Department Overview

The position will provide a qualified person to assume day-to-day technical support for the testing performed in the Microbiology & Molecular Laboratory to ensure that high quality work is generated for use by physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The incumbent will work closely with the lab manager and faculty to assist with client relations, troubleshooting, and personnel issues. These tasks require the incumbent to use a high degree of technical judgment, have good decision-making skills, and be able to work independently with minimal direct supervision. Lead worker responsibilities are included in this position description. In addition to the listed duties, this person must be capable of performing the key responsibilities and performance standards as listed in the Molecular Micro Lab's Molecular Technologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist and Lab Technical Assistant position descriptions. This position has technical responsibilities over Microbiology & Molecular. This position has responsibility for the competency program and provides technical support for other laboratory section coordinators.

Function/Duties of Position

QUALITY CONTROL (QC) MONITORING AND REVIEW

• Reviews staff work on a regular basis and provides feedback and technical instruction to the staff where needed for improvement.
  • Keeps lab manager informed of problems.
• Communicates changes to policies and procedures to staff, by email, memos or staff meetings.
• Ensures that safety regulations are met.
• Proactively problem solves and plans for the future needs of the laboratory.
• Responsible for QC review and proficiency testing activities.

SCHEDULING AND PERSONNEL

• Adjusts staffing as needed to provide day-to-day coverage and maintain commitments.
• Delegates projects.
  • Coordinates and supervises work of assigned projects.
• Directs orientation and training of new employees in the lab. Develops training and evaluation guidelines for new employees. Consults with lab manager and provides feedback regarding performance of new employees.
• Reviews day shift bench assignment schedule with manager. Approves, coordinates, and arranges coverage for leave requests after the schedules are posted, consulting with the lab manager as needed.
• Monitors quality of work performed in the lab by all employees.
  • Insures that policies and procedure are followed.
  • Communicates new policies and procedures to lab employees and insures that required training is completed and documented.
• Plans and/or delegates completion of competency exercises.
  • Reviews results with lab manager and suggests further action if inadequate performance is detected.
  • Assists with retraining and corrective measures as needed.
• Evaluates employees and gives feedback to lab manager for input into annual performance appraisal process.
• Communicates with hospital personnel regarding new procedures or policies in the Microbiology & Molecular lab Lab.
  • Assists hospital and Pathology personnel with problem solving.
• Responsible for the completion of the annual competency plan.

PROCEDURE AND INTRUMENTATION DEVELOPMENT AND MAINT.

• Writes operating, maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting procedures for laboratory tests.
• Trains employees to perform maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting.
• Performs in-depth troubleshooting procedures; determines extent of problems and takes appropriate action to ensure work flow and quality of results.
• Delegates any or all of the above as determined by manager.
• Calls for technical assistance or emergency instrument repair as needed. Schedules routine maintenance as needed.
• Directs assay development procedures for new assays to meet CLIA regulations. Organizes and presents completed development data to lab manager for review.
• Performs preliminary instrument evaluations.
  • Assists lab manager on new equipment proposals.

OTHER DUTIES

• Performs other projects as requested by manager.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, or training programs.
• Keeps lab manager informed of any problems and consults on necessary actions as needed.
• Maintains and finalizes pay reports for employees.
• Assists shift lead workers with staffing and technical problems as needed.
• Interacts with other sections of Pathology to design and coordinate implementation of new programs.
• Reports potential compliance problems.
• Carries out job responsibilities ethically, professionally, and with personal integrity, and functions as part of the team exhibiting excellent communication, teamwork and customer service skills.

Required Qualifications

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, or other science

EDUCATION

Four years of experience working as a Microbiologist in a Clinical laboratory performing a variety of standardized testing and examination procedures with increasing responsibilities and involvement in complex projects.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials and techniques, regulations and safety.
• Skill in handling of laboratory specimens, record keeping and laboratory equipment.
• Skill in reading gram stains and microbiology cultures.
• Skill in using several different computer systems, including: word processing, dedicated LIS/HIS, etc.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately, and operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines, to adjust to rapidly changing priorities, and apply problem solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees.
• Ability to work in a multi-tasking environment and display technical skills at various work stations throughout the laboratory.

CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSES

• Certification as MLS(ASCP), MT(ASCP), M(ASCP), MB(ASCP), C(ASCP), CT(ASCP), H(ASCP), HTL(ASCP), CG(ASCP), or CHT(ABHI).
• Certification required may be specific to department the job class resides in, as indicated by the position description.
• Certification must be maintained, and depending on date of training, different continuing education requirements will apply.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS in Medical Laboratory Science or Masters in Microbiology.
• Experience as a Microbiologist
  • Previous lead or supervisory experience in Microbiology and Molecular setting.
• MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP), M (ASCP), or by AMT preferred.

Additional Details

ENVIRONMENT, PHSYICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional variations in temperature.

Positions in laboratory departments require the ability to carry and lift up to 30 lbs.; ability to stand or sit for 4-8 hours depending on the tasks assigned; ability to bend, reach, and carry as required for assigned.

All are welcome