Lab Technologist/Technician Microbiology

South Shore Health System; Weymouth (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

South Shore Health System in Weymouth, MA is seeking a Microbiologist with bench experience to independently perform gram stains, identify organisms, and interpret susceptibility testing in accordance with CLSI guidelines.

You will troubleshoot culture workups, ensure accurate reporting, maintain QC and equipment, and collaborate with the team to ensure timely, safe laboratory operations.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in a relevant science.
• Clinical lab internship or bench experience preferred.
• ASCP MLT certification within 1 year from date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform bacterial identification via gram stain and colony morphology on routine media.
• Distinguish normal flora from pathogens based on body site observations.
• Interpret antimicrobial susceptibility patterns using CLSI guidelines.
• Troubleshoot culture workups and additional antibiotic testing as needed.
• Report test results accurately, notify appropriate personnel and document actions.
• Perform QC and calibration tasks, and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Follow safety policies, PPE, and proper waste disposal at all times.

Skills

Gram stain proficiency

Bacterial identification

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing

Morphology recognition

Education

Associate’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or related science

Job description

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a Microbiologist with bench experience sufficient to independently perform, distinguish, and interpret specimen and colony gram stains, normal flora versus pathogenic bacteria morphologies on routine and selective media, selection and isolation of pure colonies for identification and susceptibility testing from mixed plated growth for aerobes and anaerobes, and to associate various biochemical tests with their correct applications. The candidate must also assess normal and abnormal sensitivity patterns (automated mic, Kirby Bauer, E‑test), utilize CLSI antimicrobial guidelines for sensitivity results, troubleshoot extent of workup and additional antibiotic testing, and associate body site, disease state, and bacterial pathogen.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Experienced Microbiology Bench Reader Skills Required:

• Able to independently perform bacterial identification from plated growth by using gram stain, colonial morphology, on routine and selective media.
• Able to independently distinguish between normal flora and pathogenic bacteria in patient specimens based on body site.
• Able to independently interpret normal and abnormal antimicrobial sensitivity patterns (automated mic, Kirby Bauer, E‑test) for pathogens and understand and utilize CLSI guidelines.
• Able to independently troubleshoot extent of culture workup and additional antibiotic testing based on patient age, body site, infection, and organism.
• Experience selecting pure isolated colonies for identification and susceptibility testing in heavy mixed cultures (wounds and anaerobes).
• Familiar with growth requirements for routine aerobic, anaerobic, and fastidious organisms.
• Identify different types of bacterial morphology seen on a Gram stain.
• Interpret the results of biochemical methods.
• Identify different types of colonial characteristics.
• Use flowcharts and identification charts to identify common aerobic Gram‑positive microorganisms, gram‑negative bacteria, yeast, and fungus.
• Associate various biochemical tests with their correct applications.

1. Test Performance

• Perform accurate and appropriate testing of specimens received in the laboratory according to established laboratory protocol and procedures.
• Evaluate specimens for acceptability for proper testing.
• Investigate and document problems with unacceptable specimens.
• Organize workload for maximum efficiency to complete tests being performed.
• Accurately perform tests as ordered on specimens received.
• Verify accuracy of results belonging to the corresponding specimen before reporting.
• Collect data as required by supervisor on unacceptable specimens and specimens without orders or with ambiguous orders.
• Notify the Microbiology supervisor or designee of any preanalytical, analytical, or post‑analytical variances.
• Handle specimens according to appropriate storage temperature requirements and laboratory procedures.

2. Test Result Reporting

• Report test results in a timely manner and according to established laboratory protocol and procedures.
• Report results within time limits established for test procedures.
• Document proper notification process required in the reporting of all critical values.
• In the event of an occurrence resulting in incorrect results reported on a patient, follow the established policy on correcting results, including notification and documentation of corrective actions.
• Notify the Infectious Disease provider or primary care provider regarding Microbiology alerts promptly and document communication in the LIS system.
• Notify the Infection Control Nurse or designee regarding Microbiology alerts promptly and document communication in the LIS system.
• Notify the Massachusetts State Laboratory Institute regarding reportable diseases promptly and document communication in the LIS system.

