Microbiology Lab Tech 3

Microbiology Lab Tech 3

The Microbiology Lab Tech III position contributes significantly to the completion of the daily workflow and requires an advanced understanding of all ZRL Microbiology processes, including all safety practices, quality control plans, and testing procedures from set-up to reporting. This role requires a significant understanding of the laboratory information system (LIS) is necessary as it pertains to microbiology testing, reporting and specimen management. The Tech III is responsible for operating and maintaining all microbiology instruments and equipment. Additionally, the Tech III trains colleagues, performs advanced quality control tasks, and manages complex reporting and identification processes. This role may be required to complete parasitology testing depending on the lab location.

Duties

• Act as a SME for the department. In accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures, set-up, perform and train staff on all Microbiology tests, including complex testing such as Fungal & Dermatophyte Cultures as well as all other culture types received in the lab.
• Understand and follow all Microbiology & ZRL safety procedures and protocols and ensure team members adhere to these policies as well.
• Participates and leads others in the implementation of the laboratory and ZRL Quality Control plans.
• Assist in training team colleagues in the laboratory standard operating procedures for set-up and work-up for all Microbiology tests.
• Understand and interpret guidelines for culture results and assist team members with difficult cases.
• Understand and utilize the laboratory information system (LIS) including for accessioning, requisition maintenance, test ordering and batch reporting.
• Capable of performing all reporting of results and manager review in LIS.
• Oversee problem samples and Salesforce tickets, resolving customer complaints, and referrals for medical consults.
• Complete antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) set-ups and AST result reporting on all laboratory AST platforms.
• Perform work in accordance with Select Agent Safety Protocols, Select Agent identification and Select Agent reporting requirements.
• Engage with Medical to resolve customer issues utilizing Salesforce as needed.
• Engage with Medical Leadership to improve microbiology processes, performance and to resolve customer service issues.
• Maintain all laboratory instruments including maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Perform literature reviews to stay current in microbiology topics including antimicrobial drug resistance, updates to CLSI guidelines, emerging infectious diseases, and updates to specific culture techniques.
• Understand and ensure team compliance to all EH&S biosafety requirements of the lab.
• May be required to complete similar responsibilities for parasitology testing

Education and Experience

• BA/BS in Biology, Microbiology, or a related Science Field with 3+ Years of Microbiology Experience

OR

• Certified Veterinary Technician + High School Diploma/Associates with 3+ Years of Microbiology Experience
• Parasitology knowledge/experience a plus

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Platforms (Teams, Outlook, Word etc.)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with colleagues.
• Ability to work independently and follow instructions accurately.
• Advanced in all microbiology culture techniques including staining techniques, biochemical testing, media requirements, and standard operating procedures for all tests offered.
• Advanced understanding of culture interpretation guidelines for reporting.
• Knowledge of Federal/State reportable organisms.
• Quality Control planning

PHYSICAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, crouch
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Schedule: Monday - Friday 7a-3:30p

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zoetis mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Zoetis employees, or to Zoetis resume database will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

Zoetis will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.