Medical Lab Scientist - Microbiology - PRN, As Needed

Medical Lab Scientist in Microbiology Lab at Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in the state-of-the-art Duke Health laboratories. Duke Health laboratories are College of American Pathologists accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified. The multidisciplinary team is committed to serving the rare and complex testing needs of Duke Health patients by providing timely and accurate results, educating the next generation of laboratorians, scientists and physicians, and researching and developing the cutting-edge diagnostics of tomorrow.

Perform a variety of routine and complex technical tasks in the performance of laboratory tests to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Job duties are dependent on the laboratory and may be composed of a combination of the following duties and responsibilities related to the specialization. Tasks are performed according to written procedures and policies with careful monitoring of quality control and quality assurance practices.

• Perform a variety of tests in clinical laboratories using standard techniques and equipment
• Perform related duties in the laboratory to include specimen handling, using manual and automatic equipment to test specimens, and performing and reporting analytical tests.
• Operate manual or computerized instrumentation.
• Calibrate and maintain instrumentation according to standard operating procedure.
• Process patient samples for testing using appropriate identification techniques and written procedures to ensure quality material for testing.
• Perform basic troubleshooting of assay problems as directed by senior staff.
• Communicate problems/issues to appropriate individuals.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Participate in the development of new medical laboratory tests and techniques.
• Participate in the preparation for lab inspections.
• Review lab inspection documents and procedures to maintain knowledge. Bring any non-compliance issues to the attention of upper-level staff.
• Perform proficiency testing as directed to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies.
• Document quality control and quality assurance results.
• Notify upper-level personnel of instrument malfunctions or unusual or unexpected data or results.
• Review written procedures and policies for accuracy and submit changes to the manager or designee.
• Understand, comply, and perform all necessary safety procedures.
• Maintain compliance with safety training.
• Report all safety incidents within 24 hours.
• Attend all laboratory meetings, safety, and compliance training as required.
• Comply with competency testing procedures for the laboratory staff. Comply with laboratory training programs.
• May provide technical guidance and instruction to students, interns, residents, staff, and other employees.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein. Use behaviors that support the achievement of balanced scorecard targets and support DUHS (Duke University Health System) values.
• Consistently cooperate and communicate effectively with co-workers to ensure effective workflow.

Within the clinical laboratories, we embrace Duke's purpose, placing the patient at the center of everything we do. We do this by demonstrating behaviors that focus on delivering patient- and family-centered care and embodying the values that promote a positive work culture. We expect every team member to commit to these values and hold each other accountable in the spirit of mutual respect and belonging.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelors of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Chemical, Physical, Biological, or Clinical Laboratory Science; or Medical Technology required. Minimum educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director if minimal CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed.

Experience: None required

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications: Certification preferred.