3. Laboratory Quality Control

• Perform appropriate quality control for the test procedure.
• Accurately analyze and evaluate QC results obtained before accepting and reporting patient test results.
• Record results obtained for quality control testing as defined in the test procedure.
• Appropriately notify Supervisor of discrepant QC results.

4. Maintenance and Calibration of Equipment

• Perform maintenance according to the schedule for the instrument/equipment.
• Document performance of maintenance procedures for the instrument/equipment.
• Perform calibration of equipment according to scheduled intervals or receipt of reagents.
• Document calibration of equipment.

5. Troubleshooting

• Follow established guidelines for troubleshooting procedures.
• Follow established guidelines for resolving patient specimen problems.
• Document steps taken during the troubleshooting process.
• Immediately notify Supervisor when unable to solve problems.

6. Safety and Precautions

• Wear Laboratory coat, gloves, goggles, and protective devices as required when handling specimens.
• Follow safety policies for dress.
• Follow safety policies when using chemicals.
• Report any safety hazards to the appropriate Supervisor.
• Use protective barrier equipment as required.
• Disinfect and clean work benches/areas according to established protocol during and at the end of the shift.
• Properly dispose of contaminated and hazardous waste materials.
• Know where to find material safety data sheets (MSDS) for items used to perform the job.
• Know the location and procedures to follow in the containment of blood, body fluid, and chemical spills.
• Wear gloves when working at the bench in the Microbiology area.

7. Communication with the Team

• Assist coworkers when main bench duties are completed.
• Assist with specimen processing during lunch time breaks to ensure continuous flow of work.
• Assist Microbiology Supervisor with special projects after main bench duties are completed.

8. Competence and Professional Development

• Consistently acknowledge, through documentation, changes to established testing procedures in all skilled areas.
• Complete assigned CAP surveys with results determined to score in the acceptable performance category.
• Complete department‑generated competencies as required with acceptable results in all skilled areas.
• Actively participate in continuing education programs sponsored by Professional Organizations in one or more of the skilled areas.
• Rotate through all work stations in the Microbiology department, including Bench A‑L, Bench M‑Z, Blood cultures, PCR and EIA testing, and Specimen Processing.

9. Work‑Area Maintenance

• Maintain appropriate supplies for work being performed.
• Ensure that supplies are sufficient for ongoing testing and notify Supervisor when supplies are below established levels.
• Regularly perform inventory of supplies and notify appropriate Supervisor of departmental needs.

10. Orientation and Training of New Employees

• Introduce new employees/students to the department members.
• Engage new employees/students in daily routines within the department.
• Maintain visibility in orienting new employees/students.
• Act as a resource for new employees/students, acclimating them to the organization.
• Communicate to Supervisor progress of new employees during orientation and identify key areas that may be problematic.

11. Embracing Technology

• Partner with Microbiology Supervisor in discovering technology that will benefit patient results and turnaround time.

12. Safety Awareness

• Acknowledge, adhere to, and demonstrate a safe environment as stated in the Laboratory Policies for Chemical Hygiene, Infectious Disease Control and Safety; be knowledgeable of who the responsible Safety Officers are in the Laboratory and Hospital.
• Assist in providing quality patient care through evaluating proper patient specimen labeling in accordance with the Laboratory Specimen Labeling criteria before performing laboratory testing.
• Verify accuracy of results belonging to the corresponding specimen before reporting results.
• Ensure that all revised reports for previously reported incorrect results are identified as revised, corrected, or amended according to established procedure and appropriately notify the patient care giver.

Job Requirements

• Minimum Education: Associate’s Degree in a relevant science preferred.
• Minimum Work Experience: Four (4) months’ clinical laboratory internship preferred.
• Required Certifications: MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician/Technologist (ASCP) or ASCP equivalent – certification required within 1 year from date of hire).
• Individual ASCP certifications in Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, or Blood Bank meet requirements.