Microbiologist II Antimicrobial Resistance - American Technology Consulting

Purpose of Position/Summary:Incumbent is responsible for coordinating and performing the full range ofmicrobiological examinations and analyses including culture, biochemical tests,PCR, and WGS of clinical specimens for isolation and identification of bacteriaand yeast including but not limited to E.coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii, and Candida auris. Incumbentwill also be responsible for the documentation of all quality control andquality assurance activities according to CLIA regulations. In addition, thisposition may cross-train in other areas of the lab that may include molecular,microbiological, viral, serological, and other techniques to support routinetesting and provide backup capacity.Essential Duties/Responsibilities:Incumbent will have in-depth knowledge and ability in the area of microbiologyand molecular biology and is able to perform laboratory associated assays or theability to learn these techniques upon successful completion of proficiencytesting. Representative duties include:• Conducting examinations of samples and/or reference samples for analyses suchas but not limited to, molecular detection or isolation and identification ofmicroorganisms or their nucleic acids.• Strictly follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling andprocessing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient testresults.• Extraction of nucleic acids from specimens, isolates, and samples via avariety of manual and automated methods;•Utilize molecular techniques such as, but not limited to, PCR, sequencing,MALDI-TOF, and WGS;• Evaluate, interpret, and validate laboratory results and reports findings.• Maintain laboratory record system of submitted samples and specimens and theirpossible referral.• Conduct quality control checks on laboratory methods, materials, and equipmentin strict adherence to the laboratory's quality control policies.• Maintain an inventory of laboratory supplies and order as needed to ensuretesting needs are met.• Assist in preparations of epidemiological and/or statistical reports from datacompiled on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis.• Maintain competency in all trained areas.• Perform all related work as required.•Testing personnel responsibilities (493.1495 Standard):The testing personnel are responsible for specimen processing, test performanceand for reporting test results.(a) Each individual performs only those high complexity tests that areauthorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensuratewith the individual’s education, training or experience, and technicalabilities.(b) Each individual performing high complexity testing must—(1) Follow the laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling andprocessing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patienttest results;(2) Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples aretested in the same manner as patient specimens;(3) Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies, document all qualitycontrol activities, instrument and procedural calibrations andmaintenance performed;(4) Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenevertest systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levelsof performance;(5) Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect testperformance or reporting of test results and either must correct theproblems or immediately notify the general supervisor, technicalsupervisor, clinical consultant, or director;(6) Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate fromthe laboratory’s established performance specifications; and(7) Except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section, if qualified under §493.1489(b)(5), perform high complexity testing only under the onsite,direct supervision of a general supervisor qualified under § 493.1461.(c) Exception. For individuals qualified under § 493.1489(b)(5), who wereperforminghigh complexity testing on or before January 19, 1993, the requirements ofparagraph (b)(7) of this section are not effective, provided that all highcomplexitytesting performed by the individual in the absence of a general supervisor isreviewed within 24 hours by a general supervisor qualified under § 493.1461.Job Requirements:• Extensive knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of microbiologyand related sub- specialties;• Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures andthe ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health laboratoryproblems;• Specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technicalequipment, complex scientific apparatus, and automated techniques of analysis;• Extensive knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles;• Aware of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies concerningthe program area (i.e. CLIA);• Ability to meet requirements for personnel certification as a technologistpursuant to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA)• Ability to effectively communicate technical information both verbally and inwriting and maintain productive working relationships;• Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs andrecognize QA problems;• Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and prepare laboratory reports.Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:N/ADifficulty of Work:Incumbent is engaged in scientific analyses that demand accuracy anddemonstrated proficiency in applying laboratory analytical skills to selectpertinent guidelines and formulated plans for problem solving. Projects involvemany complex variables of great intricacy and the microbiologist is often calledupon to analyze and identify unusual specimens/samples. Work requires use ofanalytical judgment and technical knowledge in order to draw accurate, logicalconclusions. Incumbent will also be required to develop and research new testingprocedures.Responsibility:Incumbent works independently as an expert in the assigned area. Technicaland/or detailed instruction is provided only upon request when necessitated by aprocedural change and/or special project. Incumbent maintains established safetypractices when working with materials that have a chemical hazard or biohazardpotential. Reports are reviewed for general technical accuracy; however, tasksare performed independently. Errors in work could adversely affect the health,safety and well being of the incumbent or coworkers.Personal Work Relationships:Incumbent works with supervisor and with other State Department of Health staffsuch as Laboratory Safety Officer and/or external entities (e.g. local healthdepartments, etc.) to devise and implement work procedures and informationdissemination. Individual will have contact with employees and the public as alaboratory expert and in the explanation of laboratory procedures andrecommendations when appropriate.Physical Effort:The required personal protective equipment can be cumbersome and awkward. Extraeffort and concentration will be necessary to perform routine laboratorymanipulations under these conditions.Working Conditions:The incumbent will be performing tests on potentially dangerous specimens.Consequently, safety standards are of primary importance. This position will berequired to use all appropriate personal protective equipment in the designatedlaboratory area. The laboratory space and equipment can experience a dramaticincrease in temperature. The incumbent will be required to work in theseconditions and maintain a clear thought process during the testing.