Microbiologist Specialist

At Interfuse Staffing, we are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Microbiology Technologist to join our team. As a key member of our laboratory team, you will be responsible for performing various laboratory tests and procedures to ensure accurate and timely results.

• Perform laboratory tests on acceptable specimens to obtain accurate data in accordance with established procedures and protocols.
• Precisely follow established testing, reporting, and operational policies, procedures, and clinical protocols.
• Maintain high quality and accuracy of work at all times.
• Correlate and apply knowledge to day-to-day operations, sustaining a high level of independent judgment.
• Adapt to changing technology and perform new procedures with minimal supervision.
• Document handwritten information accurately and neatly.
• Verify results of STAT tests within established turn-around-time guidelines.
• Utilize time efficiently and offer to help others when work in assigned area is complete.
• Set an example in work performance and team building, concern for patients and co-workers by maintaining a positive interpersonal approach and demeanor.
• Meet competency level for tests that are offered in that technical area or meets competency in sub-specialty area(s).
• Work productively with minimal errors and follow-up.
• Demonstrate professionalism.
• Perform quality control (QC), and proficiency testing (PT) as assigned.
• Regularly perform Quality Control following established procedures and clinical protocols.
• Regularly release test results only when quality control (QC) values are acceptable.
• Complete preliminary investigation and troubleshoot out-of-range QC. Routinely resolve QC problems without help.
• Perform, review, and report PT following established procedures in the indicated timeframe.
• Actively participate in setting up and establishing plans for validation / verification of new reagents, quality control, tests or instruments as assigned by the Director, Assistant Director, Manager, or Supervisor. Responsible for compiling data and submitting for review, as required.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, instruments, reagents and/or supplies required in performance of job responsibilities.
• Perform and document scheduled instrument maintenance and/or calibrations following approved procedures and within the defined frequency as indicated.
• Identify instrument problems and handle troubleshooting and documentation according to approved procedures. Seldom requires assistance to resolve routine instrument problems.
• Report a variance from normal procedures and/or instrument malfunctions within 1⁄2 hour to the supervisor or assistant director.
• Use reagents and supplies prudently and take timely and appropriate action when supplies are noted to be low so as not to overstock or exhaust supplies. Receive and put away supplies on a timely basis following established protocols.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment.
• Maintain a tidy and orderly work area such that coworkers can readily follow and pick up workflow.
• Document appropriate follow-through, and communicate pending work to next shift.
• Clean immediate work area at end of shift per established procedures.
• Restock supplies and/or reagents in immediate work area at end of shift.
• Direct, review, and/or verify work of other clinical laboratory personnel or technologist trainees.
• Actively assume responsibility as primary operator of an analyzer, or specialized work area.
• Perform accurate result review on a timely basis.
• Willingly participate and is actively involved in the training of new employee or technologist trainees.
• Complete training documentation for each trainee/new hire for each area assigned.
• Provide a positive training experience for staff/trainee as assigned.
• Medical Technologists meeting NYSDOH qualifications for a Laboratory Supervisor (10 NYCRR, Part 58-1, section 1.4) may be required to perform supervisory functions in the absence of the regular supervisor.
• Monitor workflow on an ongoing basis and adjust staff accordingly to assure results are timely.
• Review results and documents in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Review QC data on an ongoing basis. Document corrective action for any QC not within established guidelines.
• Willingly assume charge person and/or “Go To” responsibilities during the week, on weekends and holidays.
• Required responsibilities for all Medical Technologist positions:
  • Complete the laboratory safety exam on an annual basis.
  • Complete the laboratory compliance exam on an annual basis.
  • Complete one (1) hour of compliance training annually as defined by the department.
  • Attain and document at least 15 units of continuing education annually as defined by departmental policy.
  • Attend department staff meetings; review minutes of any missed meetings on a timely basis.
  • Keep the Supervisor informed and communicate effectively to ensure vital patient and operational information is shared among co-workers and shifts appropriately.
  • Maintain technical competence within areas of responsibility by completing annual competency requirements as defined by departmental policy.
  • Understand the existing and potential hazards in the work area in such a way as to prevent injury/illness by following laboratory health and safety policies and procedures.
  • Timely correct and/or report any safety hazard or malfunctioning of equipment within their work shift.
  • Follow laboratory and departmental policies and procedures related to compliance to assure current Medicare regulations are upheld.
  • Perform similar or related duties as requested or directed.
  • Organizational Responsibilities:
    • Adhere to standards of practice as set forth in policy and guidelines to assure patient safety.
    • Use supplies and institutional resources in a financially responsible manner.
    • Maintain an orderly, clean and safe work environment.
    • Maintain appropriate, professional personal appearance, including but not limited to required attire such as uniforms and safety apparel.
    • Assist in the training process of technical trainee/or orientation of new personnel.
    • Participate in staffing patterns that reflect variable demands in service.
    • Demonstrate a positive attitude.
    • Use flexibility and innovation while problem solving.
    • Demonstrate collaborative practice, support and respect for each team member.
    • Participate in departmental / organizational committees.
    • Demonstrate initiative in expanding and sharing knowledge.
    • Participate in continued education through attendance and presentations at in-service or on-line sessions.
    • Communicate with coworkers while adhering always to laboratory policies for the protection of the privacy of patient health information and confidentiality.
    • Assist with the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
    • Communicate necessary information to supervisor or team leader in support of unit, departmental and facility standards and policies.
  Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Biology or Chemistry, or related field required. Although required, a bachelor's degree may not be required if NYS SED has permitted the successful incumbent as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist under their grandfathering rules.
  • Candidates must be qualified as a Medical Technologist in accordance with New York State Department of Health regulations.
  • Experience in standard laboratory methodologies required.
  • Previous Clinical Laboratory experience, preferred.
  • Previous experience with a Laboratory Information System (LIS), preferred.
  • Current valid licensure by NYS SED as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist required, or licensure-eligible with a limited permit or limited license as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist.
  • Strong attention to detail, precision, and commitment to accuracy are essential.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.
  • Strong time-management and organizational skills are required.
  • Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including but not limited to, Excel, Word, and Power Point.
  • Position requires extensive standing, occasional sitting and routine walking.
  • Ability to push/pull up to 35lbs and lift objects of up to 25lbs is occasionally required.
  • Position requires extensive close visual work, requiring visual acuity.
  • Some laboratory tests performed are dependent on color determination. Ability to differentiate colors is required to perform these tests.
  • Category I risk exposure as defined by OSHA.