Medical Technologist – Microbiology / Molecular Microbiology – Evening Shift

New Orleans, Louisiana, Louisiana, The Medical Technologist performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. They must monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory and other healthcare professionals; and others in the medical center setting including the public. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education/ Experience: A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e. g. , laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc. ) AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree.

OR A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics AND two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e. g. , blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc. ) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. OR A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics AND five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. Certification: Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below: (1) Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. (2) For positions up to the full performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e. g.

, an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation). Grade Determinations (GS-9): Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07), which is directly related to the position to be filled OR a Master’s degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. In addition to these requirements, candidates must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement in order to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions. Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education.

Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate would have a MT/MLS(ASCP) with experience in a diagnostic general Microbiology laboratory and experience with COVID-19, PCR, and viral load testing. References: VA Handbook 5005/72 Part II Appendix G24 – Medical Technologist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Work requires extended periods of staying in one position, sitting or standing, some light (less than 40 pounds) lifting, and attention to detail and concentration when verifying patient identification and test request data, and when accessioning and labeling specimens. This may be intermittent with periods requiring physical activity such as walking moderate distances. [“This position is for an Evening Shift. The Medical Technologist in Microbiology/ Molecular Microbiology: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technology occupation. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures in the Microbiology/Molecular Pathology Section; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Incumbent is responsible for pre-analytical steps of receiving clinical specimens from various sources and assessing specimen quality and acceptability for performing various tests including but not limited to PCR, culture set up, and specimen testing/analysis. Follows standard operating procedures (SOP) in all areas to ensure accuracy of laboratory results; verifies and reports results in a timely manner and communicates critical results per laboratory policy.

Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment and immediately informs the Section Supervisor of any deviations or malfunctions. Uses, calibrates, repairs and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Recognizes deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction, initiates corrective action and informs the Section Supervisor. Performs the full range of Molecular Pathology, and Molecular Microbiology testing Bacteriology, and Serology tests. – Performs COVID-19 testing on all available platforms to include instrument/test validation/verification, IQCP, specimen assessment, specimen testing, quality control, review of validity of result data, and correlates information to report results or perform additional testing to confirm abnormality of results. Performs fecal occult blood testing, viral load testing, genotyping, and PCR. Performs and documents quality control to assure reagents, equipment, humidity and temperatures are within recommended guidelines. Performs quality assurance activities and initiates corrective actions related to instrument functions and test performance; incorporates statistical principles and theories of performance improvement in the workplace. Incumbent reviews and correlates analytical data to verify validity and accuracy of findings and accurately verifies laboratory test results using laboratory data processing software and laboratory SOPs. Incumbent screens all test results to detect discrepancies, artifacts or possible contamination and initiates additional testing as necessary.

Maintains the confidentiality of medical records by adhering to applicable HIPPA and ADP guidelines for all patient medical data. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity and specific factors which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures. Incorporates principles of educational methodologies in the instruction and training of new employees, students, Pathology residents, and clinicians on theoretical and practical aspects of test performance. This may include, but is not limited to procedures, instrument function, quality control, quality management and reporting of test results. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Follows safety policies, universal precautions, and uses personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for the task being performed and per safety policies; adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Manages inventory to ensure patient testing is not interrupted and utilizes laboratory supplies in a cost-effective manner with a minimum of waste. Work Schedule: M-F, 4:00 PM – Midnight (Evening Shift) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 629-00014-F and 629-00013-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required”]

Source ⇲