Clinical Laboratory Technologist

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Job Title:  

Medical/Clinical Specialist 3

Agency:

Department of Public Health

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000007632

Shift:

Not Applicable (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

$50,982.94 - $66,351.55

Job Description:

Pay Grade: L

This is a FEDERAL GRANT FUNDED position and subject to available grant funds.

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Who We Are. We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in communities throughout the state. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters.

What We Offer.As a member of the DPH team, you will join a group of passionate individuals dedicated to serving Georgians. Regardless of your role, you will contribute to protecting lives while enjoying a wide range of benefits.

• Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play.
• Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and the people of Georgia.  
• Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team – Collaborate with employees who share ideas and leverage collective strengths. 
• Achieve Career Longevity – Take advantage of opportunities for learning and development that support a long-term career.
• Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Work in a unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role.
• Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like yourself.

As an accredited public health department, we're seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position of Clinical Laboratory Technologist to join the Division of Medical/Clinical Services, Public Health Laboratory located in Decatur, GA.

The Division of Microbiology at the Georgia Public Health Laboratory (GPHL) is responsible for detecting, identifying, and reporting communicable diseases within the State of Georgia. The Division is responsible for maintaining expertise and capability in a wide variety of public health microbiology specialties. These include Mycobacteriology Reference Bacteriology, Enteric Bacteriology, Environmental Microbiology, Mycology, Parasitology, Virology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance surveillance, and Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD).

GPHL is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist profession to perform day-to-day testing within the Virology Unit supporting Ryan White activities. Laboratory test(s) include HIV viral loads, Whole Genomic Sequencing (WGS) to access antiviral drug resistance. The incumbent will also be cross trained to support Rabies virus and respiratory surveillance activities.

In order to be legally recognized as a medical technologist in the state of Georgia, a medical technologist (MT) certification must be obtained.

*ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED* Please upload a copy of all relevant transcripts to this application.  

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide technical skills and assures the activities are congruent with the goals of the Division of Clinical Microbiology.
• Provide technical skills with conducting day-to-day testing on plasma samples for HIV viral load and WGS assays. The incumbent will also be cross trained in Virology unit supporting Rabies and respiratory surveillance activities.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory standards such as the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), OSHA, and other federal and state regulations. 
• Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance in all areas. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Interprets QC data prior to reporting results.
  • Examines QC data over time to establish QC ranges and limits.
  • Collects data for reporting on QA indicators and processes.
  • Complies with quality management processes and policies; recommends process improvements.
• Performs steps in the pre-examination, examination, and post-examination phases of both diagnostic and surveillance testing on human clinical specimens. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Reviews test results to make sure they are accurate and reports results in a timely manner.
  • Interpret complex or ambiguous results.
  • Performs PT and alternative assessment. 
  • Applies waste management policies, processes, and procedures to activities. 
  • Troubleshoots instrumentation and testing problems and complies with regulations and guidelines governing laboratory testing.
• Assists in training new staff. 
• Adheres to policies and principles regarding the use and storage of laboratory reagents and supplies.
• Adheres to policies and principles regarding the use, maintenance, and calibration of laboratory equipment. Performs preventative maintenance.
• Determines need for repair or replacement of laboratory equipment.
• Compiles results of method validation and performance verification
• Complies with policies, processes, and procedures regarding protected health information.
• Complies with institutional biosafety, chemical hygiene plans and works safely with hazardous (physical/chemical/biological) materials within a laboratory facility.
• Performs packing and shipping of Category B infectious substances. Adheres to policies, processes, and procedures regarding the identification, handling, safety, appropriateness, and triage of samples containing agents of concern.
• Participates in required workplace training regarding safety of the physical environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate degree in a related science area from an accredited college or university, certification as a Medical Technologist, MT (ASCP), and three (3) years of job-related science experience; or Associate degree and two (2) years of experience at the lower level Medical/Clinical Specialist 2 (LSP011) or equivalent position. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related science area from an accredited college or university AND Certification as a Medical Technologist by a nationally accredited certifying agency such as American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA), the American Association of Bioanalysts (ABB), or another agency approved by the Department.

• Completion of ONE of the following academic and/or training requirements listed below, in order to be temporarily classified as a technologist for eighteen (18) months to afford the opportunity to successfully complete an approved qualifying MT examination to earn a ASCP, AMT, AAB certification or equivalent listed above as required of the position.

• Successful completion of a full course of study which meets all academic requirements for a bachelor's degree in medical technology from an accredited college or university; OR successful completion of three years of academic study (a minimum of 135 quarter hours or equivalent) in an accredited college or university and the successful completion of a course of training of at least 12 months in a school of medical technology accredited by an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education.

• Successful completion in an accredited college or university of a course of study which meets all academic requirements for a bachelor's degree in one of the chemical, physical, or biological sciences, and have at least one year of pertinent laboratory experience or training accepted by the Department ; OR Successful completion of 135 quarter hours in an accredited college or university, including 24 quarter hours of chemistry, 24 quarter hours of biology, and 5 quarter hours of mathematics, (thirty quarter hours of the total, with a minimum of fifteen in science, must be at the third or fourth year level), and have at least two years of pertinent laboratory experience.
  
• Successful completion of a full course of study which meets all academic requirements for an associate's degree in medical technology from an accredited college or university, or successful completion of two years of academic study (a minimum of 90 quarter hours or equivalent) in an accredited college or university which included at least 20 quarter hours of lecture and laboratory courses in chemical, physical, or biological sciences acceptable toward a major in science, with at least three years of pertinent laboratory experience; OR Graduation from high school and successful completion of a formal technician training course which is accredited by an accrediting agency accepted by the Department with at least four years of pertinent laboratory experience.

Additional Information:

The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being. 

The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information

State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Relocation assistance is not provided.

In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department. 

ADA Statement

DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email [email protected]. 

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview.  DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

BENEFITS

Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees
 In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance.

Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate degree in a related science area from an accredited college or university, certification as a Medical Technologist, MT (ASCP), and three (3) years of job-related science experience; or Associate degree and two (2) years of experience at the lower level Medical/Clinical Specialist 2 (LSP011) or position equivalent.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.