Microbiology Technologist III

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position performs high-complexity testing of human specimens to detect, identify, and characterize microorganisms of public health importance. It uses culture-based, molecular, and serotyping methods to identify pathogens while adhering to strict quality assurance and control standards in accordance with CLIA guidelines. The role requires expertise in aseptic technique, decontamination, specimen and chemical handling, infectious diseases, and operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments. As a Technologist III, this position is also responsible for the training of additional staff and cross-training to assist the unit as needed. Strong critical thinking is essential to troubleshoot testing issues. The position also involves regular communication with customers and epidemiologists to advise on specimen requirements and to assist with result interpretation.

Requirements

Six (6) years of relevant experience in a laboratory setting conducting high-complexity testing and performing diagnostic, research or regulated microbiological testing (e.g., CLIA, FDA, ISO) or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
OR A combination of related education in science, biological science (e.g., microbiology, food microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry) or closely related education and/or relevant experience in a laboratory setting conducting high-complexity testing and performing diagnostic, research or regulated microbiological testing (e.g., CLIA, FDA, ISO) or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to six (6) years.
Must be a resident of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting application.
Must be available in the event of an emergency (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location.
Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location.
Required COVID vaccination.

Nice To Haves

Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent
Knowledge of microbiology and molecular biology concepts, principles, and theories and their practical applications
Experience performing the diagnosis and screening of infectious diseases
Knowledge of and use of laboratory equipment such thermocyclers, autoclaves, and automated sample preparation equipment
Experience or training using instruments for microbe identification via mass spectrometry.
Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures and instrumentation
Equipment maintenance skills (performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed)
Operation monitoring skills (watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly)
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with a wide range of customers
Knowledge of generally accepted laboratory QA/QC procedures
Knowledge of spreadsheet, database and word processing applications
Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills
Excellent planning and organizing skills
Excellent analytical skills

Responsibilities

Performs high-complexity testing of human specimens to detect, identify, and characterize microorganisms of public health importance.
Uses culture-based, molecular, and serotyping methods to identify pathogens while adhering to strict quality assurance and control standards in accordance with CLIA guidelines.
Applies specialized Microbiological knowledge to perform analytical testing techniques in order to identify pathogenic microorganisms in clinical and surveillance specimens.
Performs initial review and secondary review of assay results and has been delegated some duties assigned to a CLIA-defined Technical Supervisor.
Ensures that all quality requirements and parameters are met in order to maintain regulatory compliance.
Documents all testing activities thoroughly and completely according to SOPs.
Reviews results and quality results in order to evaluate assay acceptance criteria.
Reports deviations to established methods.
Communicates effectively with submitters and/or CDPHE partners in order to resolve specimen inquiries or questions.
Independently performs laboratory duties to support general laboratory operations within the Microbiology Program.
Performs routine maintenance of equipment and general laboratory cleaning and decontamination procedures.
Completes instrument calibration/maintenance logs.
Maintains supply inventory and restocks work unit areas to allow for uninterrupted testing activities.
Notifies the unit supervisor of any issues that arise regarding quality assurance/quality control.
Ensures that all quality assurance and quality control measures are completed according to the quality program at the Colorado State Public Health Laboratory.
Trains additional staff and cross-trains to assist the unit as needed.
Troubleshoots testing issues.
Communicates with customers and epidemiologists to advise on specimen requirements and to assist with result interpretation.

Benefits

Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
Flexible working arrangements
Retirement (PERA options), Medical and dental health plans
Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off
Tuition assistance
Wellness programs
Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects
Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.