What are the responsibilities and job description for the Microbiology Coordinator position at PMHCC?
Position Summary :
Assists Microbiology supervisor / Administrative Scientist in engaging staff in the comprehensive examination of microbiology specimens which includes isolation, identification and drug sensitivity testing; helps in the administrative and testing functions of the Clinical Microbiology, Environmental, Tuberculosis, Molecular and STD sections of this unit. Perform Molecular Virology for Influenza detection and subtyping as well Respiratory and GI viral analysis. Clinical Microbiology to test for growth, identification and antibiotic sensitivity; Environmental Microbiology for food, water and milk testing; and Mycobacteriology which focuses on Tuberculosis testing. In addition, supports and performs ARLN / HAI testing and reporting. Responsible for various administration functions such as monitoring supply utilization, reporting / statistics, validations, test analysis, instrumentation validations, addressing specimen integrity issues, monitoring scheduling, administering training, identification of performance improvement opportunities and supporting staff as needed. Responsible for the efficient workflow of the laboratory; works on an assigned technical bench as necessary.
Duties and Responsibilities :
- Conducts testing on specimens to complete the validation and verification studies for the Public Health Laboratory. In addition will write official test plans / validation reports, procedures and training documents. Will facilitate the incorporation of the validated procedure into the daily workflow of the lab as well as administer training.
- Performs Microbiology isolation techniques for different sample types.
- Prepare verbal, written reports of these studies.
- Handle infectious specimens using proper Biosecurity level safety precautions.
- Prepares reagents and supplies for testing.
- Utilizes research methods and techniques, including the statistical treatment of scientific data
- Employs principles, practices, techniques and current developments in the areas of microbiology, molecular, antimicrobial resistance / HAI etc.
- Educated in the use, operation and care of standard laboratory and field equipment and materials in specialization area.
- Utilizes methods of standardizing and adapting new procedures in diagnostics and analytical tests
- Employs laboratory research principles and techniques
- Assists in the selection of micro / molec equipment and provides recommendations for staff bench assignments and work priorities
- Assist in evaluating opportunities for workflow and operations improvements within specialization areas.
- Assist lab management in researching and bringing on new outside client testing opportunities to generate lab revenue.
- Understands state and federal quality assurance standards and regulations including the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Prepares special culture media, solutions, reagents, standards and controls according to prescribed procedures
- Practices and performs established procedures surrounding quality control, quality assurance and safety.
- Performs other duties as assigned
Skills Required :
Education and Experience :
Physical Demands :
This job may require moderate physical effort including lifting materials and equipment of less than 50 pounds and involves viewing a PC screen 50 to 75 percent of the time. The position may require some travel and occasional participation in off-site functions. The position requires responding to public health emergencies and at times requires rapid turnaround of communications on short notice.
Equal Opportunity Employment :
PMHCC, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity. It is our policy to support equal employment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Americans with Disabilities Act :
Employees as well as applicants who are currently, or become disabled, must be able to perform the functions of the job with either reasonable accommodation or unaided. PMHCC, Inc. will examine reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the law.
