Lab Technical Specialist Microbiology

Newton-Wellesley Hospital; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Newton-Wellesley Hospital is seeking a Technical Specialist to perform laboratory testing within CLIA guidelines. The role includes specimen processing, test performance, and reporting results under supervision, with emphasis on accuracy and compliance.

The position may involve training and competency oversight of staff and trainees. Starting rate is $37.14/hour with a $10,000 sign-on bonus discussed during interview.

Responsibilities

• Process specimens, perform tests as authorized, and report results under supervision.
• Maintain records demonstrating proficiency testing and test performance.
• Adhere to quality control policies and instrument/calibration maintenance.
• Document corrective actions when tests deviate from specifications.
• Develop and review training materials and competency assessments for new procedures.

Job description

Site: Newton-Wellesley Hospital

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

Starting Rate: $37.14/hour

We're offering a $10,000 sign-on bonus to welcome you to our team. Recognizing and valuing exceptional talent, we're eager to discuss the exciting details of this bonus during our interview process.

Summary

The Technical Specialist is a highly specialized role within specialty areas (e.g., Blood Bank, Chemistry, Cytology, Hematology, Microbiology, Cytometry, Molecular Diagnostics) requiring a high level of skill. The Technical Specialist, in their role as Testing Personnel as defined by CLIA, may perform waived and non‑waived testing. Under general supervision, carries out all policies and performs all tests in accordance with the department's standard operating procedures. Works independently in an efficient and organized manner to assure accurate results and records. The work requires a professional level of knowledge to read and interpret accurately test results used by providers in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The Technical Specialist, in their role as Technical Supervisor or General Supervisor as defined by CLIA, may be delegated the responsibility of the technical oversight of the training areas including the day‑to‑day supervision or oversight of the laboratory operation related to personnel in training, performing testing, and reporting results. Under the general supervision of the Technical Director and Clinical Supervisors, the Technical Specialist‑Education is responsible for supervision of trainees at their assigned workstations including Quality Control (QC) review, training, competency assessment of staff.

Does this position require Patient Care?

No

Essential Functions

• The testing personnel are responsible for specimen processing, test performance and for reporting test results. Each individual performs only those tests that are authorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training or experience, and technical abilities. After success completion of orientation, training and competency assessment on all instruments/methods applicable to their role:
• Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples;
• Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
• Follow the laboratory's established corrective action policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
• Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the general supervisor, technical consultant, technical supervisor, clinical consultant or director; and
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Creates, documents, maintains, plans and implements the training programs including competency assessments for new procedures adapted into the Specialty Labs, and manages the competency review process with Supervisors and Technical Director, including the Compliance Officer as needed. Reviews and approves completed training paperwork and documentation, ensuring that all training documents and signoffs are documented and maintained in Media Lab Compass module, supported by the Senior Technologists, and administrative staff in the Specialty Lab. Trained on new processes to bring a training and education lens to the development and creation of SOPs for new processes. Assists with determining whether a new competency assessment needs to be created. Reviews and determines whether existing training material reflect the current workflow used in the lab and reviews and approves any required updates to training guidelines. Develops the training procedures for technical staff and students, both rotating from affiliated programs and for the MGB MLS Training Program.

Physical Requirements

• Standing Frequently (34-66%)
• Walking Frequently (34-66%)
• Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)
• Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
• Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs
• Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)
• Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Balancing Frequently (34-66%)
• Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
• Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Reaching Frequently (34-66%)
• Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%)
• Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
• Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
• Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)
• Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)
• Talking Constantly (67-100%)
• Hearing Constantly (67-100%)

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

2014 Washington Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$32.47 - $47.23/Hourly

Grade

7At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.

EEO Statement

4100 Newton-Wellesley Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership "looks like" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.