Microbiology Technician- AZ- Animal Health Institute

Summary

The Microbiology Technician is part of the Pathology and Population Medicine department. This position will work with a team of clinical and research faculty and students in the development and maintenance of a veterinary diagnostic microbiology laboratory. This position will assist with department compliance with all pertinent laboratory accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements. This position reports to the Manager of (DPC) Diagnostic Pathology Center.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Accessioning of clinical specimens submitted to the Microbiology Laboratory for diagnostic work up.
• Processing of variety of clinical specimens for primary isolation and identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens.
• Using diagnostic equipment such as the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for identification of bacterial, yeast and viral pathogens.
• DNA and RNA isolation.
• Performance of antimicrobial susceptibility.
• Parasites identification.
• Reporting of test results to clients.
• Maintaining of equipment.
• Insuring adequate inventory.
• Shipping and archiving samples as needed.
• Developing and maintaining records, quality assurance and compliance responsibilities.
• Developing of standard operating procedures.
• Maintain a safe work environment following OSHA rules and regulations.
• Responsible for updating the SDS.
• Other job related duties as assigned
  
  

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The following are additional qualifications:

• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Confident general computer skills (e.g. outlook, word, excel).
• EMR and/or other laboratory related software experience
• Laboratory QZ/QC and record keeping.
• Basic bacteriology/microbiology laboratory skills.
• Proactive personality.
  
  

Education And/or Experience

A Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences is required. 2 years’ prior experience in a microbiology laboratory or comparable setting with some exposure to molecular biology required; diagnostic and veterinary laboratory experience preferred. On the job training will be provided to complement experience.

Computer Skills

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).

Physical Demands

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to frequently stand for short periods of time, walk, and use hands to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 40 lbs.

Animal Allergies Statement: No inhibiting allergies to animals, hay, or dust.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. In the position fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals will be regularly present. Occasionally there will be a risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation and vibration of equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws, including 41 C.F.R. 60-1.4(a), 250.5(a), 300.5(a) and 741.5(a). Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.