Medical Laboratory Scientist I Microbiology

Kaiser Permanente; Tucker, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in Georgia seeks a MT/MLS Microbiology technologist to perform routine and complex lab procedures under supervision. You will assist with workload recording, inventory, and development of new procedures, applying independent judgment.

Responsibilities include analytic tests, quality control, equipment maintenance, and timely release of results; administrative duties, and pre-/post-analytic processes. Preferred two years Microbiology experience and GA licensure.

Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years of post registration MT/MLS Microbiology experience.
• Bachelor's degree and/or MT/MLS Registration or equivalent.
• GA Dept HR CLIA MT MLT Grnfthr or related certifications.

Responsibilities

• Analytic: Performs Microbiology tests and analysis per policy; ensures timely reporting and QC.
• Administrative: Manages workload records, inventory control, meetings, and training; supports daily operations.
• Post-analytic: Ensures timely release of patient results; communicates with reference lab and confirms postings.
• Pre-analytic: Receives electronic orders for tests to be performed.

Skills

Customer service aptitude

Interpersonal skills

Dependability

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or MT/MLS Registration

Tools

Biomerieux Mass Spectrophotometry

Vitek 2

Job description

Job Summary:

Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures under the technical guidance of the Microbiology Manager or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) II. Assists with workload recording, inventory control, research, and development of new procedures. Exercises independent judgment / and critical thinking in work performance and interpersonal relations. Major / other Responsibilities may be assigned as a direct or indirect function of the position.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Analytic: Performs requested Microbiology laboratory tests and special analysis, such as proficiency testing, correlation studies or other, according to established Microbiology laboratory policies and procedures. Prioritizes laboratory testing and other duties appropriately to assure optimal efficiency and timely reporting of laboratory results according to policy standards. Utilizes quality control procedures according to established procedures and takes appropriate action for Out of Control / or discrepant results. Documents QC appropriately. Recognizes trends, bias, shifts or other unexpected patterns and takes appropriate action. Review record for compliance. Performs calibration or calibration verification as needed. Operates and maintains equipment. Performs routine safety checks and preventive maintenance on instruments according to procedures and manufacturers recommendations on a consistent, timely basis to insure optimal operation and minimal downtime. Recognizes when any component of the testing system is not performing optimally and performs troubleshooting procedures as warranted on equipment, reagents and procedures in an efficient manner that maintains testing schedules. Refers problems beyond his/her scope of practice to Manager or MLS II.
• Administrative: Assists with workload recording and inventory control. Responsible for monitoring and resolving pending lists per policy. Responsible for reviewing and filing of Summary Reports for Bench assignments. Responds appropriately to provider and clinical staff inquiries. Participates in department meetings, continuing education/in-services. Participates in orientation and training of new employees. Makes recommendations for improvements to the Manager or MLS II. Assumes responsibility for day-to-day operations of laboratory in absence of Manager or Assistant Supervisor. Participates in state/internal inspections, prepared to answer questions, or produce documents. Responsible for compliance with information communicated in laboratory newsletters and monthly Microbiology meetings.
• Post-analytic: Responsible for timely release of patient results. Communicates with reference lab and confirms that test results are posted in KPHC. Exercises independent judgment in determining whether test results are released, repeated, or referred for review. Consults with Manager or MLS II when necessary.
• Pre-analytic: Receives electronic orders for tests to be performed. (Population Care).

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of post registration MT / MLS Microbiology experience.

Education

• Bachelors degree and/or MT / MLS Registration or equivalent documentation from the state of Georgia.

License, Certification, Registration

• GA Dept HR CLIA MT MLT Grnfthr OR Medical Lab Technician Certificate OR Scientist in Microbiology OR Medical Lab Scientist Certificate OR American Medical Technologist Medical Technologist Certificate OR American Medical Technologists Registered Medical Assistant Certificate OR Medical Technologist Certificate OR American Board of Bioanalysis Medical Technologist Certificate

Additional Requirements:

• Able to work independently.
• Able to demonstrate customer service aptitude through customer service assessment and/or history.
• Able to demonstrate good interpersonal skills i.e. history of positive working relationships.
• Able to demonstrate dependability i.e. history of punctuality and good attendance.
• Able to demonstrate critical thinking skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in subjective interpretation of clinical Microbiology cultures.
  
• Experience with Biomerieux Mass Spectrophotometry (MS) and Vitek 2 preferred.
  
• Bachelors degree in medical technology or related health science.