Laboratory Information System Analyst - Seattle, WA

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The LIS Analyst is responsible for the comprehensive management, implementation, and optimization of the Laboratory Information System (LIS). This role supports a core laboratory and multiple satellite locations, ensuring seamless integration and functionality across all sites. The LIS Analyst will have ongoing interaction with the organization's IT and EHR staff to ensure effective system operations. Under minimal supervision, the LIS Analyst will oversee system building, testing, troubleshooting, and training of lab staff, ensuring the LIS meets the dynamic needs of the Clinical Laboratories and integrates effectively with other information technology systems. This is a hybrid position, combining on-site presence with remote work flexibility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that could be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment.

• System Build: Manage core system build and maintenance. Define and document system setup requirements. Participate in system design and upgrades. Track enhancement requests and resolve application issues
• Interface Maintenance: Maintain interfaces with reference labs, EHR, and other systems. Address support issues with reference labs, including anatomic pathology services vendors
• Testing and Quality Assurance: Adhere to LIS and change control processes. Develop and utilize testing plans and scripts. Recommend and develop LIS-related policies. Communicate changes to the team and users
• Training: Work with trainers on changes and new features. Train staff as needed. Attending clinic meetings to improve LIS knowledge
• User Support: Provide customer service to support/troubleshoot application problems. Document system issues, FAQs, and solutions. Meet customer service standards
• Project Management: Document tasks and milestones for new functionality. Manage timelines, prioritize tasks, and communicate barriers. Use project management tools effectively
• Reporting: Prepare reports on laboratory testing, workload, and financials for the laboratory and administration
• Problem Solving: Investigate and propose solutions to operational problems. Report issues to IT and the Administrative Lab Director
• Liaison: Act as a liaison between the organization and the LIS vendor
• Billing Support: Collaborate with reimbursement and business office managers to ensure appropriate billing
• Off-Hours Support: Provide technical support during off-hours to ensure smooth LIS operation

Duties integrated into all job functions:

• All staff members are to promote a positive and productive work environment by acting maturely and responsibly, satisfactorily performing job responsibilities, and conducting themselves professionally, courteously, and respectfully toward fellow employees, physicians and patients
• Must relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions: (a) get along with co-workers or peers without exhibiting behavioral extreme; (b) perform work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others; and (c) respond openly and appropriately to feedback regarding performance from a supervisor
• Performs all duties in a manner that promotes and supports the Core Values of the organization
• Integrate Lean principles, practices, and tools to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction
• Must follow written and oral instructions and complete routine tasks independently
• Complete all compliance training, including but not limited to HIPAA/Privacy/Confidentiality/Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Integrity Statement and signed Agreements
• Ensures confidentiality of patient information by following HIPAA guidelines and policies
• Attends training to meet job position requirements and as needed or mandated by policies, Div. of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), OSHA, L&I, and other state/federal regulations
• Have regular and predictable attendance

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree in Medical Technology, Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field
• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by a nationally recognized agency (e.g., ASCP, AMT, AAB)
• 3+ years of experience working with laboratory information systems (e.g. Epic Beaker, Orchard Harvest, etc.) in a clinical laboratory setting

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Note that these requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform this job.

• Knowledge: The LIS Analyst must possess a comprehensive understanding of laboratory information systems (LIS) (e.g. EPIC Beaker, Orchard Harvest, etc.). They should demonstrate in-depth knowledge of laboratory instrumentation and its integration with LIS, as well as a solid grasp of clinical laboratory operations, including workflows, specimen tracking, and departmental interactions. Proficiency in database management, including SQL, data extraction, and reporting tools, is essential. The analyst must also understand system integration principles, particularly HL7 interfaces and connectivity with lab instruments and health systems. A strong foundation in network infrastructure-its components, capabilities, and limitations-is required. Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance requirements, including CLIA, CAP, and HIPAA, is critical for ensuring data integrity and operational compliance
• Skill: The LIS Analyst must have strong technical skills in LIS management, including system implementation, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Experience with system integration, HL7 messaging, and interfacing with laboratory instruments is essential. The role requires proven project leadership abilities for managing medium to large-scale initiatives, including budget forecasting and timely delivery. The analyst should be skilled in generating and interpreting statistical reports, identifying trends, and recommending process improvements. Competence in vendor management, risk mitigation, and system vulnerability management is also necessary. Effective communication skills-both written and verbal-are vital for conveying changes, policies, and new services, as well as for training and supporting end-users. Strong interpersonal skills are required to foster collaboration and maintain smooth operations
• Ability: The LIS Analyst must be self-motivated and capable of quickly learning new systems and adapting to evolving job requirements. They should be proactive in identifying and resolving issues, improving workflows, and contributing innovative ideas. A collaborative and flexible approach is essential for building positive relationships with staff and supporting a dynamic laboratory environment. The analyst must demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Adherence to confidentiality, ethical standards, and regulatory guidelines-including HIPAA-is essential to protect patient information and maintain trust
• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, is preferred
• A background in lean methodologies, project management, or process improvement is preferred

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS: Employees must meet the physical and mental demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The LIS Analyst role primarily involves working in an office or clinical laboratory environment, which requires extended periods of sitting, typing, and using a computer. The job may also involve occasional lifting and moving of computer equipment and laboratory instruments, typically weighing up to 25 pounds. The role may require moving between different laboratory locations, necessitating walking and standing for short periods. Good manual dexterity and visual acuity are necessary for handling detailed tasks related to system management and data entry. This position typically operates in a clinical laboratory environment, with exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, and biological substances, necessitating the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, and goggles. The role may require occasional off-hours support and maintenance, as well as travel to different laboratory locations or for professional development

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• This position requires a high level of mental concentration and attention to detail to ensure accuracy and efficiency in managing the Laboratory Information System. The LIS Analyst must be able to troubleshoot complex issues, analyze statistical data, and make informed decisions to improve system performance and laboratory workflows. The role involves multitasking, prioritizing tasks under pressure, and meeting tight deadlines. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with laboratory staff, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and independently are essential. The position may require off-hours work for system updates, maintenance, or to address urgent issues, while also necessitating an ability to work in an environment with biological materials and wearing PPE as needed

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the job's essential functions.

• The LIS Analyst typically works in a clinical laboratory setting, which may include a combination of office space and laboratory environments. While hybrid work arrangements are available for occasional circumstances, on-site work is preferred to foster collaboration and ensure seamless operations. The role involves regular interaction with laboratory personnel, IT staff, and external vendors, requiring effective communication and collaboration. While the position generally follows standard business hours, it may require off-hours work for system updates, maintenance, or to address urgent issues. The working environment is dynamic, with frequent changes and updates to the LIS, necessitating flexibility and adaptability. The analyst must be able to work in a laboratory environment with exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, and biological substances, wearing PPE such as gloves, lab coats, and goggles as required. Occasional travel to different laboratory locations may be necessary to support laboratory operations, system integration, or for professional development
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

CONTACT: Healthcare providers, staff, patients, the public, and vendors.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $71,200 to $127,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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