Microbiology Technician- AZ - College of Veterinary Medicine

Midwestern University • Glendale, AZ

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Microbiology Technician at the Animal Health Institute (AHI) is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the microbiology laboratory, located in the Companion Animal Clinic (CAC). This job will require close attention to detail, excellent technical, communication, and interpersonal skills, familiarity with laboratory health and safety standards and protocols, an ability to work independently, and a willingness to be flexible and adaptable to organizational growth and change. This position reports to the Manager of Diagnostic Pathology Center.

Requirements

• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Confident general computer skills (e.g. outlook, word, excel).
• EMR and/or other laboratory related software experience
• Laboratory QZ/QC and record keeping.
• Basic bacteriology/microbiology laboratory skills.
• Proactive personality.
• Bachelor’s degree
• 1-3 years of related experience
• Basic familiarity with laboratory equipment preferred
• 3-5 years microbiology or diagnostic lab experience
• Demonstrated proficiency with lab instrumentation and LIS
• 5+ years microbiology lab experience
• Proven leadership, training, and operational oversight experience
• ASCP Certification in Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS), or Microbiology (M ASCP).
• Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with laboratory health and safety standards and protocols
• Willingness to be flexible and adaptable to organizational growth and change
• Training and support will be provided while developing technical proficiency.
• Independent operation with strong troubleshooting skills and workflow ownership.
• Provides expertise in lab operations, quality assurance, training, and process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Accessioning of clinical specimens submitted to the Microbiology Laboratory for diagnostic work up.
• Process a variety of clinical specimens for primary isolation and identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens.
• Use diagnostic equipment and molecular methods, such as the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for identification of bacterial, yeast and viral pathogens.
• Perform DNA and RNA isolation.
• Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Perform parasite identification.
• Report test results to clients.
• Maintain laboratory equipment.
• Ensure adequate inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents.
• Ship and archive samples as needed.
• Develop and maintain records and support quality assurance and compliance responsibilities.
• Develop, review and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain a safe work environment following OSHA requirements and institutional policies.
• Maintain and update safety data sheets (SDS).
• Other job-related duties as assigned
• Perform basic sample processing and testing with oversight
• Accurately enter and maintain patient/sample records
• Follow established SOPs and workflows
• Assist with inventory management and stocking
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and cleaning
• Escalate equipment or result issues to senior staff
• Support teaching environment (students/faculty interaction)
• Independently perform and validate diagnostic testing
• Troubleshoot equipment, assays, and LIS/EMR issues
• Perform and document QA/QC processes
• Coordinate sample submissions to external laboratories
• Assist with training and mentoring Level I technicians and students
• Assist in development and refinement of SOPs
• Communicate findings effectively with clinicians and faculty
• Identify workflow inefficiencies and recommend improvements
• Oversee daily laboratory operations and workflow efficiency
• Lead QA/QC programs and ensure regulatory compliance
• Serve as primary liaison for equipment vendors and technical support
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs and best practices
• Assist with training, mentoring, and assessing technicians and students
• Support new test development and laboratory expansion initiatives
• Partner with leadership on strategic planning and lab growth
• Analyze lab performance metrics and implement improvements
• Assist with budgeting, supply forecasting, and resource allocation

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• life insurance
• short/long term disability
• pet insurance
• flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account
• competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days
• 403(b) retirement plan
• tuition reimbursement
• child care subsidy reimbursement program
• identity theft protection
• employee assistance program
• wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level