Senior Technical Assistant - Microbiology

HNL Lab Medicine; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

HNL Lab Medicine in Allentown, PA is seeking a Technical Assistant to support microbiology and pathology workflows. You will perform moderately complex tests under supervision, prepare reagents, calibrate instruments, and ensure accurate data capture in the LIS system.

The role requires attention to SOPs, proper specimen handling, and teamwork for STAT requests. A clinical environment background and basic lab training are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 2 years in a clinical environment.
• AS degree or equivalent education and experience preferred.
• Graduate of health/medical assistant or similar training with lab technique taught.

Responsibilities

• Performs moderately complex CLIA testing under direct supervision.
• Enter results into the Laboratory Information System.
• Troubleshoot instrument malfunctions and document activities.
• Prepare reagents/controls and calibrate pipettes/thermometers.
• Collect and prepare specimens for analysis with proper labeling.
• Follow SOPs for specimen handling and report results.
• Assist in training new staff and participate in CSI/education.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Quality control

Data entry

Pipette calibration

Specimen handling

Education

High school diploma or GED

AS degree preferred

Graduate of health/medical assistant program

Tools

Laboratory Information System

Job description

Work Schedule:

This position typically works Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, with occasional weekend or holiday coverage based on operational needs. Schedule may vary.

Processes and prepares specimens for transport and/or analysis. May perform technical duties relative to simple Quality Control and waived and moderately complex level testing under direct supervision of a technologist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Performs CLIA classified moderately complex laboratory testing and enters results into the Laboratory Information System under direct supervision of a technologist.


• Recognizes and corrects instrument malfunctions within the scope of the operator’s


• manual and records troubleshooting activities.


• Performs testing that is specifically designated by the department.


• Accurately completes work and reports results according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).


• Prioritizes/reorganizes work to respond to STAT/Emergency requests.


• Follows established department SOPs for specimen handling and abnormal critical values and communicates to customer accordingly.


• Provides clinical orientation and/or training of new employee/students.


• Performs basic quality control functions pertaining to moderate complexity testing, instrument checks and notifies a technologist with any discrepancies.


• Accurately calibrates pipettes and thermometers (and records data) according to SOPs.


• Prepares reagents/controls for specimen testing according to SOPs.


• Prepares and/or collects specimens (blood, urine, feces, or other body fluids) for analysis including accurate labeling.


• Inventories and maintains adequate supplies, including restocking shelves when appropriate or notifies a technologist of shortages.


• Participates in Continuous System Improvement (CSI) and continuing education programs.


• Assists in competency review of new and current Technical Assistants and notifies supervisor/manager of any issues in a timely manner.

Molecular/Microbiology

• Logs applicable information into the NEDSS system or sending information to other states.

Toxicology/ACL’s

• Handles Forensic Toxicology specimens, data, and reports according to forensic testing guidelines. Handles legal inquiries, search warrants, and subpoenas.

Pathology/Histology/Cytology

• Performs fine needle aspiration (FNA) assistance.


• Completes frozen section cutting.


• Acts as Gross Room/Operating Room liaison to assist with problem resolution and provide educational in-service, as needed.


• Functions as Safety representative for designated area.


• Coordinates paperwork between LVHN and vendors for legal cases, hardware disposal, and products of conception.


• Performs all applicable duties assigned to Technical Assistant.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); Two years in a clinical environment with data processing/specimen handling experience. A.S degree preferred or an equivalent demonstration of education and experience. Graduate of heath/ medical assistant or similar training program from an accredited institution where general laboratory technique is taught. Must meet CLIA 88 personnel requirements for moderate complexity testing.

Language Ability:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions in English. Ability to write simple correspondence in English. Ability to effectively present information to one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Math Ability:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Must have the ability to perform all duties with accuracy and attention to detail

Computer Skills:

Ability to use Laboratory Information System in addition to various other software programs.

Certificates and Licenses:

No certifications needed

HNL Lab Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with, and where applicable, in addition to federal, state and local employment regulations, Lehigh Valley Health Network will provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other such protected classes as may be defined by law. All personnel actions and programs will adhere to this policy. Personnel actions and programs include, but are not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, educational programs and/or social activities.

Address:

794 Roble Rd

Primary Location:

HNL- Roble

Position Type:

Onsite

Department:

1046-00006 Microbiology