Microbiologist II - III

Element Materials Technology; North Liberty (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Element Materials Technology is seeking a Microbiologist II-III at our North Liberty, IA location. The role involves performing complex tests and analyses on bacterial and fungal isolates to support SENTRY and drug development efforts.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in laboratory science and experience with antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods. Candidates should possess strong communication and organizational skills, as teamwork is essential. We aim to foster an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a laboratory science field from an accredited college or university.
• Previous experience conducting antimicrobial susceptibility testing is preferred.
• Familiarity with organism morphology and clinical laboratory work in microbiology.

Responsibilities

• Processes bacterial and fungal isolates using required PPE.
• Interprets MIC results via various methodologies.
• Participates in new drug development protocols.

Skills

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in laboratory science

Tools

MALDI-TOF

Job description

Overview

Element has a current opening for a Microbiologist II-III at our North Liberty, IA location. Under general direction, the Microbiologist II-III performs moderate to highly complex laboratory testing and analysis on bacterial and fungal isolates to provide information to the SENTRY program, new drug development protocols and clinical trial protocols. Utilizes professional skill and judgement to perform a variety of microbiology procedures within the laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Processes incoming bacterial and fungal isolates following safety guidelines and using required PPE, selects and labels appropriate media and properly streaks for isolation.
• Assesses isolates that are received using professional judgment, knowledge of organism characteristics, MALDI-TOF and biochemical tests to properly identify organisms prior to banking.
• Performs MALDI-TOF isolate identifications and interprets results.
• Properly pulls frozen isolates from the bank for SENTRY, drug development protocol testing, and clinical trials.
• Prepares for susceptibility runs by performing purity checks, removing MIC panels from freezers, labeling of panels and tubes, and loosening caps on media tubes.
• Participates in all aspects of MIC testing including subbing isolates, preparing inocula, pipetting, and running inoculating instruments.
• Interprets MICs results from broth microdilution, agar dilution, disk diffusion and Etest methodologies.
• Observes and ensures coworkers are following safety guidelines and brings issues to the safety committee, as necessary.
• Participates on the clinical trial team or alternatively, is a member of the fungal team and is deemed proficient in two or more areas (fungal processing, yeast or mold susceptibility testing, etc.), as dictated by business needs.
• Performs highly complex quantitative and qualitative analysis on microbiological clinical trial and/or research isolates.
• Participates in new drug development protocols and/or clinical trial protocols which includes an array of susceptibility testing techniques such as broth microdilution + disks and/or Etest, agar dilution, time-kills, PAEs.
• Follows GCP and CLIA regulations and guidelines for processing of clinical trial isolates, including chain of custody procedures.
• Participates in the overall quality assurance program by performing QC testing and documenting results appropriately.
• Monitors QC within the laboratory and implements effective corrective action. Investigates and resolves problems related to testing procedures.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in two or more areas in the laboratory, as deemed appropriate by managers.
• Supplies a reliable source of information and leadership to coworkers.
• Provides technical direction and oversight to Microbiologists for complex testing and analysis of microbiological isolates.
• Participates in training of Laboratory Assistants and Microbiologists on testing techniques and result interpretation, as requested by Lab Coordinator or Laboratory Manager. Assists with writing, revising and implementation of laboratory procedures according to CLSI and regulatory guidelines.
• Looks for ways to enhance operational efficiencies, increase productivity and decrease costs.
• Demonstrates professional development.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills and communicates appropriately and effectively to coworkers and management.
• Communicates effectively with vendors and service providers, as needed.
• Demonstrates ability to coordinate testing for multiple protocols simultaneously without compromising quality.

Skills / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a laboratory science field from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists or National Certifying Agency is desirable.
• Previous experience conducting antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria and fungi (yeasts and molds) using broth microdilution, agar dilution, and disk/test strips is preferred.
• Familiarity with organism morphology (bacteria and/or fungi), 3-5 years of clinical laboratory work in a microbiology laboratory, and experience with MALDI-TOF for organism identification is required.
• Will also have good communication and organizational skills and work well in a team environment.

#LI-TK1

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

"If you need an accommodation filling out an application, or applying to a job, please email [e-mail]"