MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST II

Medical Laboratory Scientist II

This is a full-time, in-office position. Your specific responsibilities include: This is an independent professional Mycobacteriology position assigned to the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories TB program in Jacksonville. The incumbent in this position must have the ability to plan, organize, and work independently, as well as work cooperatively with a team. The incumbent will work with human specimens and must be eligible for or possess a Clinical Laboratory Technologist/Supervisor license or Public Health Technician/Technologist License in the specialty of Microbiology. Will participate and become proficient in all aspects of daily specimen processing activities, including preparation of media (labeling, etc.); preparing reagents; preparation of work area; picking up specimens from various areas in the complex; accessioning and appropriately processing specimens; preparing slides, and inoculating culture media; incubating and rotating cultures, and discarding specimens appropriately; replacing CO2 tank, as needed. Will participate in slide staining and microscopy analysis; preparing worksheets; recording results on appropriate worksheets and entering results into the computer. Will participate in documenting QC/QA and appropriate cleaning and maintenance of all equipment. Will support the Mycobacteriology Laboratory by being trained in and performing various aspects of molecular identification and susceptibility testing of Mycobacteria, including interpretation of results, currently used for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis, as required by workload and personnel schedules. As conditions and situations allow, this may include training and performing all aspects of some or all of the following rapid tests: Real-time PCR; PCR Restriction Analysis (PRA); Hain line probe assay; GeneXpert; DNA sequencing; susceptibility testing, such as (MIC test and PNCA DNA sequencing), including setting up, tracking and maintaining all sub-cultures needed; preparing specimens for Genotyping program, and maintaining computer data files; preparing specimens to be shipped as needed to reference laboratories; quality control (QC); maintaining inventory of reagents, equipment and supplies, participating in testing rotations, culture reading and reporting. Participate as a back-up for other mycobacterial testing and reporting, including interpretation of laboratory data and entering results in the laboratory information management system (LIMS), Labware. Assists with the training of personnel in the laboratory when necessary. Will participate in proficiency testing, professional development, and student training. Participates in the planning for and evaluation of new instrumentation and/or test protocols. Will answer phone calls, relay messages, research information and queries from physicians and other health professionals. Will perform other related duties as needed.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include: Knowledge of terminology, principles and techniques used in analysis and testing. Knowledge of procedures, techniques & equipment used in lab testing and analysis. Skill in the use of lab equipment. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to work independently. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments. Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Qualifications include: Minimum - Florida Clinical or Public Health Laboratory License in Microbiology. Preferred - Associate's degree, Bachelor of Science, Masters, PhD.

Where you will work: Jacksonville, Florida