Mycobacteriology Laboratory Lead Analyst

Job Description

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced microbiologist to serve as our Mycobacteriology Laboratory Lead Analyst. The Mycobacteriology Laboratory Lead Analyst performs and reviews highly complex microbiologic, immunologic, molecular, and biochemical tests for mycobacterial disease. This role helps supervise and coordinate the operation of the Mycobacteriology laboratory, provides training and technical assistance to supervisory personnel, and collects data and assists in preparation of management reports. This role provides training and supervises employees performing tests. They interpret results and provide advice to inquiring physicians and comply with all safety and security protocols. The Mycobacteriology Laboratory Lead Analyst assists with analysis of statistical and quality control data, and other records to detect and solve emerging problems in the laboratory. The Mycobacteriology Laboratory Lead Analyst also designs and implements quality improvement activities. This role assists in maintaining laboratory SOPs and other QA/QC documentation; assists in the evaluation of new laboratory procedures including whole genome sequencing; assists in oversight of laboratory quality assurance and quality control, packaging and shipping activities, and laboratory safety; and perform related duties as required to include but not limited to participation/contribution to LIMS implementation and processes associated with building renovation.

Learn more about what it's like to work as a DPH Laboratory Professional.

Please note: This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Preanalytical
  • Perform and review specimen accessioning, determination of accept/reject criteria, and initiate sample analysis using sound scientific practice and technical skills.
  • Communicate with submitters according to procedures regarding specimen collection, packaging, shipping, and transportation of specimens transported to the laboratory.
  • Ensure that an adequate supply of reagents and supplies are ordered and available to perform test services.
  • Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment by determining when such supplies, equipment and chemicals must be ordered, and by writing purchases orders to maintain proper supply levels.
• Analytical
  • Perform and review microbiological, and molecular biology test methods on human samples.
  • Perform all laboratory work (e.g., testing procedures, safety protocols, quality assurance protocols) according to written standard operating procedures.
  • Report results accurately and completely within the laboratory information management system(s).
  • Participate and respond to emergency events.
  • Operate laboratory instruments in accordance with protocols.
  • Maintain records for all testing performed.
  • Apply concepts and theories relevant to specific tests that are being conducted.
  • Comply with agency policy regarding safety, security, and protection in the working environment in accordance with the laboratory's procedures and policies for biological, chemical agents.
  • Communicate workload problems, testing issues, equipment concerns in accordance with agency procedures.
  • Perform testing and prepare results for subsequent secondary review and release following verification by a Microbiologist of a higher grade.
• Quality Control /Quality Assurance
  • Perform quality control activities including verification or validation, routine quality control, and proficiency testing, as assigned.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and report equipment problems according to procedures.
  • Evaluate quality control data prior to reporting results.
  • Follow the quality management program requirements to ensure that all certification and accreditation requirements, including training and competency, are met.
  • Prepare laboratory-specific quality assurance records and documentation for formal review and approval per agency policy and procedures
    
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• Post Analytical
  • Reviews results of tests performed by peers and lower-level microbiologists and releases results from LIMS.
  • Provide administrative leadership and technical support.
  • Provide technical input on designing and implementing new laboratory testing and analytic work as requested.
  • Assist in coordinating workload, staffing, reporting, technical oversight and client services within the clinical laboratory.
  • Review the processes and outcomes of laboratory testing efforts and make recommendations for revision and/or improvement according to established protocols.
  • Perform validations and verifications of new tests.
  • Evaluate and recommend new instrumentation/methodologies to ensure quality improvement in services.

• Knowledge of the concepts and theories of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology.
• Awareness of basic microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques. These include knowledge of basic microbial culture techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays.
• Understanding of the quality assurance practices (e.g., equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency, following standard operating procedures) specific to microbiology, immunological, and molecular biology test methods in a diagnostic setting.
• Ability to perform calculations, measurements and unit conversion calculations.
• Familiarity of the principles and policies governing professional ethics and rules of conduct.
• Capacity to effectively and professionally communicate orally and in writing and prepare concise technical reports.
• Means to follow work instructions and either work independently or in a team environment.
• Comprehension of laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to certification and accreditation requirements to meet regulatory requirements.

• Skilled to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents.
• Capability to coordinate assignments for microbiological sample storage, handling, and specimen retention, and packaging and shipping of infectious substances.
• Power to give oral and written instructions in a precise and understandable manner.
• Potential to make effective oral presentations.
• Talent to read and interpret technical manuals, journal articles, and other formal scientific materials.
• Able to oversee and review work of others; including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of employees and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations of work.
• Recommend updates to written standard operating procedures.
• Develop presentations for training and informing other laboratorians and partners.
• Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of personnel and available resources; monitoring work performance through periodic reviews and evaluations, determining personnel training needs and arraigning for such training, motivating personnel to work effectively and efficiently. Determining the need for disciplinary action and/or recommending initiation of disciplinary action.
• Ability to prepare fiscal, workload, quality assurance, technical and general reports.

• Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents.
• Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.
• Must complete OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C), be evaluated, and determined able to wear a respirator before working in any BSL-3 laboratory.
• Based on assignment, participates in standby/on call rotation as required for response to emergent situations of public health importance.

• In the context of work in a BSL-3 environment the successful candidate must understand the following:
• Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents.
• Working prolonged periods in full personal protective equipment.