Microbiology Medical Technologist

Job Description: Microbiologist CLIA Lab Second Life Dx (SLDx) Team The Microbiologist performs routine and specialized microbiological testing in a CLIA-certified laboratory environment. Responsibilities include culture isolation and identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, quality control procedures, data analysis, and customer support related to laboratory services and test results. Job Qualifications Minimum 5 years of prior microbiology laboratory operations experience required. Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, or related scientific field. Experience working in a CLIA-certified clinical, reference, or diagnostic laboratory. Hands-on experience with antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including broth microdilution and disk diffusion methodologies. Knowledge of CLSI standards and microbiological testing procedures. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced laboratory environment. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Turnaround time (TAT) by test category Cost per test and labor productivity Quality metrics (error rates, proficiency testing performance) Inspection outcomes (CLIA/CAP) Employee engagement and retention Client satisfaction and service metrics Successful launch of new clinical assays Essential Duties and Responsibilities Perform microbiological culture techniques for isolation, identification, and characterization of bacterial and fungal organisms. Conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) using standardized methods including broth microdilution and disk diffusion in accordance with CLSI guidelines. Interpret and report susceptibility results accurately and within established turnaround times. Maintain compliance with CLIA, CAP, OSHA, and laboratory quality management requirements. Prepare, inoculate, incubate, and evaluate culture media and microbiological specimens. Perform quality control and quality assurance procedures for instruments, reagents, and testing processes. Perform multiplex molecular microbiology for pathogen ID. Document laboratory activities, test results, and corrective actions according to laboratory protocols. Troubleshoot technical issues and assist with method validation and verification studies. Communicate test results and technical information to clients, healthcare professionals, and internal stakeholders. Provide exceptional customer service by responding to inquiries regarding testing procedures, results interpretation, specimen requirements, and laboratory services. Participate in proficiency testing and continuous improvement initiatives. Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure proper inventory management of supplies and reagents. Supervision of laboratory operations and personnel. · All laboratory process steps across: o Specimen collection services o Specimen accessioning and processing o Analytical testing including LDTs o Result reporting and post-analytical review o Client services/customer support · Ensure operational efficiency, turnaround time (TAT) performance, and scalability. · Implement lean workflows and process improvements across all lab functions. · Establish KPIs and dashboards to monitor productivity, quality, and service levels. 1. Regulatory & Quality Compliance · Ensure compliance withCLIA, CAP, state (e.g., Texas), and other applicable regulatory requirements. · Partner with Quality leadership to maintain a robust Quality Management System (QMS). · Oversee validation/verification of LDT assays · Ensure inspection readiness and successful accreditation outcomes. 2. Research & Development Integration · Facilitate the operational transfer of research assays into clinical production. · Collaborate with R&D, medical, and scientific leadership to: o Define validation strategies o Establish SOPs and workflows o Scale testing capabilities · Ensure seamless handoff from development to regulated clinical environment. 3. Supply Chain & Inventory Management · Oversee procurement, vendor management, and inventory control. · Ensure uninterrupted supply of reagents, consumables, and equipment. · Negotiate vendor contracts and manage cost efficiencies. · Implement inventory tracking systems and forecasting models. 4. Customer Service & Client Experience · Oversee client services team to ensure high-quality support for providers and partners. · Monitor and improve customer satisfaction metrics. · Address escalations and ensure timely resolution of client issues. · Collaborate with commercial teams to support growth and retention. 5. Technology & Systems Oversight · Ensure effective use of LIMS, Media Lab QMS software, middleware, and reporting systems. · Partner with IT to enhance automation, data integrity, and interoperability. Education and Experience Experience with bacterial identification systems and laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Familiarity with CAP accreditation requirements. Experience supporting customers or clients in a laboratory services environment. ASCP certification or equivalent professional certification preferred. Education Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, or related scientific field. Licensure/Certification ASCP certification (MLS/CLS/MT or specialty) preferred Experience 5+ years of progressive clinical laboratory experience 5+ years in leadership of high-complexity laboratory operations Experience with: LDT validation and implementation Experience with Lean/Six Sigma tools Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) Broth Microdilution Antibiotic Principles Disk Diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) Microbial Culture and Identification Molecular Microbiology principles CLIA Compliance CLSI Standards Quality Control & Quality Assurance Laboratory Documentation Customer Service Data Analysis Technical Troubleshooting o Scientific Communication · Team player with confidence, unquestioned character, and absolute integrity. · Demonstrated ability to thrive and flourish in an entrepreneurial early-stage company environment that requires “hands-on” implementation, optimal use of limited resources and an ability to work closely with others in a small team setting. · Ability to participate in and lead cross-functional teams and to achieve results through cooperation with other departments · Excellent interpersonal, presentation, written and verbal communication skills. · Strong time management and organizational skills coupled with a sense of urgency and strong work ethic. · Creative, strategic, flexible and able to think “out of the box.” · Must be a highly motivated self-starter, show initiative/ independence, driven to make an important contribution LANGUAGE SKILLS REQUIRED: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret data and complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS REQUIRED: Ability to comprehend and apply principles of bioinformatics, biostatistics and statistical theory. REASONING ABILITIES: Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.). WORKING ENVIRONMENT · Combination of office and laboratory environment · May require occasional travel · Ability to support extended hours during critical operations or inspections OSHA RISK CATEGORY · Category I – tasks may involve exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, or blood borne micro-organisms. Candidate should provide reverence contacts for supervisors, peers and subordinates