Microbiologist II

About the role

Element is seeking a Microbiologist II at our North Liberty, IA location. This position performs moderate to highly complex laboratory testing and analysis on bacterial and fungal isolates.

Responsibilities

• Processes incoming bacterial and fungal isolates following safety guidelines and using required PPE, selects and labels appropriate media and properly streaks for isolation.
• Affirms isolates that are received using professional judgment, knowledge of organism characteristics, MALDI-TOF and biochemical tests to properly identify organisms prior to banking.
• Performs MALDI-TOF isolate identifications and interprets results.
• Properly pulls frozen isolates from the bank for SENTRY, drug development protocol testing and clinical trials.
• Prepares for susceptibility runs by performing purity checks, removing MIC panels from freezers, labeling of panels and tubes, and loosening caps on media tubes.
• Participates in all aspects of MIC testing including subbing isolates, preparing inoculums, pipetting, and running inoculating instruments.
• Interprets MICs results from broth microdilution, agar dilution, disk diffusion and Etest® methodologies.
• Participates on the clinical trial team or alternatively, is a member of the fungal team and is deemed proficient in one or more areas (fungal processing, yeast or mould susceptibility testing, etc.) as dictated by business need. May perform highly complex quantitative and qualitative analysis on microbiological isolates for clinical trial and research protocols. Participates in new drug development protocols and clinical trial protocols, if part of clinical trial team, which includes an array of susceptibility testing techniques (Broth microdilution + disks and/or Etest®, agar dilution, time-kills, PAEs, etc.).
• If part of the clinical trial team, follows GCP and CLIA regulations for processing of clinical trial isolates, which includes chain of custody procedures.
• Participates in the overall quality assurance program by performing QC testing and documenting results appropriately. Informs Laboratory Manager and QA department if failures are observed and carries out recommended corrective actions.
• Provides direction to Laboratory Assistants with regard to processing specimens, susceptibility testing and pulling isolates from the bank.
• Provides technical direction and oversight to Microbiologist I on complex testing and analysis of microbiological isolates.
• Participates in training of Laboratory Assistants and Microbiologist I on testing techniques and interpretation of results, as required.
• Calibrates, troubleshoots, and conducts routine maintenance on laboratory instrumentation.
• Investigates and resolves problems related to testing procedures.
• Complies with applicable regulatory and safety requirements of the laboratory.
• Effectively communicates issues and ideas for efficiencies to the Laboratory Manager and Lab Coordinator.
• Assists with writing and revising laboratory procedures according to CLSI and regulatory guidelines.
• Performs routine cleaning and maintenance tasks within the laboratory.
• Demonstrates professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a laboratory science field from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE is required.
• Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists or National Certifying Agency is desirable.
• Must meet the CLIA Testing Personnel Qualifications for High Complexity Testing 493.1489 to perform clinical trial work.
• Previous experience working in a microbiology laboratory, including familiarity with organism morphology, handling of bacterial cultures and experience with aseptic technique is required.
• Previous experience conducting antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria and fungi (yeasts and molds) using broth microdilution, agar dilution, and disk/test strips, clinical laboratory work in a microbiology laboratory, and experience with a MALDI-TOF for organism identification are preferred.