Clinical Lab Scientist - Microbiology

Overview

Provides quality laboratory results for inpatient and outpatient customers according to established policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Performs both basic and advanced emergency, therapeutic, and diagnostic laboratory procedures with knowledge regarding age specific laboratory needs of the neonatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric patient. May perform waived, moderate and high complexity testing.
• Calibrates, standardizes, operates, maintains, and troubleshoots various instruments following established procedures. Performs quality control to ensure proper functioning of instruments, reagents, and procedures. Recognizes instrument malfunctions or out-of-control test results and takes appropriate corrective action.
• Responsible for all documentation required for the tasks performed.
• Adheres to infection control and safety practices according to policies and procedures.
• Responsible for training and teaching theory and practical applications to others as directed by laboratory management. Participates and/or assists in teaching continuing education courses.
• Inventories and stocks supplies. Checks, inspects, and ensures proper storage and handling.
• Answers inquiries about test results, methodology, specificity, sensitivity, and interpretation.
• May be assigned as “Charge Tech” as required.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Board certification, in Laboratory Science by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT) is required. 

Abilities are demonstrated in the areas of assigned responsibilities by successful completion of annual laboratory competency testing.  Must be able to read, write legibly, speak and comprehend English.

Must possess manual dexterity and fine motor skills. Able to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of

time, reach and bend. Is able to lift a maximum of 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing

up to 20 pounds. Vision and hearing must be normal or corrected to within normal. Normal color vision for those tasks requiring color differentiation. 

Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, laboratory chemicals and hazardous material.  Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.  Physical presence on site is essential.  Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Frequent interaction with others in the Laboratory and other departments in person, by telephone or by email, to resolve issues with patient care that are impacted by laboratory testing.  Due to the emotional and/or emergency nature of patient care some customers may be unpleasant, angry or discourteous in their requests for Laboratory services.