IN-DOH-Microbiologist II Antimicrobial Resistance

This position is part of the Indiana Department of Health Laboratory Antimicrobial Resistance Lab Network.

Purpose of Position/Summary:
Incumbent is responsible for coordinating and performing the full range of microbiological examinations and analyses including culture biochemical tests PCR and WGS of clinical specimens for isolation and identification of bacteria and yeast including but not limited to E.coli Klebsiella pneumoniae Pseudomonas aeruginosa Acinetobacter baumanii and Candida auris. Incumbent will also be responsible for the documentation of all quality control and quality assurance activities according to CLIA regulations. In addition this position may crosstrain in other areas of the lab that may include molecular microbiological viral serological and other techniques to support routine testing and provide backup capacity.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Incumbent will have indepth knowledge and ability in the area of microbiology and molecular biology and is able to perform laboratory associated assays or the ability to learn these techniques upon successful completion of proficiency testing. Representative duties include:
Conducting examinations of samples and/or reference samples for analyses such as but not limited to molecular detection or isolation and identification of microorganisms or their nucleic acids.
Strictly follow the laboratorys procedures for specimen handling and processing test analyses reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
Extraction of nucleic acids from specimens isolates and samples via a variety of manual and automated methods;
Utilize molecular techniques such as but not limited to PCR sequencing MALDITOF and WGS;
Evaluate interpret and validate laboratory results and reports findings.
Maintain laboratory record system of submitted samples and specimens and their possible referral.
Conduct quality control checks on laboratory methods materials and equipment in strict adherence to the laboratorys quality control policies.
Maintain an inventory of laboratory supplies and order as needed to ensure testing needs are met.
Assist in preparations of epidemiological and/or statistical reports from data compiled on a daily weekly monthly or annual basis.
Maintain competency in all trained areas.
Perform all related work as required.
Testing personnel responsibilities (493.1495 Standard):
The testing personnel are responsible for specimen processing test performance and for reporting test results.
(a) Each individual performs only those high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individuals education training or experience and technical abilities.
(b) Each individual performing high complexity testing must
(1) Follow the laboratorys procedures for specimen handling and
processing test analyses reporting and maintaining records of patient
test results;
(2) Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are
tested in the same manner as patient specimens;
(3) Adhere to the laboratorys quality control policies document all quality
control activities instrument and procedural calibrations and
maintenance performed;
(4) Follow the laboratorys established policies and procedures whenever
test systems are not within the laboratorys established acceptable levels
of performance;
(5) Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test
performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the
problems or immediately notify the general supervisor technical
supervisor clinical consultant or director;
(6) Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from
the laboratorys established performance specifications; and
(7) Except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section if qualified under
493.1489(b)(5) perform high complexity testing only under the onsite
direct supervision of a general supervisor qualified under 493.1461.
(c) Exception. For individuals qualified under 493.1489(b)(5) who were performing
high complexity testing on or before January 19 1993 the requirements of
paragraph (b)(7) of this section are not effective provided that all high complexity
testing performed by the individual in the absence of a general supervisor is
reviewed within 24 hours by a general supervisor qualified under 493.1461.


Job Requirements:
Extensive knowledge of the principles theories and practices of microbiology and related sub specialties;
Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health laboratory problems;
Specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technical equipment complex scientific apparatus and automated techniques of analysis;
Extensive knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles;
Aware of state and federal laws rules regulations and policies concerning the program area (i.e. CLIA);
Ability to meet requirements for personnel certification as a technologist pursuant to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA)
Ability to effectively communicate technical information both verbally and in writing and maintain productive working relationships;
Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs and recognize QA problems;
Ability to compile analyze evaluate and prepare laboratory reports.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
N/A

Difficulty of Work:
Incumbent is engaged in scientific analyses that demandaccuracy and demonstrated proficiency in applying laboratory analytical skillsto select pertinent guidelines and formulated plans for problem solving. Projects involve many complex variables ofgreat intricacy and the microbiologist is often called upon to analyze andidentify unusual specimens/samples. Work requires use of analytical judgmentand technical knowledge in order to draw accurate logical conclusions.Incumbent will also be required to develop and research new testing procedures.

Responsibility:
Incumbent works independently as an expert in the assigned area. Technical and/or detailed instruction is provided only upon request when necessitated by a proceduralchange and/or special project. Incumbentmaintains established safety practices when working with materials that have achemical hazard or biohazard potential. Reports are reviewed for general technical accuracy; however tasks areperformed independently. Errors in workcould adversely affect the health safety and well being of the incumbent orcoworkers.

Physical Effort:
The required personal protective equipment can be cumbersome and awkward. Extra effort and concentration will be necessary to perform routine laboratory manipulations under these conditions.

Working Conditions:
The incumbent will be performing tests on potentially dangerous specimens. Consequently safety standards are of primaryimportance. This position will berequired to use all appropriate personal protective equipment in the designatedlaboratory area. The laboratory space andequipment can experience a dramatic increase in temperature. The incumbentwill be required to work in these conditions and maintain a clear thoughtprocess during the testing.

Required/Desired Skills Skill Required /Desired Amount of Experience Extensive knowledge of the principles theories and practices of microbiology and related sub specialties; Required 0 Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health lab. Required 0 Specialized knowledge of/ability to use a full range of standard technical equip. complex scientific apparatus and automated techniques of analysis Required 0 Extensive knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles; Required 0 Aware of state and federal laws rules regulations and policies concerning the program area (i.e. CLIA); Required 0 Ability to effectively communicate technical information both verbally and in writing and maintain productive working relationships; Required 0 Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs; Required 0 Ability to compile analyze evaluate and prepare laboratory reports. Required 0 2 years of high complexity laboratory experience as testing personnel w/exp. providing oversight of daily performance of high complex testing Highly desired 2 Years BA/BS in biological science. Highly desired 0