Clinical Laboratory Technologist - Microbiology

Clinical Laboratory Technologist - Microbiology

The Clinical Laboratory Technologist - Microbiology performs diagnostic microbiology and molecular testing on patient specimens within the laboratory's approved test menu. Working under the supervision and guidance of the Laboratory Director and Laboratory Supervisor, this role is responsible for specimen evaluation and processing, culture workup, organism detection and identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular testing, and the accurate and timely reporting of results. The technologist applies independent judgment, follows established quality and safety standards, and communicates clinically significant findings to providers and authorized staff. General laboratory bench coverage may be provided as operationally necessary and within the employee's training, competency, and authorized scope of practice.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Microbiology Specimen Processing and Culture
  • Receives, accessions, evaluates, and processes clinical specimens in accordance with established acceptance, rejection, transport, and storage criteria.
  • Prepares specimens and performs culture setup using appropriate media, incubation conditions, and testing algorithms for specimen types included in the laboratory's approved test menu.
  • Performs direct examinations, including Gram stains and other microscopic procedures, and accurately documents findings.
  • Examines culture growth, evaluates colony morphology, recognizes mixed or potentially contaminated cultures, and differentiates normal flora from organisms that may be clinically significant.
  • Performs subcultures and maintains organism isolation and purity as needed to complete identification and susceptibility testing.
• Organism Identification and Susceptibility Testing
  • Performs manual and automated methods for the detection and identification of bacteria, yeast, fungi, parasites, or other microorganisms included in the laboratory's approved test menu.
  • Performs and interprets antimicrobial susceptibility testing using established procedures, interpretive criteria, and required quality-control standards.
  • Recognizes unusual, resistant, or clinically significant organisms and follows established protocols for confirmation, referral, notification, and documentation.
  • Identifies inconsistent or questionable findings and performs repeat testing, additional workup, or escalation when appropriate.
• Molecular and PCR Testing
  • Performs PCR, nucleic acid amplification, and other molecular microbiology testing within the laboratory's approved test menu and the technologist's documented competency.
  • Follows contamination-control practices, monitors run controls, investigates invalid or failed runs, and documents corrective action before releasing results.
  • Reviews amplification data and instrument flags in accordance with validated procedures and manufacturer requirements.
• Result Review, Reporting, and Communication
  • Reviews and integrates specimen source, patient history, prior laboratory results, and current findings to support accurate result interpretation.
  • Verifies and reports preliminary, final, corrected, and amended results within established turnaround times.
  • Communicates critical, urgent, or clinically significant results to providers and authorized clinical staff in accordance with laboratory policy, including complete read-back and notification documentation when required.
  • Enters and retrieves patient and test information through the laboratory information system and applicable electronic medical record interfaces, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
• Quality, Instrumentation, and Regulatory Compliance
  • Performs and documents quality controls, media and reagent checks, calibrations, equipment maintenance, and temperature monitoring; investigates failures and completes corrective action before patient results are released.
  • Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots microbiology and molecular diagnostic equipment and promptly escalates unresolved instrument or system issues.
  • Maintains accurate records for reagents, media, stains, controls, lot-to-lot verification, expiration dates, and inventory.
  • Participates in proficiency testing, competency assessment, method verification or validation, quality-improvement activities, inspections, and accreditation readiness as assigned.
  • Performs all work in accordance with laboratory policies and applicable CLIA, New York State Department of Health, OSHA, and accreditation requirements.
• Safety, Organization, and Team Support
  • Follows standard precautions and clinical microbiology biosafety practices when handling potentially infectious specimens, cultures, sharps, chemicals, and hazardous materials.
  • Disposes of biohazardous and chemical waste appropriately and maintains required documentation.
  • Maintains a clean, organized, and inspection-ready work area and completes assigned safety checks.
  • Participates in training, cross-training, continuing education, competency activities, and updates to procedures or standard operating documents.
  • Collaborates effectively with laboratory colleagues, providers, clinical teams, leadership, and vendors to resolve testing and operational issues.
  • Provides support in other laboratory sections when operationally necessary and when appropriately trained, competent, and authorized.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

• Current New York State Clinical Laboratory Technologist license and registration in good standing.
• Bachelor's degree or higher and all education, examination, and credentialing requirements necessary for New York State licensure.
• Working knowledge of clinical microbiology principles, specimen processing, culture interpretation, organism identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and quality-control practices.
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical judgment, organization, and documentation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate critical information clearly and promptly.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and collaborate effectively with a diverse team.

• One to three years of clinical laboratory experience, with hands-on microbiology experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with automated microbiology identification and susceptibility platforms and molecular or PCR testing.
• ASCP MLS/MT, SM(M), or another relevant national certification.

Expected Hours of Work: An Employee must work a minimum of thirty (30) hours each week to maintain full-time status for benefits purposes, however the expectations of the position will require an average of forty (40) hours with overtime required as scheduled. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws, while exempt employees may be required to work additional hours as necessary to fulfill their job responsibilities. Overtime requirements will be determined based on the operational needs of the organization. The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining an employee's base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., location, specialty, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, and internal equity). Premier Medical Group also offers a comprehensive set of benefits to compliment the base salary. The base hourly range for this position is $40.00- $46.00.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel is minimal. If required it will be between Premier Medical Group locations to support operations, staff, physicians, and equipment needs.
• Occasional local and regional travel may be required for meetings, training, vendor coordination, accreditation activities, and system implementations.
• Travel is primarily within PMG's service area and is expected during normal business hours, with some flexibility as operational needs require.

Work Environment:

• This position operates in a clinical outpatient setting and routinely involves direct interaction with patients, providers, and clinical staff. The work environment may involve exposure to infectious disease, bodily fluids, medical equipment, cleaning agents, and varying patient conditions. Standard precautions, PPE, and adherence to safety protocols are required at all times.
• Physical Demands:
• This is a safety-sensitive position, requiring alertness, sound judgment, and adherence to patient safety standards at all times.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and move between rooms throughout the day.
• Frequent bending, reaching, and lifting or moving supplies and equipment up to 25 pounds;
• Ability to communicate clearly in person, by phone, and through electronic systems.