Laboratory Technologist

About the Role

Processing and testing specimens from animals and the environment to detect the presence of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. This includes performing bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, as well as entering and retrieving information from the Laboratory Information Management System. The position involves communication with clients and other laboratory personnel regarding specimen sharing, workload volume, and order clarification. Additional duties include operation and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment, performing quality control procedures, and reviewing standard operating procedures.

The role requires strict attention to detail and protocol, exposure to materials containing organisms highly pathogenic for animals and humans, and close teamwork with others in the laboratory. Some work may take place in Biosafety Level 3.

Responsibilities

• Identifies organisms using appropriate methods and performs antimicrobial susceptibility testing (60%). Monitors for accuracy/unusual results and issues reports using Cerner.
• Performs laboratory assays and procedures, including confirmatory and quality control testing to produce results for health maintenance, diagnosis, and treatment of animals. Participates in scheduled proficiency testing (20%).
• Communicates with clients and other laboratory personnel regarding sharing of specimens, workload volume, and clarifying orders (10%).
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment, performs quality control procedures, and reviews standard operating procedures (10%).

Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree in microbiology, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or a related science field; one to three years of related and progressively more expansive work experience in a high-volume diagnostic laboratory or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications

• MT, CLS, MLS (ASCP), or equivalent certification is preferred but not required.
• Laboratory experience in diagnostic clinical bacteriology, including bacterial identification from various sources and susceptibility testing, anaerobic bacteriology, and mycology.
• Experience working under biosafety level 3 conditions.
• Experience in PCR and DNA extraction procedures; specimen processing and serology.
• Experience performing quality control and equipment maintenance.
• Customer service experience.
• Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and/or Microsoft Office programs.

Schedule

Working hours are between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and will vary to include weekends and holidays on a rotational basis. The position requires flexibility in scheduling and is subject to callback in case of laboratory need and/or emergency response situations.

Health Risks

Exposure to unfixed animal tissue and materials containing organisms highly pathogenic for animals and humans.