Principle Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist - Orlando Health

Department: Orlando Health Lab Micro/Molecular

Status: Variable Full Time

Shift: First

Title: Principle Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist

• Assumes the regulatory role of Technical Director, as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), for the healthcare system’s high-complexity CORE Molecular and Microbiology department.
• Assists the administrative director and department supervisor in developing technical policies, operational practices, and procedures to enhance the service level the laboratory provides for microbiology.
• Helps reduce dependency on external laboratory resources.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of the College of American Pathologist standard of accreditation.
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and technical and patient care policies.
• Designs, implements, and oversees the department’s Quality Management Program.
• Manages the enrollment and participation in approved proficiency testing programs commensurate with services performed.
• Develops, implements, and guides the technical team in quality assurance and quality control activities. Documents all deviations and initiates investigation to ensure corrective action.
• Possess the ability to understand and explain medical and technical instructions.
• As a subject matter expert, provides clinical consultations on the role of preliminary and final organism reports in disease diagnosis.
• Develops antibiograms to guide empirical therapy and the application of antimicrobial susceptibility testing on the selection of directed therapy.
• Provides technical leadership as it relates to infectious disease in various departments, committees, and projects such as Infection Control, Occupational Health, Risk Management, and Quality Improvement Councils.
• Provides technical direction, performs interpretative analysis, and critically evaluates new and existing technical procedures.
• Develops, validates, and directs the implementation of new laboratory assays, including Laboratory Developed Tests.
• Possesses thorough knowledge of molecular biology, including principles of nucleic acid hybridization, probe and primer design, molecular cloning, and technologies for amplification of specific gene sequences.
• Regularly offers formal educational classes to residents, fellows, and medical technologists.
• Actively participates in the recruitment, development, competency assessment, and technical performance of laboratory staff.
• Stays abreast of research to ensure the highest quality and cost-effective care.
• Conducts independent clinical research to develop tests with higher sensitivity and specificity in collaboration with commercial companies. This also includes beta site testing on kits made by commercial partners. Research funding will be supplemented by commercial companies, allowing Orlando Health to stay at the forefront for microbiology testing capabilities.
• Provides opportunities for residents and fellows to perform clinical research in microbiology, an important aspect of their training.
• Attends workshops and conferences to stay current with industry developments, new techniques, and improvements to existing test methods.
• Assists in preparing department operational and capital budgets.
• Anticipates needs, develops strategic plans, and sets tactical goals accordingly to accommodate the hospital’s growth through service expansion and specialty program development.
• Frequently interacts with medical staff, pathologists, and clinical personnel regarding clinical laboratory procedures and Infectious Disease testing.
• Generates enthusiasm among laboratory team members by promoting operational quality and efficiency.
• Guides laboratory medical technologists in collaborating with infection control leadership to structure validations, implement assays, and ensure quality assurance.
• Provides support and mentorship for all levels of laboratory staff.
• Actively seeks opportunities to incorporate advanced technologies into routine operations while simultaneously meeting Orlando Health’s strategic initiatives.
• Recommends test methodologies for highly complex testing.
• Reviews results and quality control data for accuracy and reliability.
• Encourages staff self-development and learning.
• Performs routine and special laboratory testing following established policies and procedures to ensure the highest quality of laboratory results within established timeframes.
• Maintains reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with Orlando Health policies, the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Maintains compliance with all Orlando Health policies and procedures

Education/Training

• PHD degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or Clinical Laboratory Science.

Licensure/Certification

• Current license in the specialty(ies) required by the laboratory section in the state of Florida.
• Certified by a professional laboratory-certifying agency (i.e., ASCP), renewed annually.
• Must be eligible for American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM) certification.

Experience

• Three (3) years of hospital lab experience, preferably in the relevant area of expertise.
• Must be experienced in the science of laboratory testing, laboratory safety, infection control and epidemiology, public health, laboratory regulations, and clinical consultation regarding specimen collection and interpretation of results.
• Must be forward-thinking, with proven leadership abilities, strong interpersonal and teaching skills, and excellent Laboratory analytical skills.