University of Wisconsin - Madison
| Position Vacancy ID: 82111 |
| Working Title: | MICROBIOLOGIST SR |
| FTE: | 1 |
| Schedule - Range: | 15-03 |
| Organization: | WISCONSIN STATE LABORATORY OF HYGIENE - CYTOGENETICS |
Schedule
Comment: | Regular work hours for this position are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some weekend and holiday work is required. |
| Job Summary: | This position functions under the general supervision of a Microbiologist supervisor. The position includes following the correct procedures with a primary role in the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) section. These duties include: sample harvest, slide preparation, and FISH analysis (fluorescence scope analysis and results documentation using a variety of software packages) on prenatal and postnatal specimens from a wide range of tissue/specimen types. General responsibilities include participation in the development and validation of new procedures, writing standard operating procedures, monitoring QC/QA indicators and training of co-workers, research colleagues, fellows and students, and general laboratory maintenance activities. This position is responsible for following all guidelines in regards to HIPAA compliance, safety procedures, and universal precautions when dealing with clinical specimens.
The person in this position is expected to use the tools and principles of quality management in performing their daily work including: Demonstrate exceptional customer service by establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with managers, supervisor, coworkers, and all customers. Provide constructive feedback for the purpose of continuous improvement in a manner that is supportive of the State Laboratory of Hygiene and its mission. Use data collection tools as appropriate. Use effective team skills to contribute to the efficient operation of the work unit. Present ideas, carry out assignments, and provide information as required. Participate in continuous learning through professional development activities. |
Goals and Worker Activities
| A. | 50% | Microscopic evaluation of fluorescence in situ hybridization and image capture for documentation of results. |
| | 1. | Score cells for observed signal patterns based on criteria specific for each type of specimen and study. |
| | 2. | Capture representative cells to document results of analysis. |
| | 3. | Recognize unique banding patterns of each chromosome at the 350-550 band level and higher to enable identification of chromosome on which the probe(s) is localized. |
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| B. | 20% | Process specimens for fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. |
| | 1. | Prepare probe cocktails specific for each type of specimen and study. |
| | 2. | Process specimens using pre-hybridization and post-hybridization methods specific for each type of specimen and study. |
| | 3. | Harvest uncultured amniotic fluid specimens for in situ hybridization analysis. |
| | 4. | Prepare slides from specimens for in situ hybridization analysis. |
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| C. | 15% | Participate in laboratory maintenance duties. |
| | 1. | Weigh, aliquot and mix chemicals and/or reagents. |
| | 2. | Prepare glassware. |
| | 3. | Answer telephone when needed. |
| | 4. | Enter data on the computer. |
| | 5. | Follow laboratory guidelines for specimen retention. |
| | 6. | Clean and maintain incubators and water baths. |
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| D. | 10% | Participate in validation of probes for use in fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. |
| | 1. | Validate localization of each new probe to be used in the laboratory. |
| | 2. | Validate signal patterns to determine scoring criteria for each new probe to be used in the laboratory. |
| | 3. | Validate new lots of probe to confirm probe localization and conformance to existing scoring criteria. |
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| E. | 5% | Participate in Continuing Education. |
| | 1. | Participate in laboratory sponsored continuing education program. |
| | 2. | Participate in continuous learning through professional development activities such as journal articles, seminars, and national meetings. |
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Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to prepare slides for fluorescence in situ hybridization chromosome analysis.
- Ability to prepare probe cocktails for fluorescence in situ hybridization.
- Ability to harvest uncultured amniotic fluid specimens for fluorescence in situ hybridization.
- Ability to perform fluorescence in situ hybridization on nuclei and metaphase cell preparations and paraffin sections.
- Familiarity with identification of chromosomes at banding levels of 350 to 550.
- Knowledge and use of fluorescence microscope.
- Knowledge of image capturing system for fluorescence.
- Ability to label DNA with fluorochromes.
- Ability to provide advice and train others in any of the above procedures.
- Understand the role of validation and the use of positive and negative controls.
- Knowledge of good laboratory technique, such as weighing reagents and preparation of probes, solutions and media.
- Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures for biohazards and chemicals.
- Knowledge of quality control procedures and regulations.
- Effective use of quality principles and tools.
- Effective team skills.
- Exceptional customer service skills.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Ability to visually distinguish colors.
- Knowledge of International System for Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) for entering data and report writing.