Job Description

Job Function Summary:

The Clinical Laboratory at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital provides laboratory testing services for inpatients and outpatients of ZSFG, Laguna Honda Hospital, District Health Centers, and other facilities under the auspices of the SF Public Health Department. This position performs laboratory testing procedures, computer functions, and quality control in the Microbiology Division. Responsible for receiving, accessioning, and processing specimens for microbiological cultures, molecular, and serologic testing. Interpret smears for microorganisms. Perform serologic and molecular diagnostic tests. Responsible for routine isolation, interpretation, identification, and/or antibiotic susceptibility testing of all types of specimens for bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, and parasites. All work is to be accurately and professionally documented and entered into the laboratory computer system. This position performs all duties in a manner that denotes the team concept and reflects the UCSF and ZSFG mission, vision, and values. For questions, please email phong.pham@ucsf.edu.

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

20Yes

Receive, time stamp, and log into laboratory computer system all incoming specimens for General Bacteriology, Mycology, Mycobacteriology, Parasitology, Virology, and/or Serology. Examine online physician orders or requisition slips for unusual culture requests and/or diagnoses that require special handling. Examine specimens to determine satisfactory collection. Call physicians and patient locations to obtain necessary data or satisfactory specimens.

20Yes

Process and plate specimens for General Bacteriology, Mycology, Virology, and/or AFB, by using various nutrient, selective, and differential media. Load and monitor blood culture instrument.

20Yes

Prepare, stain, and interpret smears on gram stains, AFB stains, parasitology iron hematoxylin stains, and malaria smears.

10Yes

Remove positive blood cultures from the instrument. Perform gram stain, subculture, preliminary ID set-up and susceptibility testing.

10Yes

Perform serology procedures and molecular diagnostic tests for determining diagnosis of bacterial, fungal, parasitic, viral, or autoimmune diseases. These tests involve use of such immunologic and molecular diagnostic techniques such as immunodiffusion, EIA, RT-PCR, fluorescent microscopy, and new methodologies implemented.

10Yes

Work Performance

1. Prioritize and organize own workload to expedite patient results.
2. Work independently with minimal supervision.
3. Be accountable for own work responsibilities.
4. Accurately and professionally document all work and enter into laboratory computer system.
5. Maintain a clean and organized work area, which includes the care and maintenance of instruments.

Follow all safety precautions and procedures mandated by regulatory agencies and in compliance with UC and ZSFG department policies.

5Yes

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

1. Perform quality control per procedure for reagents, media, assays, and equipment. Recognize problems and initiate trouble-shooting procedures in a timely manner.
2. Perform instrument maintenance procedures.
3. Recognize instrument and assay problems and initiate trouble-shooting procedures.

Take appropriate action on abnormal, discrepant, or questionable specimens or results.

3Yes

Communicate appropriately using good, professional, and courteous interpersonal skills.

1. Give phone reports and interpretations to doctors and other hospital personnel.
2. Responsible for clear and effective communication with laboratory staff, hospital personnel, and other appropriate individuals.

Participate as a laboratory team member, reflecting the UCSF PRIDE values and the UCSF Code of Conduct/Ethics, by establishing and maintaining supportive, professional, and cooperative relationships with laboratory staff, hospital staff, and patients.

2Yes

Performs routine isolation, interpretation, identification, and/or antibiotic susceptibility testing of all types of specimens for bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, and parasites

100%

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from college with a major in an appropriate scientific field, possession of a clinical laboratory scientist license or a similar license of equal or higher level issued by the State Department of Health; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of duties assigned to the position;
• Able to work independently, under pressure; recognize and resolve problems while maintaining a high level of organization.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills relative to clinical results.
• Experience with a clinical laboratory computer system and PC skills.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications:

• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License
• A minimum twelve months recent (within the last two years) experience as a Licensed Clinical Lab Scientist with recent experience in clinical microbiology

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html