Medical Microbiology Technologist II

Cherokee Federal•Silver Spring, MD

About The Position

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Medical Microbiology Technologist II to join our team. In this role, you will serve as a Medical Microbiology Technologist II under the supervision of a principal investigator or laboratory manager. Your primary responsibilities will include conducting laboratory procedures and experiments for the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of MDRO, as well as performing microbial identification, antibiotic susceptibility, and more. You will play a crucial role in maintaining the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory, ensuring quality specimens for testing, and reporting clinical data accurately. This position requires strong teamwork, critical thinking, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

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 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).
Active Medical Technologist (MT) certification
Familiarity with Phoenix, Microscan, Sensititre and Vitek2 automated systems
Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with critical thinking skills
Ability to perform work that requires frequent standing, walking, lifting, grasping and repetitive motion.
Lifting to 50 pounds
Occasional stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, climbing, and overhead lifting
3-6 years of clinical microbiology experience
Must pass the pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

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 compliancewith in specialty, on laboratory accreditation standards and resolves technical problems.
Perform microbiological examinations on a variety of specimens using morphological, cultural, and biochemical identification of microorganisms.
Processes specimens, prepares reagents, performs testing procedures; ensures microorganisms specimens for laboratory testing, and ports 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, 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.
Reviews of the medical microbiology technologists I (same company) test results for accuracy, clarity, and completeness.
Assist the medical microbiology technologist III in training new procedures to medical microbiology technologist I (same company).
Perform work that requires frequent standing, walking, lifting, grasping and repetitive motion. Lifting to 50 pounds. Occasional stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, climbing, and overhead lifting.
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.
Assist in laboratory quality assurance procedures, data gathering and problem solving.
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 cyros 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.
Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), templates and forms (including, but not limited to, statistical programming plan SOP and template).
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 related to the position and report any infractions of safety procedures to the facility's Safety Officer.
Performs occasional duties on weekends/holidays if such duties are approved by the COR and 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.
Attend relevant seminars, scientific conferences, and meetings to the MRSN.
Comply 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