Medical Laboratory Scientist- Infection Disease

Henry-Ford-Health-2; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Henry Ford Health in Detroit, United States, is seeking a detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Scientist specializing in Infection Disease. You will perform complex diagnostic tests, analyze specimens, and maintain rigorous quality standards to support patient care decisions.

The role requires MLS certification (ASCP/AMT or equivalent) and a minimum of 2 years in clinical microbiology or infection disease diagnostics, with strong collaboration with clinicians and strict adherence to safety

Qualifications

• Certification as MLS (ASCP/AMT or equivalent) is required.
• Minimum 2 years of clinical laboratory experience with microbiology or infection disease focus.
• Proficiency in infection disease diagnostic tests and specimen handling.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and automated analyzers.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform and analyze infection disease diagnostic tests, including culture techniques, microscopy, molecular testing, and immunological assays with meticulous attention to detail.
• Prepare, process, and examine clinical specimens (blood, urine, respiratory, and other body fluids) following established protocols and safety guidelines.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation, ensuring proper calibration, quality control, and documentation.
• Conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing and interpret results to guide clinical treatment decisions.
• Execute quality control procedures and maintain records to ensure compliance with CLIA and CAP standards.
• Identify and report critical values and abnormal findings to clinical staff.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide diagnostic information.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and implement corrective actions to minimize delays.

Skills

Infection disease diagnostics

Microscopy

Culture techniques

Molecular testing

Immunological assays

Quality control

Documentation in LIS

Troubleshooting

Collaboration with clinicians

Education

Medical Laboratory Scientist certification (ASCP, AMT, or equivalent)

Job description

Medical Laboratory Scientist- Infection Disease

• Full-time

At Henry Ford Health, we're committed to advancing health and improving lives for the millions of people we serve across Michigan and around the world. As one of the nation's leading academic health systems, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes primary and preventive services, specialty and complex care, virtual care, pharmacy, home health, eye care, health insurance, and more. With 12 hospitals and hundreds of ambulatory care locations, including former Ascension Southeast Michigan and Flint Region facilities, our growing network expands access to exceptional care in the communities we serve.

Headquartered in Detroit, Henry Ford Health is helping shape the future of healthcare through the transformative Future of Health: Detroit initiative, a $3 billion investment that is redefining our academic healthcare campus and advancing innovation, research, education, and community impact.

Our work is grounded in purpose, collaboration, and belonging. We empower team members to grow their careers, contribute innovative ideas, and make a meaningful difference every day. Whether you're caring for patients, supporting operations, conducting research, or driving new solutions, you'll be part of a team united by a shared mission: delivering exceptional care, advancing health outcomes, and building healthier communities for all.

We're looking for a detail-oriented and analytical Medical Laboratory Scientist specializing in Infection Disease to join our clinical laboratory team in Detroit, United States. In this role, you'll perform complex diagnostic testing and analysis to identify infectious pathogens, contributing directly to patient care and clinical decision-making. You'll work with advanced laboratory equipment and techniques while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, safety, and quality in a fast-paced healthcare environment. We're seeking someone who is passionate about precision diagnostics and committed to supporting our healthcare team through innovative and efficient laboratory practices.

• Perform and analyze infection disease diagnostic tests, including culture techniques, microscopy, molecular testing, and immunological assays with meticulous attention to detail
• Prepare, process, and examine clinical specimens (blood, urine, respiratory, and other body fluids) following established protocols and safety guidelines
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation, ensuring proper calibration, quality control, and comprehensive documentation
• Conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing and interpret results to guide clinical treatment decisions
• Execute quality control procedures and maintain detailed records to ensure compliance with CLIA and CAP standards
• Identify and report critical values and abnormal findings to clinical staff in a timely and professional manner
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide accurate diagnostic information and support clinical decision-making
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and implement corrective actions to minimize testing delays and maintain workflow efficiency
• Manage multiple specimens and test requests while maintaining organized and efficient workflow
• Adhere to infection prevention protocols and maintain a safe laboratory environment for yourself and colleagues
• Document all testing procedures, results, and quality metrics in the laboratory information system with transparency and accuracy
• Demonstrate resilience and problem-solving skills when addressing complex diagnostic challenges

Required Qualifications:

• Medical Laboratory Scientist certification (ASCP, AMT, or equivalent)
• Minimum 2 years of clinical laboratory experience with focus on microbiology or infection disease diagnostics
• Proficiency in performing and interpreting infection disease diagnostic tests
• Strong knowledge of specimen collection, handling, and processing procedures
• Competency with laboratory instrumentation and automated analyzers
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and infection prevention standards
• Proficiency with electronic laboratory information systems
• Strong communication skills for reporting findings and collaborating with clinical staff
• Effective time management and organizational abilities
• Problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with advanced molecular diagnostic techniques (PCR, nucleic acid amplification)
• Knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility testing methodologies
• Familiarity with infection prevention and epidemiology principles
• Experience in a hospital or reference laboratory setting
• Additional certifications in clinical microbiology or molecular diagnostics
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and continuing education
• Experience with quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to support team members
• Experience working in a microbiology laboratory, reading and interpreting culture plates, identifying microorganisms, performing susceptibility testing, and familiarity with routine microbiology workflows and procedures.