Microbiology Technologist

Advocate Health and Hospitals Corporation•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

The Microbiology Technologist performs medium- to high-complexity microbiology testing in bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, virology, and molecular-based infectious disease microbiology. The role ensures specimen integrity throughout testing, prepares and stains slides, documents and verifies competency across required processes, and accurately analyzes, interprets, and records patient results in the electronic medical record. The technologist interprets complex antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, performs quality control in accordance with regulatory guidelines, and maintains compliance with respiratory personal protective equipment requirements. The position also supports training for technologists and other clinical personnel, completes annual education on selected microbiological agents and emerging pathogens, troubleshoots assays, reagents, and instruments, and participates in verification and validation studies when requested. The technologist reports issues that may affect patient care, organizes work to meet productivity expectations, undertakes projects beyond routine bench work, and contributes to process improvement. The role is PRN and offers an average of 16–32 hours per week, with day and evening shifts available and weekend availability required.

Requirements

MLS (ASCP) certification is acceptable.
A B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline is acceptable.
Candidates with a B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline must obtain MLS(ASCP) or M(ASCP) certification within one year of onboarding.
Weekend availability is required.

Nice To Haves

M(ASCP) certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform medium- to high-complexity microbiology testing in bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, virology, and molecular-based infectious disease microbiology.
Maintain specimen integrity during all phases of testing.
Prepare slides and perform staining techniques.
Maintain complete documentation and competency for process steps in accordance with standard operating procedures and policies.
Analyze, interpret, and accurately record patient test results in the electronic medical record.
Interpret complex susceptibility patterns, including antibiotic resistance mechanisms and inconsistencies in drug-bug combinations.
Perform quality control to establish the acceptability of microbiological materials in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
Comply with respiratory PPE requirements and maintain appropriate PPE.
Participate in training technologists, students, resident physicians, pharmacy technicians, and Infectious Disease nurses.
Participate in annual education concerning selected microbiological agents and emerging pathogens.
Troubleshoot assay, reagent, and instrument issues.
Participate in verification and validation studies for process improvements, new equipment, and technology transfers when requested by operations or the Technical Director.
Report problems that may adversely affect patient care to leadership in a timely manner.
Organize daily work to meet productivity guidelines.
Take on independent projects and tasks beyond routine bench work and contribute to process improvement.
Update job knowledge, skills, and certification, and attend continuing education sessions.