Microbiologist 2 Doh8177

We're hiring for 2 positions at either the Microbiologist 1 or 2 classification depending on experience.

This is an in-person, full-time, permanent position.

Microbiologist 2

Join our team at the Washington State Department of Health Public Health Laboratories, where our mission is to deliver cutting-edge diagnostic surveillance, investigative, and specialty laboratory services. From testing for infectious and chronic diseases to identifying genetic conditions and environmental threats, we're committed to safeguarding public health. Additionally, we play a vital role in training future public health scientists and providing technical assistance to the laboratory community.

In this role, you will be an integral part of the daily operations at the Public Health Laboratories (PHL), specifically within the Office of Public Health Microbiology - STI and Mycobacteriology (TB) Laboratories. Your responsibilities will include performing a variety of tests such as serology for syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis, as well as molecular assays for diagnosing Tuberculosis and Hepatitis. Additionally, you'll handle culture-based testing in the TB lab, ensuring that the laboratory is fully stocked and operational.

Your work in the TB laboratory will involve performing AFB culture, microscopy, identification, and sensitivity testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This position is essential to the surveillance and diagnosis of communicable diseases, requiring your on-site presence to carry out these critical tasks effectively.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and analyze samples daily in the STI lab for syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis.

• Submit assay results for both sections to your team Lead(s) or Supervisor for review and reporting.

• Help improve workflows and troubleshoot issues in each section with the team Lead(s).

• Provide customer service to clients for each section.

• Conduct daily testing in the TB lab, including AFB culture setup, microscopy, identification, sensitivity testing, and TB PCR.

• Assist with quality control and assurance activities in both lab units.

• Ensure lab equipment like incubators, refrigerators, and freezers are at the correct temperatures.

• Help review and revise standard operating procedures.

• Contribute to method verification and validation.

• Confirm quality control results for reportable tests.

• Perform quality control on media and reagents.

• Prepare lab space for STI, TB, and Molecular testing.

• Keep the lab stocked with necessary supplies.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Microbiologist 1 Qualifications:

• Option 1: A Bachelor's degree or higher with a major in Microbiology.

• Option 2: A Bachelor's degree or higher in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science that includes at least 20 semester hours (or the equivalent in quarter hours) in Microbiology or a related field.

• Option 3: An equivalent combination of lived and professional experience

Microbiologist 2 Qualifications:

• Option 1: A Bachelor's degree or higher with a major in Microbiology; AND two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory.

• Option 2: A Bachelor's degree or higher in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, including 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms; AND two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory.

• Option 3: A Master's degree in Microbiology; AND one (1) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory.

• Option 4: A Masters's degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, including 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in Microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms; AND one (1) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory.

• Option 5: A PhD in Microbiology.

• Option 6: A PHD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, including 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms.

• Option 7: An equivalent combination of lived and professional experience

Please see the Conditions of Employment below for additional qualifications.

Preferred Experience and Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in serological methods.

• Experience with single and multichannel pipettes.

• Experience with regulatory agencies such as CAP or CLIA.

• Prefer thorough knowledge of standard office software, such as Word, Excel, SharePoint, OneDrive, PowerPoint, etc.

• AFB Microscopy, Mycobacterial culture isolation and identification, sensitivity testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.

Our ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following interpersonal skills and competencies:

• Cultural humility by embracing diverse perspectives and honoring various cultures.

• Commitment to equity and inclusion, removing barriers, championing social justice, and fostering a sense of belonging.

• Using an outward mindset to fuel impactful contributions and blending your personal expertise with collaborative achievements.

• Problem-solving and crafting effective solutions while communicating clearly across different mediums.

• Dedication to customer service and navigating diverse interactions to build strong organizational relationships.

• Your technical competence should shine, making you an invaluable asset to our team!

Location and Flexibility

This role requires you to work regularly at the Public Health Laboratory in Shoreline, WA. Enjoy collaborating with your team in person and being part of our dynamic onsite environment.

Benefits and Lifestyle

We prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "Why DOH" by visiting Work@Health.

About Us

The PHL: Empowering Health and Protecting Communities!

The Washington State Public Health Laboratories (PHL) provides essential support to local health jurisdictions and healthcare providers in disease monitoring and outbreak response. Serving as the reference laboratory, PHL identifies rare diseases such as Rabies, Hantavirus, and West Nile virus, along with analyzing clinical samples for statewide outbreaks and shellfish contamination. With a focus on public health, PHL plays a critical role in safeguarding communities and addressing potential health threats.

We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington health.

Application Directions:

• To apply, please click "Apply" to complete the application, including attaching your Resume, Cover Letter, and References (at least 3 professional references including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you've supervised or led (if applicable)).

• Do not submit private information including social security numbers, year of birth, etc.

• The hiring manager WILL NOT review additional supplemental attachments. DO NOT attach or submit the following:

• Please REMOVE personal photos before attaching resume and/or cover letter.

• Transcripts

• Certifications or Diplomas

• Projects or Portfolios

• Letters of Recommendation

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:  We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran's status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

Representation: This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.    

Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need accommodation in the application or selection process, or need information in an alternative format, contact Shawnelle Goalder at shawnelle.goalder@doh.wa.gov.  For general DOH recruitment questions, email the Talent Acquisition Team at employment@doh.wa.gov. Deaf or hard of hearing contact Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1; individuals outside of Washington State contact Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6874.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

Conditions of Employment:

I am prepared, with or without accommodations, to work under the following conditions:

Work Setting and Hazards:

• You will work on-site in the lab due to the nature of the duties. This includes standing or sitting for long periods, working at a computer, and occasionally moving packages or materials up to 40 lbs.

• You will work in Biosafety Level 2 and 3 spaces, requiring full personal protective equipment (PPE) such as PAPRs, double gloves, front gowns, shoe coverings, and Tyvek suits.

• Expect to handle infectious specimens and samples and work in sometimes uncomfortable conditions, such as warmth, humidity, or unpleasant odors.

• Specific vaccinations for certain disease agents may be required.

Schedule:

• This is a full-time position with a 40-hour workweek. Occasionally, you may need to work outside of core hours or more than 40 hours a week during outbreaks or emergency responses. A flexible schedule can be discussed after successful completion of the probationary period.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel is infrequent but may be necessary for job-related conferences and meetings.

• You must be able to legally operate a vehicle for state business or arrange alternative transportation if needed.

Tools and Equipment:

• You will use a variety of lab equipment, including biosafety cabinets, computer workstations, PPE (including respirators), pipettes, PCR machines, DNA sequencers, and other typical lab equipment like incubators, refrigerators, slide warmers, and water baths.

Customer Interactions:

• You will need to communicate with DOH epidemiology, local health departments, and vendors.

Other:

• You must participate in health emergencies and training events as part of the DOH emergency response team.

SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts

This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.

The pay for this position includes King County's 5% pay increase.