Scientist 1-Microbiologist

Job Description

SUMMARY:

The Scientist 1-Microbiologist position encourages those with mycology and bacteriology experience in reading traditional cultures of skin, respiratory, and wound cultures to apply, however, we prefer to have someone with experience in analysis of environmental water, surface, and air samples. Responsible for providing or overseeing the analysis, administration and oversight of standard environmental microbiology laboratory policies, programs and practices; feedback and guidance regarding the analysis of fungal and legionella samples using fundamental professional and technical knowledge of an environmental lab, testing, and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

1. Provides fundamental analysis in support of standard testing materials, products and/or devices utilizing standard analytical instrumentation; follows Standard Operating Procedures and methods to perform analyses of viable and non-viable fungal samples and legionella.

2. Provides fundamental review, analysis, interpretation and documentation of spore trap and legionella testing results.

3. Overseeing or reviewing, completing and processing various types of standard environmental microbiology lab forms, documents, databases, and related materials and information.

4. Provides fundamental spore trap and legionella analysis and interpretation and counsel to staff, management, and functional leaders regarding environmental lab policies, programs and practices; involves standard operations.

5. Provides standard research, feedback and decisions to resolve management and employee questions and requirements; assists with receiving customer feedback and coordinating resources and responses as required.

6. Analyzes and reviews process, results, feedback and related microbiology information on an ongoing to as- needed basis to determine trends, draw conclusions, interpret findings, and presents results, proposals and recommendations to management.

7. Ensures the accuracy of spore trap and legionella tests, equipment, actions, procedures and operational databases, reports, and related details through audits, queries, and operational reviews; works with teams to resolve discrepancies; resolves discrepancies or escalates discrepancies to ensure quality assurance in testing process/results.

8. Assists with developing or participating in microbiology or cross-functional project or program objectives, which includes proposed budgets, timelines, materials, personnel, and other project requirements, receives direction and presents information to management.

9. Cleans, maintains, prepares and calibrates equipment, samples, and related areas.

10. Interprets and applies department policies and procedures and assists with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; receives guidance within these areas as needed.

11. Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the microbiology department's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.

12. Promotes and supports the overall mission of Pace Analytical by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with customers and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

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.

Education and Experience:

-Bachelor's degree in a life science (e.g., Biology, Mycology, etc), or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

-Candidate will provide documented 3 to 6 months on-the-job training set up and analysis of fungal cultures and/or bacterial. Training records should include documentation of ability to identify genus/species of bacteria, yeast, and filamentous molds. Training records to document training of relevant diagnostic procedures, e.g., gram stain, oxidase, biochemical reactions, morphological identification of fungi must be available. We will accept previous training and work experience with demonstration of mastered skills.

-Work experience in analyzing both viable and non-viable spore traps

-Experience in analyzing bacteria samples such as legionella, Staphylococcus aureus, coliforms, E.Coli.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

None.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Required Knowledge:

• Must be proficient in the setup of samples using standard SOPs, including serial dilutions, concentrating of samples, and plating.
• Fundamental principles, practices and techniques of microbiology environmental lab analyses.
• Must possess knowledge of bacteria, isolation methodology, and identification procedures from either the clinical or environmental side.
• Fundamental methods to resolve microbiology analytical problems, questions and concerns.
• Standard understanding of applicable microbiology analytical laws, codes and regulations.
• Understanding of standard testing tools, instruments and calibration.
• Computer applications and systems related to the work.
• Principles and practices to serving as an effective project team member.
• Methods to communicate with staff, coworkers, and customers to ensure safe, effective and appropriate operations.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Required Skills:

• Must have experience in analyzing viable and non-viable fungal samples
• Ability to analyze viable and non-viable fungal samples and legionella pneumophila. Should be familiar with clinically significant bacteria and fungi and with pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, coliforms, E.Coli, and legionella pneumophila (NOTE: It is not necessary to know how to analyze all of the sample types above, but experience in basic analysis of fungal and bacterial cultures in an environmental or clinical laboratory is necessary
• Standard understanding of the administration and oversight of environmental and microbiology lab programs, policies and procedures.
• Performing fundamental microbiology professional-level lab duties in a variety of assigned areas.
• Overseeing and administering standard lab functions.
• Training others in policies and procedures related to the work.
• Serving as a team member and the development and management of microbiology projects.
• Operating in a both a team and individual contributor environment.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining applicable microbiology laws, codes and regulations.
• Preparing fundamental functionals reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established department guidelines.
• Using tact, discretion and prudence in working with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Performing effective oral presentations to large and small groups across functional peers and the department.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of individuals contacted in the course of the work.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

Mobility to work in a lab and office setting, use standard office and lab equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a lab and office setting. Work is subject chemicals, fumes, gasses, noxious odors and related items in a lab setting.