Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Microbiology

About the role

This is a full-time, on-site opportunity based in Bethesda, MD.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory procedures for microbiology specimen handling and processing, test analyses; report and maintain records of patient test results.
• Work with staff on specimen processing and test performance of moderate to high complexity tests, such as VRE PCR, Carba-R real time PCR, Maldi Tof-MS and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Check controls before reporting stained smears to ensure that the stain quality is appropriate.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and initiate or take corrective action to maintain stain and media quality, reagents, and equipment.
• Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures when test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results; correct problem or notify staff; document all corrective actions taken.
• Communicate and consult with pertinent medical personnel regarding collection procedures; troubleshoot any problems with the specimen or documentation.
• Perform and document all quality control activities, instrument calibrations and maintenance preformed.
• Perform proficiency testing in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Maintain records of instrument failure, troubleshooting and QC.
• Organize daily work based on priorities and needs of the laboratory and patients.
• Perform inventory of reagents and supplies as required.
• Collaborate with staff to evaluate new techniques; perform comparative studies with older technology; perform evaluations to determine new guidelines.
• Comply with accrediting and inspections agency requirements participating in activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of TWO (2) years of experience working in a clinical hospital laboratory.
• Ability to lift 10 – 30 pounds.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination.
• Strong communications skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD "public trust"; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of their public trust prior to onboarding with Guidehouse.
• Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred.

Qualifications

• Preferred fields of study: Biological Science, Microbiology, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related discipline.
• ASCP (or equivalent) certification, strongly preferred. If not certified, must be able to meet College of American Pathologists (CAP) testing personnel accreditation requirements.

Skills

• Ability to lift 10 – 30 pounds.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination.
• Strong communications skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to lift 10 – 30 pounds.
• Strong communications skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.

Benefits

The annual salary range for this position is $56,000.00-$94,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $56,000.00-$94,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

Schedule

This is a full-time, on-site opportunity based in Bethesda, MD.