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Title: Bacteriologist II Executive Area: Administration and Finance College/School/MBU: Direct Medical Care Department: Laboratory Work Location: Amherst Schedule: Full Time Work Arrangement: Onsite Job Summary Coordinates and oversees all laboratory functions within the chemistry section, including technical supervision over other personnel assigned by assigning work and reviewing performance. When required, perform all laboratory tests in one or more departments of the clinical laboratory, demonstrating ability to perform with minimum supervision. Maintains records of procedures, quality control and performance of equipment. Works under the general supervision of the Laboratory Manager who assigns duties, issues directives, and checks on performance. Essential Functions Assumes responsibility for the daily operations of the area, to include the collection of potentially hazardous biological specimens and use their simple or complex clinical chemistry analysis often using hazardous chemicals.
Ensures timely and thorough evaluation of data, ensures discrepancies are identified and attended by troubleshooting instrument performance and/or QC material performance; proposes solutions to remedy any deficiency discovered by QC tracking or proficiency testing results.
Advise physicians and nurses regarding appropriate tests to use in specific situations.
Determine the proper methodology for collecting and examining laboratory samples and recommend changes to be instituted. Creates/updates procedure manuals, assuring continuous review of changing accreditation standards; performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results.
Evaluate laboratory equipment to determine the need for repair and replacement.
Provides effective and professional training to new staff members on theoretical and practical aspects of procedures in use providing demonstration of laboratory practices.
Consults with newer staff regarding abnormal or unusual results and advises on course of action; conducts training events, competency testing exercises, reviews correct procedures if problems arise and general oversight of instrument operation.
Utilizes skills and competency in the areas of Hematology, Chemistry, Phlebotomy and Urinalysis; monitors the quality control systems.
Performs tasks necessary to the maintenance of a hygienic and safe work environment and performs testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual and automated techniques.
Performs cutoffs, linearities, carry over studies, and chemistry calculations verification periodically as established by policy.
Prepares reagents, assembles equipment, and verifies correct instrument operation; maintains validity of assay system by appropriate testing of reagents prior to use for patient testing.
Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures; correlates and integrates information and performs additional testing to confirm abnormal results.
Collects venous blood samples from patients adhering to all safety and patient care requirements; judges the acceptability of samples submitted for testing using a broad body of knowledge of pre-analytic sample requirements.
Completes all inventory duties and supply ordering for the chemistry department; accepts assignments in other areas of the laboratory whenever necessary and performs whatever duties are essential to the continued functioning of the laboratory.
Confer with outside laboratories regarding the type and sequence of tests or experiments to be performed to analyze particular problems and to compare test results and procedures. Other Functions Performs other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Hold either a Medical Technologist (MT), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certification with at least three (3) years experience in a medical laboratory setting; OR hold a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification with at least five (5) years experience in a medical laboratory setting.
Demonstrated ability in carefully organized and methodical laboratory practice.
Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with other members of the laboratory staff.
Must have adequate vision (corrected) to detect and report details in microscopy and test procedures and must be able to distinguish colors and hues.
Sufficient manual coordination and skill to perform delicate laboratory tests.
Ability to communicate information accurately and effectively to the medical staff and other members of the medical profession.
Understanding of the need for strict confidentiality of all information related to patient care and the ability to observe practices assuring this confidentiality. Additional Details Incumbent will be responsible for continuing education and training necessary to stay abreast of new developments in diagnostic medicine. Working Conditions Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear. Work Schedule and Work Arrangement Monday - Friday, 7.5 hours during 7:00am - 8:00pm, rotating weekends. Salary Information Pay Grade: USA/MTA Grade 19 Click here to view the Classified Step Scale Special Instructions for Applicants Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
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UMass Amherst
Mar 25, 2026