Medical Microbiology Technologist I

Cherokee Federal•Silver Spring, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

An active Public Trust or the ability to obtain a Public Trust is required for consideration. Serve as a Medical Microbiology Technologist I, performing laboratory procedures and experiments as required. This role involves performing routine and specialized procedures, reviewing and approving clinical test results for patient diagnosis and treatment, and ensuring compliance with laboratory accreditation standards. The technologist will process specimens, prepare reagents, perform testing, and interpret results. They will also be responsible for operating and maintaining equipment, troubleshooting malfunctions, and maintaining records of laboratory results and quality control data. The position requires managing infectious specimens, hazardous chemicals, and potentially dangerous instruments in accordance with safety policies. The technologist will also produce patient reports and attend relevant seminars and conferences.

Requirements

Successful completion of a Medical Technologist program (BA or BS) or Medical Laboratory Technician (AAS) program to meet the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation and be certified as a Medical Laboratory Technologist or Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA), or American Medical Technologists (AMT).
1-3 years of experience in clinical microbiology outside of an academic setting
Familiarity with the processing of microbial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing data generated on the three most widely used automated systems: Phoenix, Microscan, Vitek2, and Sensititre
Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment using critical thinking skills and decisive judgment with minimal supervision
Ability to perform work that requires frequent standing, walking, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motion.
Lifting up to 50 pounds
Occasional stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, climbing, and overhead lifting
Must possess an active Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Medical Technologist (MT) certification
Must pass the pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
An active Public Trust or the ability to obtain a Public Trust is required for consideration.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Microscan, Phoenix, Vitek 2XL, Sensititre Bruker MALDI MS, and Vitek MS automated systems.

Responsibilities

Performs routine and specialized procedures, reviews, and approves clinical test results for use in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in accordance with established protocols for a laboratory performing high complexity procedures as defined by the standards of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988.
Ensures ongoing compliance, in the area of specialty, regarding laboratory accreditation standards, and resolves technical problems.
Have basic knowledge and experience in performing microbiological examinations on a variety of specimens using morphological, cultural, and biochemical identification of microorganisms.
Processes specimens, prepares reagents, performs testing procedures; ensures quality specimens for laboratory testing reports, and interprets test results.
Performs other routine and specialized procedures in accordance with the primary function, in a manner that assures an efficient workflow and a test turnaround time within the established limits designated in the department’s scope of service.
Able to process microbial identification/antibiotic susceptibility test on the three most widely used automated systems: Microscan, Phoenix, Vitek 2XL, Sensititre Bruker MALDI MS, and Vitek MS.
Performs Proficiency testing and continuing education to maintain licensure and remain updated on changes in the clinical laboratory field.
Performs routine laboratory duties required for the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory, such as shipping supplies to Military Treating Hospitals, receiving the supplies and specimens, properly disposing of hazardous biological and chemical waste, preparing reagents, maintaining an inventory of laboratory supplies, and verifying receipt of supplies.
Ensures that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly.
Assist in shipment and receipt, the retrieval and preservation of MDRO cryovials that are stored in the repository.
Maintain an accurate inventory list of MDROs in the repository and correct paperwork where necessary and inform the supervisor/manager of any discrepancies.
Perform 100% inventory of the repository annually or as needed.
Ensures the instrument maintenance and/or function checks are performed and documented accurately, according to procedure.
Troubleshoots instrument malfunctions and informs the Laboratory Supervisor of problems.
Operates and maintains equipment necessary for the function of and provision of services by MRSN.
Works with the physician, the principal investigator or laboratory manager/supervisor to analyze results and conduct more difficult, non-routine tests.
Follows laboratory SOP’s and specific written experimental protocols as well as oral instructions from the laboratory supervisor in performing assigned experimental work.
Maintains records of laboratory results, quality control data, and laboratory procedures.
Manages infectious specimens, hazardous chemicals, and potentially dangerous instruments in accordance with WRAIR and departmental policies to maintain a safe working environment and observes and complies with appropriate safety and occupational health rules and regulations.
Required to attend safety training relative to the position and report any infractions of safety procedures to the facility Safety Officer.
Performs occasional duties on weekends/holidays if such duties are approved by the COR and the contractor’s program manager.
Produces clear, concise, and accurate electronic and/or written patient reports; provides clear, concise, and accurate verbal patient reports with appropriate written or electronic documentation to ensure MTF submitters receive timely patient information.
Attends relevant seminars, scientific conferences, and meetings to the MRSN.
Complies with occupational health and safety standards and other applicable regulations and guidelines, which may include medical surveillance.
Works to improve and expand the skill set of others involved with this effort by communicating and maintaining team knowledge (same company).
Performs other job-related duties as assigned