PRN Microbiologist Laboratory-Every 3rd Weekend

Shepherd Center; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA is seeking a Microbiologist to perform bench testing, proficiency testing, and support all clinical departments in the Micro Lab. The role emphasizes accurate test results and collaboration with laboratory staff.

Requires an Associate degree in Medical Technology or related field and ASCP or AMT certification, with 3-5 years of related experience. Must maintain safety standards and ongoing competency.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Medical Technology or related field required.
• ASCP or AMT certification required.
• 3-5 years of related experience.
• Sound critical thinking and clinical expertise.
• Basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs bench testing and Proficiency Testing in Microbiology.
• Maintains equipment and supplies at the bench.
• Communicates clearly to customers, other departments, and fellow laboratory employees.
• Processes specimens and reports results using appropriate tools and procedures.
• Maintains all operations of the laboratory in the absence of the Laboratory Manager.
• With leadership support, trains technologists to perform microbiological testing independently.
• Attains minimum 8 contact hours of continuing education pertaining to Microbiology annually.
• Examines specimens for adequacy and appropriateness of ordered test with respect to specimen source; takes remedial action as needed.
• Practices proper safety techniques per policies and procedures.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational standards.

Skills

Critical thinking

Clinical laboratory expertise

Test interpretation

Pathogen isolation/identification

Basic computer skills

Training and competency

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Medical Technology or related field

ASCP or AMT certification

Job description

About Shepherd CenterWith five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Shepherd is the only rehabilitation facility in the nation with an intensive care unit on-site, allowing us to care for the most complex patients and begin the rehabilitation process sooner. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.Shepherd Center's culture is one of hope, humor, and hard work. You will enjoy career growth, strong relationships with co-workers, strong support from leadership, and fun activities that have kept over 12% of staff members working at Shepherd for more than 20 years.The Microbiologist performs analytical procedures to execute, interpret or analyze, especially those test results that are abnormal or atypical. The Microbiologist supports all clinical departments throughout the Center in a hands-on role.The Microbiologist is responsible for a variety of duties for support of the Clinical Laboratory.JOB RESPONSIBILTIES:Performs “bench” testing and Proficiency Testing in Microbiology.Performs maintenance and troubleshooting on all equipment and instrumentation in the Micro Lab.Maintains appropriate levels of supplies at the bench.Communicates clearly to customers, other departments, and fellow laboratory employees in all aspects of the Micro Lab functions.Processes specimens and reports results using appropriate tools and procedures in order to provide timely and accurate test results.Maintains all operations of the laboratory in the absence of the Laboratory Manager.With the assistance of laboratory leadership, adequately trains technologists to perform microbiological testing independently according to their role in the laboratory (i.e. technologist generalist or microbiologist).Attains minimum of 8 contact hours of continuing education pertaining to Microbiology annually.Examines specimens for adequacy and appropriateness of ordered test with respect to specimen source; takes appropriate remedial action for wrong test/source combinations.Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process.REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION:Associate degree in Medical Technology or related fieldREQUIRED MINIMUM CERTIFICATION:ASCP or AMT certificationREQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:3-5 years of related experience required.REQUIRED MINIMUM SKILLS:Sound critical thinking skills and clinical expertise.Must have a strong grasp of evaluating clinical specimens for appropriateness of testing.Must be able to isolate, identify and perform sensitivities on pathogens recovered from clinical specimensBasic computer skillsCompletes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Organizational ability, and evidence of strong decision makingPHYSICAL DEMANDS:Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 15 lbs.WORKING CONDITIONS:Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.