Microbiologist

CANDIDATES LOCAL TO INDIANA ONLY

Purpose of Position / Summary :

Incumbent is responsible for performing the full range of examinations and analyses, recording, interpreting, and result reporting of tests on human body fluids, tissues (human and animal), clinical specimens, microbiological isolates, or environmental samples submitted to the biological preparedness laboratory area.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities :

This position is part of the Indiana Department of Health Laboratory, Biological Preparedness Program and will have in-depth knowledge and ability to perform laboratory associated assays or the ability to learn these techniques upon successful completion of proficiency testing.

Representative duties include :

• conducting examination of samples and / or reference samples for analyses such as, but not limited to, serological analysis or isolation and identification of microorganisms / toxins or their antigens / nucleic acids;
• maintains laboratory record system of submitted samples & specimens and their possible referral;
• evaluates, interprets, and validates laboratory results and reports findings;
• develops and maintains specimen inventory storage systems;
• conducts quality control checks on laboratory methods, materials, and equipment;
• assists with preparation of epidemiological and / or statistical reports from data compiled on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis;
• participates in evaluation of new products used in clinical / reference laboratory work;
• performs related work as required;

Testing personnel responsibilities (493.1495 Standard)

The testing personnel are responsible for specimen processing, test performance and for reporting test results.

a) Each individual performs only those high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual’s education, training or experience, and technical abilities.

b) Each individual performing high complexity testing must

1) Follow the laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and

processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient

test results;

2) Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are

tested in the same manner as patient specimens;

3) Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies, document all quality

control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and

maintenance performed;

4) Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenever

test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels

of performance;

5) Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test

performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the

problems or immediately notify the general supervisor, technical

supervisor, clinical consultant, or director;

6) Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from

the laboratory’s established performance specifications; and

7) Except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section, if qualified under

493.1489(b)(5), perform high complexity testing only under the onsite,

direct supervision of a general supervisor qualified under 493.1461.

c) Exception. For individuals qualified under 493.1489(b)(5), who were performing

high complexity testing on or before January 19, 1993, the requirements of

paragraph (b)(7) of this section are not effective, provided that all high complexity

testing performed by the individual in the absence of a general supervisor is

reviewed within 24 hours by a general supervisor qualified under 493.1461.

Job Requirements :

• extensive knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of microbiology and related sub- specialties;
• specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health laboratory problems;
• specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technical equipment, complex scientific apparatus, and automated techniques of analysis;
• extensive knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles;
• aware of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies concerning the program area (i.e. CLIA);
• 2 years of high complexity laboratory experience as testing personnel, and the training required to provide oversight of the daily performance of high complexity testing in the specific area in which they work
• ability to effectively communicate technical information both verbally and in writing and maintain productive working relationships;
• ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs;
• ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and prepare laboratory reports.

Supervisory Responsibilities / Direct Reports :

N / A

Difficulty of Work :

Incumbent is engaged in scientific analyses that demand accuracy and demonstrated proficiency in applying laboratory analytical skills to select pertinent guidelines and formulated plans for problem solving.

Projects involve many complex variables of great intricacy and the microbiologist is often called upon to analyze and identify unusual specimens / samples.

Work requires considerable use of analytical judgement and technical knowledge in order to draw accurate, logical conclusions.

Incumbent will also be required to develop and research new testing procedures.

Responsibility :

Incumbent works independently as an expert in the Biothreat laboratory. Technical and / or detailed instruction is provided only upon request when a procedural change and / or special project necessitates it.

Incumbent maintains established safety practices when working with materials that have a chemical hazard or biohazard potential.

Reports are reviewed for general technical accuracy; however, tasks are performed independently. Errors in work could adversely affect the health, safety and well being of the incumbent or coworkers.

Personal Work Relationships :

Incumbent works with supervisor and with other Department of Health staff such as Laboratory Safety Officer and / or external entities (e.

g. local health departments, etc.) to devise and implement work procedures and information dissemination. Individual will have contact with employees and the public as a laboratory expert and in the explanation of laboratory procedures and recommendations when appropriate.

Physical Effort :

The incumbent will be performing tests on potentially dangerous samples (e.g. anthrax). Because of this, safety standards are of primary importance.

This position will be required to use all appropriate personal protective equipment in the designated laboratory area.

Working Conditions :

The equipment can be cumbersome and awkward; the laboratory space can experience a dramatic increase in temperature. The incumbent will be required to work in these conditions and maintain a clear thought process during the testing.