Medical Microbiology Technologist I

Medical Microbiology Technologist

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to Department of Defense (DoD) and US Army requirements and delivers lifesaving products, including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the Warfighter.

In attempt to respond to the epidemic of Gram-negative multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) nosocomial and wound infections in the U.S. Military Health System, the WRAIR launched the Multidrug-resistant Organism Repository and Surveillance Network (MRSN).

Compensation & Benefits:

• Estimated Starting Salary Range for Medical Microbiology Technologist: $60-$72k
• Pay commensurate with experience.
• Full-time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided.  Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Medical Microbiology Technologist Responsibilities Include: 

• Serve as a laboratory technician working under the supervision of a principal investigator (Research/Clinical Scientist) or contractor laboratory manager/supervisor in performing laboratory procedure and experiments as required for the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of MDRO 
• Perform microbiological examinations on a variety of specimens using morphological, cultural, and biochemical identification of microorganisms  
• Process microbial identification and antibiotic susceptibility test on the three most widely used automated systems: Microscan, Phoenix, and/or Vitek 2XL 
• Process specimens, prepares reagents, performs testing procedures, reports, and interprets test results 
• Collect, process, package, and ship MDROs to MRSN  
• Perform quality control testing, instrument maintenance, and troubleshooting 
• Ensure quality specimens for laboratory testing 
• Verify analytic accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and reference ranges for test methods 
• Work with the Physician to analyze results and conduct more difficult, non-routine tests 
• Operate systems/methodologies in order to produce timely and accurate data for patients, Quality Control (QC), and proficiency testing 
• Performs experimental work including serological assays, chemical assays, genetic and molecular biology procedures, and growth of solid and liquid cultures  
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• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), templates and forms, (including, but not limited to, statistical programming plan SOP and template) 
• Follow laboratory SOPs and specific written experimental protocols as well as oral instructions in performing assigned experimental work 
• Maintain a laboratory notebook in which accurate and complete records of laboratory work is maintained in accordance with accepted standards 
• Submit reports and data summaries when applicable 
• Comply with occupational health and safety standards and other applicable regulations and guidelines which may include medical surveillance, to maintain a safe workplace 
• Perform routine laboratory duties such as packaging, receiving, and shipping of supplies and specimens to/from military treatment facilities and/or hospitals, and properly disposing of hazardous biological and chemical waste, preparing reagents, and maintaining an accurate inventory of laboratory supplies 
• Participate in the development of research protocols and grant proposals and in the conduct of research related to MRSN activities 
• Attend MRSN-related seminars, scientific conferences and meetings  
• Report clinical data accurately and efficiently to ensure military treatment facilities and/or hospital submitters receive timely patient information 
• Works to improve and expand the skill set of others involved with this effort by communicating and maintaining team knowledge 
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Medical Microbiology Technologist Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested: 

• AS or BS in Biology, Chemistry or Microbiology preferred 
• Must possess an American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) industry credential such as Medical Technologist (MT), Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT), or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLT) certification  
• 1- 2 years of laboratory experience in clinical microbiology or molecular biology outside of an academic setting 
• Familiarity with the processing of microbial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing data generated on the three most widely used automated systems: Phoenix, Microscan, and/or Vitek 
• Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities 
• Willingness to share