TECHNICAL SPECIALIST, WDL - MICROBIOLOGY; FULL TIME - 1ST SHIFT

Come join our team of innovative and unparalleled lab and support staff!

Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories (WDL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin regional health network, which is a partnership between Froedtert Health and the Medical College of Wisconsin supporting a shared mission of patient care, innovation, medical research and education. Patient care is our top priority, from test orders to transportation of specimens to reporting of test results. We perform over five million tests annually with test capabilities that match the largest labs in the world, providing expert academic care in every community. We combine our robust test directory and expert faculty and staff with compassionate patient care and unparalleled logistical support. WDL specializes in delivering comprehensive, clinical laboratory services to clients ranging from large tertiary care centers to small community practices.

We invite you to review the job posting below. If you meet the requirements and qualifications for this opportunity, you are encouraged to apply.

Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories (WDL) is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for vacancies without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or other category protected under appliable law. WDL will reasonably accommodate the disabilities of qualified applicants to permit them to perform the essential functions of the subject position.

Thank you for considering a career with Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories!

Location: US: WI:MILWAUKEE at our WI DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORIES facility.

FTE: 1.0

*1.0 FTE is Full-Time, any position less than 1.0 FTE is Part-Time, and .001 FTE is Casual*

Standard Hours: 40.00

*Positions with an "FTE" (full time equivalency) of .8 - 1.0 are eligible for full-time medical, dental and vision benefits. Positions with an "FTE" of .5 - .799 are eligible for part-time pro-rated medical, dental and vision benefits*

Shift: 1st shift (approximately 7:00 am - 4:00 pm - hours may flex based on department/organizational need; Weekend & Holiday On-call rotations required)

Summary:

Provides technical expertise for the development and implementation of new procedures, revisions, equipment needs and other specific projects. Is a technical resource and provides support, utilizing advanced critical thinking skills and problem solving knowledge. Assists in teaching, training, and competency assessment, as well as employee continuing education. Works closely with department leadership and section directors to successfully complete research and validation projects. Performs waived, moderate complexity, and high complexity testing on patient specimens. Correlates and interprets data utilizing critical thinking skills and advanced knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments. Successfully and timely completes all required competency assessments.

Responsibilities:

