Clinical Microbiology Specialist

Guidehouse•Bethesda, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are currently searching for a Clinical Microbiology Specialist to provide support to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Laboratory Medicine (DLM). This is a full-time, on-site opportunity based in Bethesda, MD. This is a short-term engagement for an estimated duration of two (2) years, with the possibility for extension with client approval. The specialist will perform laboratory procedures for microbiology specimen handling and processing, test analyses, and report and maintain records of patient test results. They will work with staff on specimen processing and test performance of moderate to high complexity tests, such as VRE PCR, Carba-R real time PCR, Maldi Tof-MS and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The role involves checking controls, monitoring and troubleshooting equipment, maintaining stain and media quality, and ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures. The specialist will also identify and correct problems affecting test performance, communicate with medical personnel, perform and document quality control, conduct proficiency testing, maintain records, manage inventory, collaborate on evaluating new techniques, and comply with accrediting and inspection agency requirements.

Requirements

Ph.D. degree with a minimum of two (2) years of clinical research experience.
Ability to lift 10 – 30 pounds.
Must be willing to work rotating weekends and on-call shifts.
Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD "PUBLIC TRUST"; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of their PUBLIC TRUST prior to onboarding with Guidehouse.

Nice To Haves

Preferred fields of study: Microbiology, Biological Science, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related discipline.
Excellent hand-eye coordination.
Strong communications skills, both oral and written.
Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.
Candidates with an ACTIVE PUBLIC TRUST or SUITABILITY are preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform laboratory procedures for microbiology specimen handling and processing, test analyses; report and maintain records of patient test results.
Work with staff on specimen processing and test performance of moderate to high complexity tests, such as VRE PCR, Carba-R real time PCR, Maldi Tof-MS and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Check controls before reporting stained smears to ensure that the stain quality is appropriate.
Monitor, troubleshoot, and initiate or take corrective action to maintain stain and media quality, reagents, and equipment.
Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures when test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance.
Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results; correct problem or notify staff; document all corrective actions taken.
Communicate and consult with pertinent medical personnel regarding collection procedures; troubleshoot any problems with the specimen or documentation.
Perform and document all quality control activities, instrument calibrations and maintenance preformed.
Perform proficiency testing in the same manner as patient specimens.
Maintain records of instrument failure, troubleshooting and QC.
Organize daily work based on priorities and needs of the laboratory and patients.
Perform inventory of reagents and supplies as required.
Collaborate with staff to evaluate new techniques; perform comparative studies with older technology; perform evaluations to determine new guidelines.
Comply with accrediting and inspections agency requirements participating in activities.

Benefits

Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
Parental Leave
401(k) Retirement Plan
Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
Employee Referral Program
Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
Care.com annual membership
Employee Assistance Program
Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)
Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus