Microbiologist II

Microbiologist II

The Lemuel Shattuck Hospital (LSH), operated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking a dynamic and experienced Microbiologist II. In this vital leadership and technical role, you will oversee and support daily laboratory operations, the performance of Microbiologist I staff and the weekend Laboratory Technician I, and ensure the delivery of accurate, high-quality laboratory services. The Microbiologist II performs a wide range of hematology, chemistry, bacteriology, specimen processing, and phlebotomy procedures for young adult, adult, and geriatric patients with chronic medical and/or mental health conditions, as well as hospital employees. This position also carries responsibility for assigned laboratory departments, including quality control monitoring, corrective action tracking, equipment maintenance, policy and procedure management, safety compliance, and effective use of the Laboratory Information System (LIS). Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare environment, the Microbiologist II serves as a key resource for laboratory staff and assumes supervisory responsibility during the absence or unavailability of the Laboratory Supervisor. Participation in an every-fourth-weekend schedule and rotating holiday coverage is required. Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive): Oversee laboratory operations and supervise Microbiologist I staff in the absence of laboratory supervisors. Identify training needs, provide staff training, and support onboarding of new laboratory personnel. Perform clinical laboratory testing across Blood Bank, Hematology, Chemistry, Urinalysis, Coagulation, Microbiology, and Serology. Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including analyzers, microscopes, incubators, and related equipment. Rotate through all laboratory disciplines as required to support operational needs. Perform phlebotomy and assist with bone marrow slide preparation when needed. Provide guidance on specimen collection, handling, transport, and referral testing procedures. Accurately record, interpret, and communicate laboratory results to medical and nursing staff. Perform and oversee quality control, calibration, preventive maintenance, proficiency testing, and troubleshooting activities. Prepare reagents, controls, calibrators, and other materials required for laboratory testing. Review quality control data and ensure corrective actions are implemented when necessary. Assist with the development, validation, and implementation of new testing methodologies and laboratory systems. Support staff competency assessments and ongoing performance evaluations. Maintain laboratory inventory and ensure adequate supplies are available. Collect, analyze, and report laboratory statistics, quality assurance indicators, and performance metrics. Manage assigned laboratory sections, including policy and procedure maintenance, quality documentation, maintenance records, and corrective action tracking. Maintain a safe work environment by following established safety protocols, infection prevention practices, and regulatory requirements. Ensure compliance with all laboratory policies, procedures, accreditation standards, and regulatory guidelines. Foster positive working relationships and contribute to a collaborative team environment. Participate in weekend, holiday, and off-shift coverage as required to meet operational needs. Attend professional development activities to remain current with advances in laboratory science and best practices. Required Qualifications: Demonstrates knowledge of the principles and theories of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology. Applies knowledge of microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques, including microbial culture, biochemical testing, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays. Maintains understanding of quality assurance practices in a diagnostic laboratory setting, including equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency assessment, and adherence to standard operating procedures. Performs laboratory calculations, measurements, and unit conversions with accuracy. Upholds knowledge of professional ethics, laboratory safety, and applicable rules of conduct. Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, and prepares clear, concise technical reports. Works independently and collaboratively by following work instructions and established procedures. Ensures compliance with laboratory certification, accreditation, and regulatory requirements. Utilizes computer applications for research, database management, data analysis, and document preparation. Coordinates microbiological specimen handling, storage, retention, and the packaging and shipment of infectious substances. Provides clear oral and written instructions and delivers effective presentations. Interprets technical manuals, scientific literature, and other professional reference materials to support laboratory operations. Preferred Qualifications: Thorough knowledge of laboratory techniques, procedures and policies at Tewksbury Hospital. Sensitivity to and knowledge of the specific needs of young adults, adults and geriatric adults with chronic medical and/or mental illness. Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of supervision. About the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital: Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is a fully Joint Commission accredited teaching facility that provides acute, subacute, and ambulatory care to patients referred by public agencies and private sector providers. Shattuck Hospital's services help economically and socially disadvantaged patients to get high quality, cost-effective care from a staff that respects their dignity. Located in the heart of Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood, the Shattuck Hospital includes 248 inpatient beds including 95 Psychiatric beds and 29 Correctional Health beds. In addition, the Shattuck has a full outpatient clinic with many specialties that offers treatment to patients of the Department of Mental Health as well as Department of Correction and House of Correction inmates and community patients. The Shattuck hospital is on the forefront of substance use disorder treatment including a Suboxone clinic serving 200 patients. In addition to direct medical services LSH hosts and supports an array of services located on the campus, serving patients struggling with addictions and homelessness. Qualifications Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory technology, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Based on assignment, applicants must meet related Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) requirements for High Complexity Testing. Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, medical laboratory technology, or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. II. A Master's degree or higher with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for the required experience. Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza. An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Official Title: Microbiologist II