1. Maintains a thorough knowledge of the principles and theories of routine and advanced technical procedures. Serves as a resource by sharing expert knowledge. Keeps abreast of new developments and technologies. Consistently performs technical procedures (bench work) as dictated by workload and/or staffing.
2. Ensures the key parameters for each test/test system are initially determined and subsequently maintained and updated as needed. Ensures that all tests are scientifically accurate and performed according to standardized protocols.
3. Performs research and validation/evaluation studies accurately and efficiently, working closely with the principle investigator, sponsor, medical director(s), and department leadership to ensure protocols are performed optimally and timely. Compiles accurate and detailed data, providing feedback and reports as required throughout the project.
4. Independently completes work assignments accurately and thoroughly and in a timely manner, utilizing advanced prioritization and multi-tasking skills. Consistently communicates possible delays, issues, or potential problems to leadership. Adjusts to fluctuating workload, positively cooperating and assisting in patient testing when staffing shortages or increased workloads occur. Foresees additional tasks required to ensure patient testing is completed timely and accurately. Works closely with leadership to coordinate and schedule staff for study and validation projects.
5. Consistently and accurately performs required quality control procedures and documents results as specified by each procedure. Performs corrective action as appropriate. Documents out-of-control situations, providing details of the situation and results of the corrective action taken. Notifies leadership of out-of-control, discrepant, or unexpected results.
6. Follows specific procedures to correctly operate instrumentation. Performs and documents required instrument maintenance as specified. Performs advanced troubleshooting including contacting technical support when appropriate. Communicates with peers regarding instrument and equipment problems and notifies leadership in a timely manner. Documents instrument problems, providing details of the situation and results of the corrective action taken.
7. Develops, maintains, and documents a Preventative Maintenance program per regulatory requirements and to ensure instrument systems and equipment are in optimum condition. Utilizes advanced technical knowledge to ensure continued efficient operations. Performs or facilitates the performance of test system validations, such as instrument to instrument comparisons, instrument calibrations, and lot to lot comparisons. Ensures reportable ranges, reference ranges, QC ranges, etc. are accurate. Updates these parameters in the associated procedures, LIS, and Services Directory as needed. For Anatomic Pathology: Ensures the staining and microtomy are acceptable by microscopic analysis. Updates any changes to protocol or billing codes through LIS and supporting vendors as needed.
8. Actively participates in student, new employee, medical student, and resident training as needed. Covers training materials thoroughly and provides information regarding the principles and theories of the technical procedures. Assists in developing training curriculums, updating training documents as techniques or instrumentation changes. Annually prepares and presents at least two continuing education case studies or informational report to the department to increase knowledge and improve job performance. Participates in continuing education and professional development opportunities.
9. Researches and resolves problems and serves the department as a resource by sharing expert knowledge on technical issues including unusual specimens, unusual test results, etc. Utilizes advanced troubleshooting skills to maintain accurate and timely patient testing. Consults with leaders, section directors, and patient care team members regarding difficult analyses, abnormal findings, and conflicting results.
10. Successfully completes all competency assessments required. Follows required performance improvement plans as needed. Effectively performs all work within defined error limits. Assists in competency assessments of employees. Assists in the design of the competency assessment program (e.g. quizzes, practical exams, etc.) Assists with proficiency testing.
11. Effectively communicates both verbally and in writing. Addresses customer inquiries, requests, and concerns thoroughly, following through positively and appropriately. Timely informs leadership of issues or concerns.
12. Assists department leadership in the preparation of Request for Proposal (RFP) documentation, assembling relevant information regarding available technologies and instrumentation. Compiles and provides comparison data regarding cost per test, sensitivity & specificity, reimbursement, etc. Ensures that all tests are scientifically accurate and performed in accordance with standard protocol.
13. Assists in the oversight and maintenance of the departmental Total Quality Management (TQM) program. Ensures that monthly QC/QA reports are prepared, reviewed, and submitted to leadership and the section director(s) as required. Writes and/or performs audits. Suggests process improvement opportunities. Assists in error detection, investigation, and documentation. Looks for innovative ways to enhance error prevention.
14. Ensures compliance with all regulatory and inspection agencies. Prepares for and participates in on site inspections by certification agencies including CAP, ASHI, AABB, JCAHO, etc.
15. Assists in the departmental Proficiency Testing program, ensuring all regulated tests are enrolled in an appropriate PT program and all non-regulated tests are performed utilizing alternative proficiency testing methods. Assists in the LIS test ordering and distribution of PT survey samples and submission of results to the PT agency. Assist in the investigation and documentation of unacceptable PT responses.
16. Provides technical subject matter and teaching/training information to department leadership for employee staff meetings.
17. Provides objective and timely feedback to department leadership regarding employee performance.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following: Medical Laboratory Science (formerly Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology), Microbiology, Molecular Biology, (other advanced science degrees may also be acceptable).

2. ASCP certification within one year from the date of hire.

3. Minimum of two years applicable Microbiology experience required.

Perks & Benefits at Wisconsin Diagnostic Labs

Wisconsin Diagnostics Labs Offers a variety of perks & benefits to staff, depending on your role you may be eligible for the following:

• Paid Time Off
• Growth opportunity- Career Pathways & Career Tuition Assistance, CEU opportunities
• Academic Partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin
• Referral bonuses
• Retirement plan - 401K
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Free Workplace Clinics
• Employee Assistance Programs, Adoption Assistance, Healthy Contributions, Care@Work, Moving Assistance, Discounts on gym memberships, travel and other work life benefits available