Position Summary:

The Philadelphia Health Laboratory (PHL) provides clinical diagnostic testing, disease surveillance, emergency response support, applied research, laboratory training and other essential services.

The Micro/Molecular specialists will perform clinical microbial, viral, molecular, STD, Sequencing and TB analytical testing within the Public Health laboratory which includes isolation, identification, and drug sensitivity testing. They will assist with set up and provide validation and verification support for ongoing testing in all applicable labs. In addition, they will review and provide input on testing policies/procedures. This position will work collaboratively with the Health Care Associated Infection (HAI) department and the Division of Disease Control to perform CRE, CRAB and CRPA testing reportable to the CDC. They will
perform Covid-19 analysis, sequencing, secondary infection testing and will assist with the laboratory relocation and recertification efforts.

Applicants to this position must be self-motivated, knowledgeable, dependable, honest, task oriented, and require minimal supervision. Strong written and oral communications skills are essential to the success of this role as is organization and
time management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform Microbial, Viral, TB,STD, Molecular testing and Whole Gene Sequencing.
• Performs Microbiology isolation techniques for different sample types.
• Prepare verbal, written reports of these studies
• Implement and verify various platforms.
• Improve the laboratory workflow
• Look for new testing abilities for the existing platforms at the lab
• Utilize and optimize LIMS for efficiency in testing and reporting efforts
• Communicate and work with COVID Containment unit, HAI, STD and Division of Disease Control
• Assist with the PCR lab establishment and other Molecular labs
• Assist with Validations and verifications of the PCR methods, and any other Micro Molecular needs
• May assist in the performance of DNA/RNA extractions, amplifications and quantifications for Identifications or for WGS.
• Assist with the new Micro equipment Validations
• Perform quality controls to ensure the validity of the specimens.
• Develop and help implement Quality assurance program to avoid
• contaminations.
• Assists in the training of staff on new Molecular testing .
• Assists in the development of procedures and policies for all new Micro/molecular/TB testing
• Work closely with the PhD to increase the quality of the results
• Help investigate and troubleshoot all rising problems
• Assist in any Molecular area when it is needed (perform PCRs with the existed instrumentations).
• Assist in the development of new Molecular methods

Skills Required:

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Commitment to strong customer service objectives.
• Ability to collaborate with or integrate interests of various Health Department entities and disciplines.
• 1-2 years of Micro/Molecular experience
• Educated in the use, operation and care of standard laboratory and field equipment and materials in specialization
• Knowledge of writing policies and procedures to meet the CLIA requirement.
• Handle infectious specimens using proper Biosecurity level safety precautions.
• Prepares reagents and supplies for testing

Education and Experience:

Bachelor Degree in Molecular Microbiology, Medical Sciences, Microbiology, Biology or any related sciences with 1 to 2 experience yrs. experience in the Clinical Microbiology and Gene Sequencing a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employment

PMHCC, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity. It is our policy to support equal employment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health
status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

Employees as well as applicants who are currently, or become disabled, must be able to perform the functions of the job with either reasonable accommodation or unaided. PMHCC, Inc. will examine reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the law.