What are the responsibilities and job description for the Medical Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology position at Lighthouse Lab Services?
Medical Laboratory Scientist III (MLS III) - Microbiology
Location: Raleigh, NC
Schedule Options:
- Full-Time | Monday–Friday (rotating weekends) | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Position Summary
Lighthouse Lab Services is partnering with a leading healthcare organization in the Raleigh, NC area to identify experienced Medical Laboratory Scientists III (MLS III) to join its Microbiology Laboratory team.
The MLS III is a senior-level laboratory professional responsible for performing and overseeing complex diagnostic testing within the Microbiology Laboratory, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance, and serving as a technical resource within the department. This role requires advanced expertise in clinical microbiology, including organism identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, specimen processing, and laboratory quality systems.
The ideal candidate is an ASCP-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist with a strong background in microbiology and experience in high-complexity testing environments. This individual will play a key role in delivering accurate and timely laboratory results that directly impact patient care while supporting quality initiatives, staff development, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform moderate- and high-complexity microbiology testing in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
- Process and analyze a variety of clinical specimens for bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, virology, and molecular microbiology testing as applicable.
- Perform culture setup, organism identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and result interpretation.
- Analyze, verify, and report patient test results accurately and efficiently.
- Evaluate microbiological findings and communicate critical or unusual results according to laboratory protocols.
- Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot microbiology instrumentation, automated identification systems, and molecular diagnostic platforms.
- Review quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing data to ensure laboratory accuracy and compliance.
- Assist with validation, verification, and implementation of new methodologies, instrumentation, and workflows.
- Ensure compliance with CAP, CLIA, Joint Commission, and other applicable regulatory standards.
- Serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert for laboratory staff.
- Support competency assessments, staff training, onboarding, and continuing education initiatives.
- Participate in laboratory quality improvement, process optimization, and operational excellence projects.
- Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, inventory controls, and workflow standards.
- Collaborate with pathologists, laboratory leadership, infection prevention teams, and healthcare providers to support quality patient care.
Qualifications
Education
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Microbiology, or a related biological science from an accredited institution.
Experience
Required:
- Minimum of 2 years of clinical laboratory experience performing moderate- and high-complexity testing in a Microbiology Laboratory.
Preferred:
- Experience with culture interpretation, organism identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- Experience with automated microbiology instrumentation and molecular microbiology platforms.
- Experience serving as a technical lead, senior technologist, or laboratory resource.
- Advanced troubleshooting and instrumentation experience.
- Experience with method validations, quality management systems, and regulatory inspections.
Certification
Required or Strongly Preferred:
- MLS(ASCP)CM, MT(ASCP), or equivalent nationally recognized certification recognized under CLIA personnel requirements.
Additional Requirement:
- A clinical microbiology background is required. Candidates without recent microbiology laboratory experience will not be considered.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation package
- Shift differential opportunities for eligible schedules
- Sign-on bonus and/or relocation assistance available for select openings
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits
- Paid time off and holiday pay
- Professional development and career advancement opportunities
- Supportive team environment within a respected healthcare organization
About Lighthouse Lab Services
At Lighthouse Lab Services, we help laboratories start, grow, and thrive. Our recruiting team has more than 22 years of experience placing laboratory professionals nationwide, from Medical Laboratory Scientists and Histotechnologists to Laboratory Managers and Directors. We partner with hospitals, health systems, reference laboratories, physician groups, and diagnostic organizations to connect top talent with meaningful career opportunities.
Lighthouse Lab Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process.
For immediate consideration, apply today.
Lighthouse Lab Services
844-974-1929
www.lighthouselabservices.com
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