Microbiology Specialist

Role Overview

This full-time evening position is based in the Specialty Lab at Prime Healthcare St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois (60201). The shift runs from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

What You Will Do

• Carry out waived, moderate-complexity, and high-complexity laboratory tests permitted under CLIA and applicable state regulations, using the level of skill matched to your education, training, and experience.
• Follow lab procedures for specimen collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of patient results.
• Apply established quality control standards and document corrective actions whenever test systems fall outside performance expectations.
• Spot issues that could impact test accuracy and either resolve them or escalate them promptly to a supervisor, director, or medical director.
• Perform a broad range of microbiology procedures that require independent judgment, including both manual and automated testing methods.
• Handle additional testing work in other department areas when you are licensed and competency has been demonstrated.
• Complete and record routine maintenance on instruments and equipment daily, weekly, monthly, or as needed.
• Check patient result accuracy before results are released or reported.
• Recognize age-related differences in expected results across newborn, pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations.
• Process proficiency testing samples in the same manner as patient samples and avoid any collaboration with other labs before reporting results to the proper agencies.
• May be asked to perform venipuncture or capillary puncture for patients ranging from newborns to geriatrics.
• Contribute to the creation and upkeep of laboratory policies and procedures.
• Follow all hospital and department rules related to safety, infection prevention, emergency preparedness, and human resources.
• May serve as the micro department lead during the shift when the supervisor is unavailable.
• Take on other related duties assigned by the department manager or director.

Education and Experience

• A current and valid state Clinical Laboratory Scientist license, or a limited state Clinical Laboratory Scientist license as a Microbiologist Specialist, is required where the state mandates it.
• A CLS/MT generalist with at least 1 year of microbiology experience, or a Microbiologist Specialist, is preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree in chemical science, physical science, biological science, Medical Laboratory Technology, or another CLIA-compliant educational background from an accredited institution is required.

Preferred Background

• Prior laboratory experience in a hospital setting.
• Hands-on experience with microbiology automation.
• Familiarity with Biomerieux microbiology equipment.
• Ability to work effectively in a high-volume sample environment.

Compensation and Benefits

The estimated pay range for this role is $36.00 to $48.45 per hour, including wages, benefits, and other forms of compensation. Final pay will depend on factors such as skills, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, and licensure.

Benefits may include paid time off, 401(k) retirement savings, medical coverage, dental coverage, vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and additional voluntary benefit options.

Equal Opportunity

The employer maintains an equal employment opportunity policy and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Harassment related to any protected category is also prohibited.