Job Summary:

The Chief Microbiologist is responsible for virology, parasitology, and bacteriology functions in the hospital and for the supervision of the microbiology section of the laboratory.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Oversees the daily workflow of the department.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Instructs and updates staff on the proper procedures of the microbiology section. Performs or oversees quality control, surveys, and other programs in the section.
• Assures proper collection and storage of specimens. Maintains and updates microbiology procedures and quality-control manuals.
• Tests virology, parasitology, and bacteriology specimens in the hospital. Reads and reports acid-fast bacilli (TB cultures).
• Coordinates forms and ensures that positive microbiology specimens are referred to the state Department of Health.
• Performs environmental surveillance (house cultures) in conjunction with infection control. Serves as a member of the infection control committee.
• Schedules and evaluates staff assigned to the microbiology section.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ensures that practice and/or work performance conforms to written established hospital policy and procedures and is carried out to the highest achievable level of competence in a manner demonstrating concern and consideration.
• Maintains an attitude and philosophy consistent with the medical center's hospitality standards.
• Ability to work weekend duty.

Education and Experience:

• B.S. in Microbiology and five years' clinical experience; or
• M.S. in Microbiology and one year of clinical experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to spend long periods of time on feet.
• Must be willing to work with hazards of exposure to infectious material (i.e., viruses, bacteria, TB) and acids and toxic reagents.