Clinical Lab Scientist - Limited Appt.

Job Function Summary:

The Clinical Laboratory at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital provides laboratory testing services for inpatients and outpatients of ZSFG, Laguna Honda Hospital, District Health Centers and other facilities under the auspices of the SF Public Health Department. This position performs laboratory testing procedures, computer functions, and quality control in the Microbiology Division. Responsible for routine isolation, interpretation, identification, and/or antibiotic susceptibility testing of all types of specimens for bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, and parasites. Interpret smears for microorganisms. Perform serologic and molecular diagnostic tests. All work is to be accurately and professionally documented and entered into laboratory computer system. This position performs all duties in a manner that denotes the team concept and reflects the UCSF and ZSFG mission, vision and values. For questions, please send email to phong.pham@ucsf.edu.

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Key Responsibilities

Perform routine isolation, interpretation, identification, and/or antibiotic susceptibility testing of all types of specimens for bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites using standard and, on occasion, new methods. Perform staining procedures and interpret smears for microorganisms.

Yes

Perform serology procedures and molecular diagnostic tests for determining diagnosis of bacterial, fungal, parasitic, viral, or autoimmune diseases. These tests involve use of such immunologic and molecular diagnostic techniques such as immunodiffusion, EIA, RT-PCR, fluorescent microscopy, and on occasion, new methods.

Work Performance

1. Prioritize and organize own workload to expedite patient results.

2. Work independently with minimal supervision.

3. Be accountable for own work responsibilities.

4. Accurately and professionally document all work and enter into laboratory    computer system. 

5. Maintain a clean and organized work area, which includes the care and maintenance of instruments. 

6. Follow all safety precautions and procedures mandated by regulatory agencies and in compliance with UC and ZSFG department policies. 

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

1. Perform quality control per procedure for reagents, media, assays, and equipment.  Recognize problems and initiate trouble-shooting procedures in a timely manner.

2. Perform instrument maintenance procedures.

3. Recognize instrument and assay problems and initiate trouble-shooting procedures. 

4. Take appropriate action on abnormal, discrepant, or questionable specimens or results.

Communicate appropriately using good, professional, and courteous interpersonal skills.

1. Give phone reports and interpretations to doctors and other hospital personnel.

2. Responsible for clear and effective communication with laboratory staff, hospital personnel, and other appropriate individuals.   

3. Participate as a laboratory team member by establishing and maintaining supportive and cooperative relationships with laboratory staff, hospital personnel, and other appropriate individuals. 

• Teach laboratory procedures to Lab Medicine Residents, new employees, CLS students, medical students, and others who may rotate through the sections of the laboratory.

• Receive, timestamp, and accession incoming specimens into computer system for microbiology testing. Make primary inoculations of specimens onto culture media for bacterial, fungal, viral, and mycobacterial cultures.

• Work on assigned special projects pertinent to the development of the Microbiology lab and other duties as assigned. Must be able to work overtime and/or altered shifts when assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from college with a Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate scientific field.
• Possession of a California Clinical Laboratory License or a similar license of equal or higher level issued by the State Department of Health.
• Able to work independently, under pressure; recognize and resolve problems while maintaining a high level of organization. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills relative to clinical results.
• Experience with a clinical laboratory computer system and PC skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum twelve months recent (within the last two years) experience as a Licensed Clinical Lab Scientist with recent experience in clinical microbiology.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Possession of a California Clinical Laboratory License or a similar license of equal or higher level issued by the State Department of Health.