Medical Microbiology Technologist

Cherokee Federal•Fort Belvoir, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Medical Microbiology Technologist to join their team. This role involves serving as a Medical Microbiology Technologist under the supervision of a principal investigator or laboratory manager. The primary responsibilities include conducting laboratory procedures and experiments for the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of MDRO, as well as performing microbial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. The position is crucial for maintaining the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory, ensuring quality specimens for testing, and accurately reporting clinical data. This role 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 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).
Active Medical Technologist (MT) certification or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) 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 up to 50 pounds
Occasional stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, climbing, and overhead lifting
5+ years of clinical microbiology experience
Must pass the pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Nice To Haves

An active Public Trust or the ability to obtain a Public Trust is required for consideration.

Responsibilities

Support the MRSN mission, collect MDROs and send them to the MRSN weekly, and respond to the inquiries from the MRSN leadership.
Participates in the development of research protocols and grant proposals and in the conduct of research related to MRSN activities.
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.
Perform microbiological examinations on a variety of specimens using morphological, cultural, and biochemical identification of microorganisms.
Able to process microbial identification/antibiotic susceptibility test on the most widely used automated systems: Microscan, Phoenix, Vitek 2XL, Bruker MALDI MS, or Vitek MS.
Have a basic knowledge and experience in the extraction of DNA from bacteria and in the construction of DNA sequencing libraries.
Performs Proficiency testing and in continuing education to maintain licensure and remain updated on changes in the clinical laboratory field.
Ensures that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly.
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.
Assist in laboratory quality assurance procedures, data gathering, and problem-solving.
Have a basic knowledge of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, including long and short-read sequencing platforms.
Perform quality control testing, instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
Verifies analytic accuracy, precision, sensitivity and reference ranges for test methods.
Works with the Physician to analyze results and conduct more difficult, non-routine tests.
Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), templates, and forms, (including, but not limited to, statistical programming plan SOP and template).
Ensures quality specimens for laboratory testing.
Follows laboratory SOPs and specific written experimental protocols as well as oral instructions 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 hospital and the departmental policies to maintain a safe working environment and observes and complies with appropriate safety and occupational health rules and regulations.
Performs occasional duties on weekends/holidays if such duties are approved by the COR and the contractor’s program manager.
Assists in Inventory Control to assure adequate supplies (QC, reagents, calibrators and other consumables are available and reagents are stored properly (temperature sensitive). Supplies are dated appropriately when placed in use.
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.
Assist with other bench work/within the microbiology department on-site as time allows, only after MRSN duties are complete