuously seeking to recruit individuals who will enhance the diversity of our workplace and the effectiveness of our organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.