Position Summary:

Responsible for the technical operations of the Microbiology Department as well as being able to perform all essential job duties of a Medical Laboratory Scientist specializing in Microbiology.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Responsible for overseeing training and competency of Microbiology staff. Establishes, maintains and revises microbiology policies and procedures under the direction of the Director of Technical Operations in compliance with accreditation and other regulatory standards. Works to ensure that microbiology section is in compliance with the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation program requirements and inspection ready. Ensures that microbiology staff adheres to all procedures in performing testing by observation, discussion, procedural review, result review and providing direct feedback to staff as well as the Director of Technical Operations, especially if corrective actions are necessary to improve performance Monitors employee performance, completes and conducts periodic evaluations, counsels and disciplines as necessary in accordance with Guidelines Oversees or prepares employee schedules, approves timesheets, approves and monitors PTO to ensure availability to effectively handle daily activities Performs microbiology laboratory test procedures Ensures appropriate lab supplies are always on hand in the Microbiology Department. Participates in Quality Control testing of lab reagents and maintenance of equipment. Follows protocol for running and documenting control values. Maintains open communication to ensure optimal operation of department. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Bachelors degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Microbiology from an accredited university Current registration as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Microbiologist from the ASCP or equivalent Minimum of four (4) years of clinical microbiology laboratory experience in a hospital or commercial lab setting

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Ability to work independently, be attentive to detail, and provide quality work Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with employees, physicians, vendors, clients, and external agencies Ability to demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology related to specimen collection Ability to maintain the confidentiality of employee, patient, client, and company information at all times Ability to demonstrate commitment to compliance with applicable laws: federal and state regulations, including CAP, CLIA, HIPAA, Safety, and OSHA Regulations Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software

Leadership Abilities:

Team Builder: Builds cohesive teams Influential: Makes an impact on people, events, and decisions; affects the thinking or actions of others by means of example or personality Strategic: Thinks "big picture"; commits to a course of actions to accomplish long range goals; is forward thinking and adept at seeing future outcomes and results Delegator: Effectively assigns work and responsibility; supports and provides feedback on performance. Coach: Equips individuals with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to develop their skills and improve performance Time Manager: Prioritizes; respects others' time; adheres to schedules and agendas Change Agent: Initiates and promotes new approaches and transformations to reach a higher level of performance Accountability: Follows through in all areas; accepts and delivers on responsibilities; requires others to follow through on commitments

Physical Requirements:

Frequent standing, walking, grasping, carrying, and talking Occasional sitting, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers Light to medium lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 30 pounds Requires visual acuity

Work Conditions:

Environmentally controlled laboratory environment with constant exposure to biological, sharp instruments, and chemical hazards. Fast-paced environment with occasional high pressure or emergent situations. Ability to adapt easily to changing work schedules and work overtime occasionally, as needed.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Core Laboratory/Microbiology Manager; there are no direct reports.