Medical Laboratory Scientist-Microbiology

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

Position is responsible for performing laboratory testing and procedures to support the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Fast-paced laboratory environment requires technical proficiency and interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple specialty areas. Position serves as a frontline resource in the laboratory, delivering timely, accurate, and critical diagnostic results to support comprehensive patient care.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

-For generalist MLS positions

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science/Clinical Laboratory Science from an accredited institution OR
• Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Science AND Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical/medical laboratory science

-For SW/TMC Microbiology positions – Doctoral, Masters, or Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science/Clinical Laboratory Science or biological science

-For SW Molecular positions – Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science/Clinical Laboratory Science, Molecular Biology, Biology,

 Biological Science, Molecular Genetic Technology or Biochemical Chemistry

Equivalency Required for Foreign Education

Licenses/Certifications: 

For generalist MLS positions - Medical Technologist (ASCP or ASCP-International), Medical Technologist (AMT), MLS (ASCP or ASCP-International), CLS (ASCP), MLS (ASCP or ASCP-International) CM or ASCP Certification eligible and become certified within one year.

For SW and TMC Labs working in Microbiology ONLY - Any of the above OR Medical Laboratory Specialist in Microbiology (ASCP-M)

For SW Lab working in Molecular ONLY - Any of the above OR Medical Laboratory Specialist in Molecular Biology (ASCP-MB)

For SW and TMC Labs working in Blood Bank ONLY - Any of the above OR Medical Laboratory Science in Blood Banking (ASCP-BB)

For TMC Lab working in Hematology ONLY - Any of the above OR Medical Laboratory Science in Hematology (ASCP-H)

For TMC Lab working in Chemistry ONLY - Any of the above OR Medical Laboratory Science in Chemistry (ASCP-C)

Principal Accountabilities

• Manages daily laboratory operations including specimen collections, specimen processing, quality control, waived/moderate/high complexity testing, result reporting and distribution. 
• Interprets, correlates, and verifies test results using knowledge of techniques, principles, and instrumentation.
• Maintains testing analyzers and corrective actions according to policy/procedure. Assists with instrument troubleshooting as needed.
• Performs clerical duties as required to maintain efficient workflow. 
• Maintains ongoing education and test competencies according to the age/needs of the patient/populations served. 
• Follows laboratory procedures while handling chemicals, biological specimens, or hazardous materials, ensuring a safe work environment. 
• Directs personnel (as appropriate). Communicates exceptional circumstances to appropriate personnel. Interacts with hospital personnel, volunteers, physicians, and patients as to specimens and orders coming into the Laboratory and/or reporting results out according to the policies and procedures of Laboratory Services.
• Supports point of care testing throughout the hospital.
• Supports blood bank operations for trauma services including massive transfusion protocols for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients. 
• Processes reference laboratory specimens and monitors pending results, ensuring strict adherence to specialized send-out protocols and timely follow-up of test results; may process and perform testing on Memorial Hermann-approved research specimens as assigned. 
• Gains/maintains functional knowledge of system computers and vendor software as required by job assignment.
• Complies with policies, procedures, and initiatives of Laboratory Services, the hospital, and the system; understands, communicates, and complies with standards and conditions set forth by various governmental and accrediting agencies including TJC, FDA, CAP, AABB, CMS, HCFA, and CLIA.
• Supports system and hospital customer service and quality initiatives. Recognizes customer satisfaction issues and responds appropriately. Builds and maintains effective relationships with other employees. Develops an effective working relationship with all customers, solicits input, and collaborates with customers to implement mutually satisfying corrective actions. 
• Ensures safe care for patients, staff, and visitors. Adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity, and quality of service. Maintains a commitment to the Performance Improvement process.
• Demonstrates commitment to the PIC process by integrating our culture in all internal and external customer interactions; delivers on our brand promise of "We advance health through innovation, accountability, empowerment, collaboration, compassion and results.”
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, and resource for less experienced staff. Serves as a mentor and performs competency assessment when indicated.
• May take part in the peer interview process of job applicants or evaluation of competency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Duties at the Texas Medical Center Laboratories

• Supports moderate and high complexity laboratory services for trauma, transplant, neonatal, ECMO, and other high-acuity patient populations at MH TMC.
• Performs additional TMC laboratory procedures as assigned such as special coagulation assays, sweat chloride collection and analysis, fetal hemoglobin (Kleihauer-Betke) staining, manual platelet counts, specialized CBC testing for intrauterine transfusions, and pneumocystis direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) testing. 
• Supports Blood Bank operations for Level 1 trauma services including massive transfusion protocols for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients, specialized transfusion protocols for transplant, neonatal, and ECMO patients, exchange transfusions, and additional procedures for processing blood products.