CLS Generalist (Microbiology)

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the assigned laboratory section to ensure efficient workflow and satisfactory testing turnaround times.
• Perform all laboratory testing in accordance with established standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements from pre-analytical through post-analytical phases.
• Safeguard and preserve the confidentiality of patients’ protected health information in accordance with State and Federal (HIPAA) regulations and hospital policies.
• Ensure a safe patient environment and adherence to safety practices and infection control policies.
• Aid in developing, organizing, and maintaining procedures and policies for the assigned section to ensure compliance with applicable licensing and accrediting agencies.
• Oversee quality control activities and assist in the quality assurance program related to the assigned section.
• Evaluate new equipment and methodologies, coordinate validation studies, and collaborate with laboratory management, pathologists, and other departments on implementation.
• Train staff on new and existing procedures, assess competency, and provide technical leadership and guidance within the assigned section.
• Maintain and document scheduled preventive maintenance for laboratory equipment and initiate appropriate corrective actions when issues arise.
• Oversee and coordinate staff participation in proficiency testing, review results, investigate unacceptable findings, and implement follow-up actions.
• Maintain sufficient inventory levels to support daily operations while monitoring and contributing to cost containment efforts.
• Utilize computer systems to accurately order, accession, result, charge, cancel, and credit laboratory tests, and generate and resolve incomplete test logs to ensure all tests are completed.
• Communicate critical values promptly to physicians or licensed personnel with appropriate documentation according to policy.
• Provide technical staff with guidance on complex cases, procedures, and problem-solving.
• Comply with standards, laws, and regulations of CLIA, DHS, CAP, Joint Commission, and other applicable agencies, as well as hospital and departmental policies.
• Demonstrate positive customer service behavior and effective communication in interactions with patients, physicians, visitors, and hospital staff, supporting a collaborative team environment.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all laboratory and hospital patient-related information.
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of safety, hazardous materials handling, hazardous waste management, and infection control procedures.
• Collaborate and share knowledge and experiences with other laboratories, including occasional visits or joint initiatives.
• Maintain proper specimen storage, labeling, and documentation in accordance with quality assurance and control standards.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned to support the overall mission and goals of the laboratory.

Qualifications

• Active California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license or National Medical Technologist license (MT, ASCP) or MTE-Microbiology.
• Minimum of eighteen (18+) months of previous Clinical Laboratory Scientist experience in an acute care hospital.
• Strong technical skills in clinical laboratory science, including hospital clinical laboratory operations.
• Working knowledge of quality control rules and quality assurance practices.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards including CLIA, DHS, CAP, and Joint Commission.
• Experience in microbiology and microbiology laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with acute care hospital workflows and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Experience with validation of new equipment, methods, and laboratory processes.
• Experience in laboratory section oversight or management responsibilities.
• Experience in providing training, mentorship, and competency assessment for laboratory staff.
• Comfort with hazardous materials and infection control practices in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a positive, team-oriented approach to working with colleagues across departments.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and participation in continuing education.
• Awareness of employee and organizational development resources such as structured roadmaps and benefit programs.