Microbiology Technician- AZ - College of Veterinary Medicine

Midwestern University; Glendale (AZ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness facility on-site

401(k)/403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Midwestern University, located in Glendale, AZ, seeks a Microbiology Technician to support day-to-day operations in the Animal Health Institute’s microbiology laboratory. You will perform specimen accessioning, processing, and identification of pathogens using MALDI-TOF MS and PCR, with duties across QA/QC and SOP development.

The role requires attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently in a clinical lab setting; level progression includes Level I–III

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and related laboratory experience.
• Level I: 1–3 years related experience; Level II: 3–5 years microbiology or diagnostic lab experience; Level III: 5+ years microbiology lab experience with leadership.
• ASCP certification preferred: MLT/MLS or Microbiology (ASCP).

Responsibilities

• Accessioning of clinical specimens to the Microbiology Laboratory.
• Process specimens for isolation and identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens.
• Use MALDI-TOF MS and PCR for identification of pathogens.
• Perform DNA and RNA isolation.
• Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Report test results to clients.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and inventory.

Skills

Excellent communication

Computer skills

EMR/LIS experience

QA/QC & record keeping

Microbiology laboratory skills

Proactive attitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

MALDI-TOF MS

PCR

LIS/EMR

MS Office

Job description

Summary:

The Microbiology Technician at the Animal Health Institute (AHI) isresponsible for the day-to-day operations in the microbiologylaboratory, located in the Companion Animal Clinic (CAC). This jobwill require close attention to detail, excellent technical,communication, and interpersonal skills, familiarity withlaboratory health and safety standards and protocols, an ability towork independently, and a willingness to be flexible and adaptableto organizational growth and change. This position reports to theManager of Diagnostic Pathology Center.

Core Responsibilities (All Levels)

• Accessioning of clinical specimens submitted to theMicrobiology Laboratory for diagnostic work up.
• Process a variety of clinical specimens for primary isolationand identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens.
• Use diagnostic equipment and molecular methods, such as theMatrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization time-of-Flight MassSpectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), foridentification of bacterial, yeast and viral pathogens.
• Perform DNA and RNA isolation.
• Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Perform parasite identification.
• Report test results to clients.
• Maintain laboratory equipment.
• Ensure adequate inventory of laboratory supplies andreagents.
• Ship and archive samples as needed.
• Develop and maintain records and support quality assurance andcompliance responsibilities.
• Develop, review and maintain standard operating procedures(SOPs).
• Maintain a safe work environment following OSHA requirementsand institutional policies.
• Maintain and update safety data sheets (SDS).
• Other job-related duties as assigned

Level I

Primary Focus: Execution of core and key lab responsibilities.Training and support will be provided while developing technicalproficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform basic sample processing and testing with oversight
• Accurately enter and maintain patient/sample records
• Follow established SOPs and workflows
• Assist with inventory management and stocking
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and cleaning
• Escalate equipment or result issues to senior staff
• Support teaching environment (students/facultyinteraction)

Level II

Primary Focus: Execution of core and key lab responsibilities.Independent operation with strong troubleshooting skills andworkflow ownership.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently perform and validate diagnostic testing
• Troubleshoot equipment, assays, and LIS/EMR issues
• Perform and document QA/QC processes
• Coordinate sample submissions to external laboratories
• Assist with training and mentoring Level I technicians andstudents
• Assist in development and refinement of SOPs
• Communicate findings effectively with clinicians andfaculty
• Identify workflow inefficiencies and recommendimprovements

Level III

Primary Focus: Execution of core and key lab responsibilities.Provides expertise in lab operations, quality assurance, training,and process optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily laboratory operations and workflowefficiency
• Lead QA/QC programs and ensure regulatory compliance
• Serve as primary liaison for equipment vendors and technicalsupport
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs and best practices
• Assist with training, mentoring, and assessing technicians andstudents
• Support new test development and laboratory expansioninitiatives
• Partner with leadership on strategic planning and labgrowth
• Analyze lab performance metrics and implement improvements
• Assist with budgeting, supply forecasting, and resourceallocation

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, anindividual must be able to perform each essential dutysatisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative ofthe knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilitiesto perform the essential functions. The following are additionalqualifications:

• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Confident general computer skills (e.g. outlook, word,excel).
• EMR and/or other laboratory related software experience
• Laboratory QZ/QC and record keeping.
• Basic bacteriology/microbiology laboratory skills.
• Proactive personality.

Education and/or Experience

Level 1

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1-3 years of related experience
• Basic familiarity with laboratory equipment preferred

Level 2

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3-5 years microbiology or diagnostic lab experience
• Demonstrated proficiency with lab instrumentation and LIS

Level 3

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years microbiology lab experience
• Proven leadership, training, and operational oversightexperience
• ASCP Certification in Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT),Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS), or Microbiology (M ASCP).

Computer Skills

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point,Outlook).

Physical Demands

The physical demands described hereare representative of those that must be met by an employee tosuccessfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals withdisabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will berequired to frequently stand for short periods of time, walk, anduse hands to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. Theemployee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. Specificvision abilities required by this job include close vision, colorvision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employeemust occasionally lift and /or move up to 40 lbs.

Animal Allergies Statement

No inhibiting allergies toanimals, hay, or dust.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here arerepresentative of those an employee encounters while performing theessential functions of this job. In the position fumes or airborneparticles, toxic or caustic chemicals will be regularly present.Occasionally there will be a risk of electrical shock, risk ofradiation and vibration of equipment. Reasonable accommodations maybe made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform theessential functions. The noise level in the work environment isusually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organizationthat provides graduate and post-graduate education in the healthsciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove,Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathicmedicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies,physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia,cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology,speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinarymedicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff membersare dedicated to the education and development of our students inan environment that encourages learning, respect for all members ofthe health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarlyactivity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical,dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance,short/long term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexiblespending accounts including healthcare reimbursement andchild/dependent care account. We offer a work life balance withcompetitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flexdays, personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirementplan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursementprogram, identity theft protection and an employee assistanceprogram. Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellnessfacility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Actionemployer that does not discriminate against an employee orapplicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national originor ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender(including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexualorientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past,current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; geneticinformation; or any other protected class, in accord with allfederal, state and local laws, and regulation. MidwesternUniversity complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S.36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).MidwesternUniversity complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals withDisabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.