Medical Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology - Tues - Sat - Nights

The Microbiology Laboratory at MD Anderson Cancer Center plays a critical role in identifying infectious organisms and supporting the care of immunocompromised oncology patients. Through advanced microbiological testing and rapid diagnostic techniques, the laboratory provides timely and accurate results that guide antimicrobial therapy, infection prevention strategies, and overall patient management.

As a Medical Laboratory Scientist in the Microbiology Laboratory, you will perform complex laboratory testing while ensuring strict adherence to laboratory policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. You will verify and monitor quality control data appropriate to the complexity of testing performed, troubleshoot and maintain laboratory instrumentation, and ensure accurate and timely reporting of patient results. Strong analytical judgment and attention to detail are essential, as microbiology results directly influence clinical treatment decisions.

In this role, you will maintain proficiency in laboratory computer systems, accurately acquire specimen data, evaluate and interpret test results, and ensure proper documentation and secure storage of patient information. You will also follow the section’s inventory control systems to ensure effective use of reagents and supplies while maintaining compliance with safety guidelines and regulatory standards.

You will help enhance laboratory productivity and quality by organizing and prioritizing work to meet the demands of the section. Working both independently and collaboratively with colleagues, you will assist peers and supervisors as needed to maintain efficient operations and support timely turnaround times. Participation in process improvement initiatives will further support laboratory performance and service quality.

This position also contributes to the development of laboratory personnel and testing capabilities. You will participate in training students, employees, and fellows, and assist with validating new methodologies, instrumentation, and laboratory information system enhancements in collaboration with laboratory leadership and technical support teams.

Customer service and communication are key components of this role. You will interact professionally with internal and external stakeholders, helping resolve questions or concerns while supporting a collaborative healthcare environment focused on high-quality patient care.

MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, and additional benefits, supporting career development, work-life balance, and long-term professional growth within one of the world’s leading cancer centers.

**The hours for this position are Tuesday - Saturday 10pm - 6:30am. The ideal candidate will have a bachelors degree in a natural science**

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Laboratory Testing Technical Skills. 
- Remains knowledgeable and competent for all policies, procedures and protocols. 
- Ensures and verifies quality control data is appropriate for the complexity of the reported tests. 
- Troubleshoots and maintains laboratory equipment. 
- Maintains competency in computer functions in assigned areas. 
- Completes, verifies and reports testing in timely manner. 
- Complies with safety guidelines and procedures and adheres to regulatory mandates. 
- Remains responsible and accountable for all actions. 
- Maintains proficiency in computer functions in the lab processes. 
- Properly acquires specimen data into computer system(s). 
- Analyzes and evaluates patient results correctly and appropriately. 
- Stores patient information and results to allow easy future access as required.

Enhances laboratory quality, productivity, communication and teamwork 
- Adjusts, prioritizes, and organizes work to achieve maximum productivity to meet the workload demands of the section. 
- Assists peers and supervisors with tasks after completion of assigned work. 
- Adheres to attendance policy, begins work as scheduled. 
- Works independently, utilizes resources available to maximize efficiency. 
- Follows section’s inventory control system to assure effective use of supplies and reagents. 
- Participate in process improvement projects. 
- Complies with section’s telephone courtesy policies and procedures 
- Manages all customer service interactions with diplomacy, actively facilitating resolutions to problems and addressing the needs of clients both internal and external.

Laboratory personnel and test development 
- Actively participates in training of students, employees and fellows. 
- Validates and evaluates new methodologies and tests with the help of Laboratory Supervisor and technical support. 
- Validates database for new software or new tests implemented in the laboratory

Other duties as assigned