Microbiology Technician- AZ - College of Veterinary Medicine

Summary:

The Microbiology Technician at the Animal Health Institute (AHI) is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the microbiology laboratory, located in the Companion Animal Clinic (CAC). This job will require close attention to detail, excellent technical, communication, and interpersonal skills, familiarity with laboratory health and safety standards and protocols, an ability to work independently, and a willingness to be flexible and adaptable to organizational growth and change. This position reports to the Manager of Diagnostic Pathology Center. 

Core Responsibilities (All Levels)

• Accessioning of clinical specimens submitted to the Microbiology Laboratory for diagnostic work up.
• Process a variety of clinical specimens for primary isolation and identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens. 
• Use diagnostic equipment and molecular methods, such as the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for identification of bacterial, yeast and viral pathogens.
• Perform DNA and RNA isolation.
• Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Perform parasite identification.
• Report test results to clients.
• Maintain laboratory equipment.
• Ensure adequate inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents.
• Ship and archive samples as needed.
• Develop and maintain records and support quality assurance and compliance responsibilities.
• Develop, review and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain a safe work environment following OSHA requirements and institutional policies.
• Maintain and update safety data sheets (SDS).
• Other job-related duties as assigned

Level I

Primary Focus: Execution of core and key lab responsibilities. Training and support will be provided while developing technical proficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform basic sample processing and testing with oversight
• Accurately enter and maintain patient/sample records
• Follow established SOPs and workflows
• Assist with inventory management and stocking
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and cleaning
• Escalate equipment or result issues to senior staff
• Support teaching environment (students/faculty interaction)

Level II

Primary Focus: Execution of core and key lab responsibilities. Independent operation with strong troubleshooting skills and workflow ownership. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently perform and validate diagnostic testing
• Troubleshoot equipment, assays, and LIS/EMR issues
• Perform and document QA/QC processes
• Coordinate sample submissions to external laboratories
• Assist with training and mentoring Level I technicians and students
• Assist in development and refinement of SOPs
• Communicate findings effectively with clinicians and faculty
• Identify workflow inefficiencies and recommend improvements

Level III

Primary Focus: Execution of core and key lab responsibilities. Provides expertise in lab operations, quality assurance, training, and process optimization. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily laboratory operations and workflow efficiency
• Lead QA/QC programs and ensure regulatory compliance
• Serve as primary liaison for equipment vendors and technical support
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs and best practices
• Assist with training, mentoring, and assessing technicians and students
• Support new test development and laboratory expansion initiatives
• Partner with leadership on strategic planning and lab growth
• Analyze lab performance metrics and implement improvements
• Assist with budgeting, supply forecasting, and resource allocation

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The following are additional qualifications:

• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Confident general computer skills (e.g. outlook, word, excel).
• EMR and/or other laboratory related software experience
• Laboratory QZ/QC and record keeping.
• Basic bacteriology/microbiology laboratory skills.
• Proactive personality. 

Education and/or Experience 

Level 1

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1-3 years of related experience
• Basic familiarity with laboratory equipment preferred

Level II

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3-5 years microbiology or diagnostic lab experience
• Demonstrated proficiency with lab instrumentation and LIS

Level 3

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years microbiology lab experience
• Proven leadership, training, and operational oversight experience
• ASCP Certification in Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS), or Microbiology (M ASCP).

Computer Skills:
Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to frequently stand for short periods of time, walk, and use hands to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 40 lbs.

Animal Allergies Statement:  No inhibiting allergies to animals, hay, or dust. 

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. In the position fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals will be regularly present.  Occasionally there will be a risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation and vibration of equipment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws, and regulation. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.