Clinical Lab Scientist - Microbiology

Summit Health CityMD•Woodland Park, NJ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Microbiology Clinical Lab Scientist will perform all job duties associated with microbiology testing of varies culture types. Employees are responsible for following all company policies and procedures. These policies and procedures will include adherence to regulatory standards such as CAP, CLIA, and OSHA, including safety standards in performing all aspects of the functions below.

Requirements

Associates degree required.
Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.
Ability to perform diversified duties within specified time limitations required.
Ability to organize, problem solve, set priorities, and use critical thinking skills required.
Strong customer service skills required.
Ability to be a team player required.
Basic medical laboratory skills required.
HeartSaver or Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.

Nice To Haves

Associates or Bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science preferred.
ASCP or equivalent certification is preferred.
2-4 years’ experience in Microbiology preferred.
Knowledge of QA principles preferred.
Experience with Standard Office Equipment (Phone, Fax, Copy Machine, Scanner, Email/Voice Mail) preferred.
Experience with Standard Office Technology in a Window based environment preferred.
Experience with Medical Laboratory Instruments preferred.
Experience with Laboratory Computer Information System preferred.

Responsibilities

Plates specimens as they arrive in the laboratory according to culture type and site.
Demonstrates knowledge of correct incubation requirements of each culture (i.e. CO2/non-CO2).
Monitors temperature and CO2 level of CO2 incubators.
Demonstrates competency in reading various plates at 24/48/72 hours of incubation and the entering of results in LIS.
Demonstrates competency in reading of gram stains.
Demonstrates competency in performing serological testing, i.e. Strep Typing
Demonstrates competency in the setting up of ID and Sensitivity testing on the Vitek MS and Vitek 2.
Demonstrates competency in the performance of various required confirmatory testing.
Demonstrates competency in performing manual Kirby Bauer sensitivity testing when needed.
Demonstrates competency in the performing of Microbiology Quality Control procedures for organisms, reagents, automation, and manual kits.
Demonstrates & documents competencies annually based on testing performed in the laboratory.
Processes/evaluates patient specimens in accordance with SOP, including reference lab specimens.
Resolves issues with specimens that are time/temperature sensitive.
Performs daily temperature and humidity checks for room, refrigerators, freezers, incubators, and/or water baths.
Performs routine instrument maintenance following manufacturer’s specifications (including startup and shut down) and documents appropriately.
Corrects basic instrument malfunctions and documents them.
Communicates instrumentation status to appropriate staff members and notifies vendor to schedule service calls.
Performs instrument calibrations following manufacturer's specifications.
Utilizes standard quality control practices in decision making to ensure reliable testing and proper regulatory compliance.
Performs proficiency testing in a manner and time frame that is consistent with good laboratory practice.
Receives >=80% on all graded proficiencies.
Performs and approves specimen testing using sound judgment and evaluation.
Releases results in accordance with departmental policy.
Performs Stat and routine orders within established time frames.
Communicates and logs critical values according to SOP.
Monitors inventory levels, prepares orders, and has supervisor sign off on order.
Anticipate shortages and prepares for absence during vacation or days off.
Demonstrates competence by utilizing LIS for all applicable functions to perform job duties, including downtime procedures.
Maintains laboratory area in an orderly fashion, free of unnecessary clutter.
Keeps area stocked with supplies.
Takes appropriate action to resolve issues regarding problem specimens/orders.
Adapts work schedule to meet emergency staffing needs.
Processes monthly QC documents as requested by supervisor/ manager.
Performs staff training as requested by supervisor/manager.
Other job duties as required.