Microbiologist

Job title : Microbiologist
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Contract : 6 + Months

Note : Initial interview will be on Teams. Follow-up interview is required to be in-person.

Position Summary

The incumbent is responsible for performing and coordinating a full range of microbiological and molecular diagnostic testing procedures, including culture-based identification, biochemical testing, PCR, MALDI-TOF, sequencing, and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). The position supports the isolation, identification, characterization, and reporting of bacterial and fungal pathogens, including but not limited to Escherichia coli (E. coli) , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Acinetobacter baumannii , and Candida auris .
This role is responsible for maintaining compliance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations, documenting quality assurance and quality control activities, and ensuring accurate and timely reporting of laboratory results. The incumbent may also cross-train in molecular, virology, serology, and other laboratory disciplines to support routine testing and operational continuity.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Testing & Analysis

• Perform microbiological and molecular analyses on clinical and reference specimens for the detection, isolation, identification, and characterization of microorganisms and their nucleic acids.
• Process specimens according to established laboratory procedures and testing protocols.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction using manual and automated methodologies.
• Utilize laboratory techniques including PCR, sequencing, MALDI-TOF, WGS, culture-based methods, and biochemical testing.
• Evaluate, interpret, validate, and report laboratory findings accurately and promptly.
• Maintain laboratory information and specimen tracking systems.

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

• Adhere to all CLIA regulations, laboratory policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Perform and document quality control activities, instrument maintenance, calibrations, and corrective actions.
• Participate in proficiency testing programs and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Identify testing issues that may impact result quality and implement corrective actions or escalate concerns as appropriate.
• Maintain competency in all assigned testing areas.

Laboratory Operations

• Monitor laboratory inventory and coordinate procurement of supplies and reagents to ensure uninterrupted testing operations.
• Assist in compiling, analyzing, and preparing epidemiological, statistical, and operational reports.
• Support validation and implementation of new testing methods and procedures.
• Participate in cross-training initiatives and provide backup support in other laboratory sections as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

CLIA High-Complexity Testing Responsibilities

The incumbent performs high-complexity testing in accordance with CLIA regulations and laboratory policies. Responsibilities include:

• Following established procedures for specimen handling, processing, testing, reporting, and record maintenance.
• Ensuring proficiency testing samples are processed in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Documenting all quality control, calibration, maintenance, and corrective action activities.
• Recognizing and addressing testing issues that may adversely affect test performance or result reporting.
• Notifying appropriate supervisory personnel when testing systems fall outside acceptable performance limits.
• Maintaining documentation of all corrective actions and performance investigations.
• Performing testing only within the scope of authorization, education, training, and demonstrated competency.

Qualifications :

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Extensive knowledge of microbiology, molecular biology, and related laboratory disciplines.
• Strong understanding of current microbiological and molecular diagnostic methodologies.
• Experience operating standard and advanced laboratory instrumentation and automated testing platforms.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, biosafety principles, and quality management systems.
• Familiarity with CLIA regulations and applicable state and federal laboratory requirements.
• Ability to analyze data, interpret results, and prepare technical reports.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to participate successfully in proficiency testing and quality assurance programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Eligibility to meet CLIA personnel requirements for high-complexity testing personnel.
• Experience in clinical, public health, research, or diagnostic laboratory environments preferred.

Required /Desired :

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of microbiology and related subspecialties
• Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health lab
• Specialized knowledge of/ability to use a full range of standard technical equip., complex scientific apparatus, and automated techniques of analysis
• Extensive knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles
• Aware of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies concerning the program area (i.e. CLIA)
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information both verbally and in writing and maintain productive working relationships;
• Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs
• Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and prepare laboratory reports
• Knowledge and experience working with bacterial cultural and isolation techniques
• Ability to maintain aseptic techniques for microbiology and molecular biology lab work
• 2 years of high complexity laboratory experience as testing personnel, w/exp. providing oversight of daily performance of high complex testing
• BA/BS in biological science