Medical Lab Scientist / Microbiology

Emory Healthcare•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Emory Medical Laboratory's mission is to transform health and healing by providing high quality, cost-effective, innovative laboratory services which enhance patient health. The organization is seeking an experienced Medical Lab Scientist / Medical Technologist II with a Microbiology background. This role involves performing various laboratory tests and procedures on patient specimens, adhering to standard operating procedures to assist in the diagnosis, study, treatment, or prevention of disease. The individual will uphold organizational values, demonstrating exemplary customer service throughout preanalytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes. Responsibilities include performing a range of biological, chemical, hematological, immunological, immunohematological, microbiological, and serological tests in a research or clinical laboratory. The position also entails preventive maintenance and calibration of instruments, operating and troubleshooting laboratory equipment, and potentially serving as a key operator for new equipment and procedures. The scientist will prepare reagents, monitor inventory, manage quality control, and assist in gathering data for quality improvement. A critical aspect is evaluating specimen validity and test results, identifying and reporting critical values, and referring abnormal results to appropriate personnel. Maintaining accurate documentation, ensuring a safe work environment, complying with safety and infection control policies, and performing calculations and reporting results are also key. The role may involve researching and developing new procedures, managing database files, and educating staff and students through demonstrations, orientation, and continuing education. Professional development and participation in relevant activities are encouraged.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology, or a chemical, physical or biological science.
Other bachelor's degree will be accepted if graduated from an accredited school and science and math coursework meet requirements of certifying agency.
Bachelor's degree may be waived for a medical technologist who was ASCP certified in the years prior to the bachelor's degree requirement by ASCP and a HEW/HHS technologist certified by Health and Human Services.
Certified by one of the following accreditation agencies: MT (ASCP), MLS (ASCP), MT (AMT), MT (HHS or HEW), MT (AAB), generalist or categorical if applicable.
Two years experience required.

Responsibilities

Performs various laboratory tests and procedures while adhering to standard operating procedures on patient specimens to assist in the diagnosis, study and treatment, or prevention of disease.
Upholds the values of the organization including providing and demonstrating exemplary customer service skills throughout the preanalytical, analytical and post analytical processes.
May perform tests including but not limited to standardized and semi-routine biological, chemical, hematological, immunological, immunohematological, microbiological, and serological tests in a research or clinical laboratory.
Performs preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments and calibrates equipment and instruments as required.
Operates laboratory equipment and troubleshoots equipment and instrument malfunctions.
May serve as key operator for implementation of new equipment and procedures.
Prepares reagents as needed.
Monitors and ensures adequate inventory supply.
May be responsible for ordering.
Responsible for quality control.
Assists in gathering data to monitor quality improvement standards and in preparing reports.
Evaluates the validity of acceptable specimens and test results; compares them to previous results and other laboratory data.
Identifies critical values, confirms and reports following standard operating procedures.
In complex cases, evaluates all information and determines whether test results should be released, repeated, or referred to a pathologist.
Refers abnormal or unexpected results to the appropriate individual(s).
Maintains accurate and complete documentation of patient information, equipment, and test results to comply with regulations.
Documents corrective actions taken for out of range test values.
Maintains clean, orderly and safe work area.
May serve on laboratory's safety committee; write and maintain safety and infection control policies and procedures, and ensure correct Safety Data Sheets are maintained.
Complies with hospital and laboratory safety and infection control policies and procedures to prevent exposure to infectious materials.
May monitor staff during safety compliance audits or drills.
Performs required calculation and reports results by phone and/or computer.
Audits computer reports to ensure that scheduled tests have been completed.
Assists in gathering data to monitor quality improvement standards and in preparing reports.
May independently research and assist in development of new procedures; compile and evaluate data and perform statistical analyses.
May be responsible for section's data base files and/or assist in software testing.
Educates staff and students by demonstrating procedures and assisting in orientation and continuing education activities.
May teach medical technology theory and techniques while providing guidance to lower level technologists; develop teaching plans and student assessment tools; prepare written examinations.
Attends educational in-services as appropriate.
Maintains certification as required.
Works with leader to formulate plan for professional development.
Participates in professional activities and organizations to maintain knowledge of current trends, practices, and developments.
May perform venipuncture or capillary puncture to obtain blood specimen.
Perform other related duties as required.