Analytical Specialist - Microbiology

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About Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories

Pursue your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in the state-of-the-art Duke Health laboratories. Duke Health laboratories are College of American Pathologists accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified. The multidisciplinary team is committed to serving the rare and complex testing needs of Duke Health's diverse patient population by providing timely and accurate results, educating the next generation of laboratorians, scientists and physicians, and researching and developing the cutting-edge diagnostics of tomorrow.

Analytical Specialist in the Microbiology Lab at Duke University Hospital. Monday - Friday, First Shift.

General Description

Administer and coordinate technical activities in a specific segment of the Clinical Laboratories which may include the Blood Bank, Blood Gas, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Hematology, Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Pediatrics, and Stat Laboratories and outreach services to ensure effective technical operation of the unit.

Work Performed

May perform any or all of the following duties:

• Administer and coordinate the technical activities of personnel in a specific segment of the Clinical Laboratories to ensure effective technical operation of the unit by established practices; perform specialized procedures requiring advanced skill and theoretical knowledge.
• Develop and implement quality control programs to ensure reliability of testing procedures, proper function of laboratory equipment, and compliance with federal regulations; prepare and maintain related records.
• Conduct proficiency evaluations of laboratory operations through preparation and distribution of unknown specimens or samples and evaluating the accuracy of solicited results.
• Assist in the development and implementation of testing methods, techniques, and procedures for laboratory application; set up and evaluate new laboratory equipment and make recommendations accordingly; standardize laboratory solutions and develop reagents used in diagnostic work.
• Provide technical guidance and instruction to personnel in routine and advanced laboratory techniques; conduct formal training programs and workshops for medical technology students, faculty, staff, and other interested personnel.
• Assist in planning and scheduling work for personnel ensuring proper distribution of assignments and adequate staffing, space, and facilities for subsequent performance of duties.
• Prepare reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends, and appropriate recommendations or conclusions.
• Assist in the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing plan that achieves laboratory budget volumes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of routine and specialized procedures and tests iobic Bacte riology, Blood Banking)

Level Characteristics

• Monitor testing to ensure that acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained.
• Check personnel to assure competence prior to test reporting.
• All aspects of Proficiency testing are properly followed, reviewed, and remed ial actions are taken and documented following failures.
• Quality assurance and Quality Control programs are established, maintained, and are effective in identifying problems.
• Procedure manuals are available and have been reviewed annually by director, manager, supervisor, or analytical specialist.
• Responsibilities delegated by the director or technical supervisor include:
  • Assure remedial action is taken and documented whenever test systems deviate from established performance specifications.
  • Ensure that patient testing results are not reported until corrective action has been taken and the test system is functioning properly.
  • Participate in the annual evaluation, competency testing, and documentation for all testing personnel.
  • Receive, review, and prepare technical reports reflecting the volume of work, procedures utilized, and test results; coordinate the preparation of reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends, and appropriate corrective action.
  • Assist in the annual validation of the Electronic Laboratory Manual. Within the clinical laboratories we embrace Duke’s purpose, placing the patient at the center of everything we do. We do this by demonstrating behaviors that focus on delivering patient- and family-centered care and embodying the values that promote a positive work culture. We expect every team member to commit to these values and hold each other accountable in the spirit of mutual respect and belonging.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or related field. Minimum educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director as long as minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed.

Experience

Three to five years of laboratory experience is required to gain specific knowledge of routine and specialized procedures and tests in specified areas of specialty (e.g., Serology, Special Hematology, Anaerobic Bacteriology).

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

Certification in Medical Technology by a nationally recognized agency/board and/or in the specialized field of the assigned Lab. Assignment in Transfusion Service requires certification as a Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB).

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.