Laboratory Technologist II - 61008887

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Public Health is seeking a microbiology professional to perform complex diagnostic work in Mycobacteriology, including species identification, in a state laboratory setting.

You will follow SOPs, work under Biosafety Level 3 conditions, operate advanced instruments, and contribute to QC/QA, clinical investigations, and emergency response, with occasional travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related medical or scientific discipline.
• Journey-level work experience in a related field may be considered.
• Certification as ASCP MLT/MT/MLS or equivalent.
• Ability to follow SOPs and safety protocols in a clinical lab.

Responsibilities

• Perform moderately and highly complex diagnostic laboratory procedures in Mycobacteriology, including species identification.
• Follow SOPs, decontaminate, concentrate, inoculate, and report results.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot instrument systems (BDMGIT 320, BD Bactec FX40, Cepheid GeneXpert, Vitek MALDI-TOF).
• Perform QC/QA activities and provide technical consultation when needed.
• Evaluate new tests and instrument systems; participate in clinical investigations; travel as required.

Skills

Mycobacteriology procedures

Biosafety Level 3 practices

Quality control

Instrument operation

Clinical specimen handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

ASCP MLT/MT/MLS certification

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

BDMGIT 320

BD Bactec FX40

Cepheid GeneXpert

Vitek MALDI-TOF

Job description

Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity

Performs moderately and highly complex diagnostic laboratory procedures in Mycobacteriology to include species identification.

• Follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and special protocols. Decontaminates, concentrates, and inoculates a variety of clinical specimens for the isolation of mycobacteria. Uses a variety of solid and broth media for mycobacteria isolation. Prepares specimen smears, stains smears, microscopically examines and interprets smear examinations, and reports results. Performs work using Biosafety Level 3 practices, to include wearing a respirator and using a biological safety cabinet.
• Operates, maintains, calibrates, and troubleshoots highly complex microbiology instrument systems to include: BDMGIT 320, BD Bactec FX40 system, Cepheid GeneXpert and Vitek Maldi-ToF. Interprets and reports results.
• Performs Quality Control testing and Quality Assurance activities. Correctly interprets testing and activity outcomes. Uses advanced professional knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently take the necessary corrective actions when indicated. Prepare/ Ship Category A and B Specimen, obtain, file, and fax/ email reports.
• Evaluates new laboratory tests and instrument systems. Performs validation and verification studies as needed. Participates in clinical investigation studies by providing laboratory technical support. Provides technical consultation to clinicians.
• Other duties as assigned. Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned, including required travel if requested, and responds as directed during emergencies which may occur outside normal work hours, and travel if required.

State Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in a related medical or scientific discipline; or an associate degree or equivalent training in a related medical, scientific or technical discipline and journey-level work experience in a related field.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

A bachelor's degree in medical technology, microbiology, or in a related field that induced course work related to the practice of clinical microbiology. Certification as a MLT, MT, MLS by ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) or equivalent.

EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices*
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.