Clinical Lab Scientist

University of California, San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital provides laboratory testing services for inpatients and outpatients of ZSFG, Laguna Honda Hospital, District Health Centers, and other facilities under the auspices of the SF Public Health Department. This position performs laboratory testing procedures, computer functions, and quality control in the Microbiology Division. Responsible for receiving, accessioning, and processing specimens for microbiological cultures, molecular, and serologic testing. Interpret smears for microorganisms. Perform serologic and molecular diagnostic tests. Responsible for routine isolation, interpretation, identification, and/or antibiotic susceptibility testing of all types of specimens for bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, and parasites. All work is to be accurately and professionally documented and entered into the laboratory computer system. This position performs all duties in a manner that denotes the team concept and reflects the UCSF and ZSFG mission, vision, and values.

Requirements

Graduation from college with a major in an appropriate scientific field
Possession of a clinical laboratory scientist license or a similar license of equal or higher level issued by the State Department of Health
Knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of duties assigned to the position
Able to work independently, under pressure
Able to recognize and resolve problems while maintaining a high level of organization
Effective verbal and written communication skills relative to clinical results
Experience with a clinical laboratory computer system and PC skills
California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License
A minimum twelve months recent (within the last two years) experience as a Licensed Clinical Lab Scientist with recent experience in clinical microbiology

Responsibilities

Receive, time stamp, and log into laboratory computer system all incoming specimens for General Bacteriology, Mycology, Mycobacteriology, Parasitology, Virology, and/or Serology.
Examine online physician orders or requisition slips for unusual culture requests and/or diagnoses that require special handling.
Examine specimens to determine satisfactory collection.
Call physicians and patient locations to obtain necessary data or satisfactory specimens.
Process and plate specimens for General Bacteriology, Mycology, Virology, and/or AFB, by using various nutrient, selective, and differential media.
Load and monitor blood culture instrument.
Prepare, stain, and interpret smears on gram stains, AFB stains, parasitology iron hematoxylin stains, and malaria smears.
Remove positive blood cultures from the instrument. Perform gram stain, subculture, preliminary ID set-up and susceptibility testing.
Perform serology procedures and molecular diagnostic tests for determining diagnosis of bacterial, fungal, parasitic, viral, or autoimmune diseases. These tests involve use of such immunologic and molecular diagnostic techniques such as immunodiffusion, EIA, RT-PCR, fluorescent microscopy, and new methodologies implemented.
Prioritize and organize own workload to expedite patient results.
Work independently with minimal supervision.
Be accountable for own work responsibilities.
Accurately and professionally document all work and enter into laboratory computer system.
Maintain a clean and organized work area, which includes the care and maintenance of instruments.
Follow all safety precautions and procedures mandated by regulatory agencies and in compliance with UC and ZSFG department policies.
Perform quality control per procedure for reagents, media, assays, and equipment.
Recognize problems and initiate trouble-shooting procedures in a timely manner.
Perform instrument maintenance procedures.
Recognize instrument and assay problems and initiate trouble-shooting procedures.
Take appropriate action on abnormal, discrepant, or questionable specimens or results.
Communicate appropriately using good, professional, and courteous interpersonal skills.
Give phone reports and interpretations to doctors and other hospital personnel.
Responsible for clear and effective communication with laboratory staff, hospital personnel, and other appropriate individuals.
Participate as a laboratory team member, reflecting the UCSF PRIDE values and the UCSF Code of Conduct/Ethics, by establishing and maintaining supportive, professional, and cooperative relationships with laboratory staff, hospital staff, and patients.
Performs routine isolation, interpretation, identification, and/or antibiotic susceptibility testing of all types of specimens for bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, and parasites