Microbiology Unit Public Health Scientist

This is a REPOST. Previous applicants are still being considered for the position and do not need to reapply.

• This is a Full Time Time-Limited Position*

The position will function as a Public Health Scientist for the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health Microbiology Unit. The primary purpose of this position is to provide support of scientific and technical leadership within the bacteriology, parasitology, mycology, and mycobacteriology sections in the evaluation, development, optimization, validation, and implementation of FDA-cleared and "laboratory developed tests" (LDTs), new methods and procedures. This position is responsible for the evaluation and implementation of advanced identification methods including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods.

In addition, this position will evaluate, validate, and implement Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) methods focusing on specialized multiplex real-time PCR and next generation sequencing (NGS) assays to rapidly detect and characterize pathogens associated with human disease. This position will perform established RT-PCR assays and WGS (whole-genome sequencing) for the detection and characterization of disease-causing agents, including SARS-CoV-2.

This position will also work with sequencing and bioinformatics colleagues in the development, evaluation, and implementation of molecular tools to identify, group, type, and sub-type these agents, including SARS-Co-V2. This position will assist in additional COVID-19 laboratory response activities as assigned. This position will perform and document work in accordance with NCSLPH Quality Assurance guidelines and CLIA '88 (Clinical Laboratory Improvement) rules and regulations. This position will assist the Microbiology Unit manager by supporting technical planning, project management, monitoring of deliverables, and providing staff trainings. This position is responsible for conducting routine biosafety risk assessments and developing risk mitigating strategies to safely handle bacterial or fungal threats using BSL2 (biosafety level 2), BSL2+, and BSL3 work practices and facilities.

Areas of responsibility and duties include but are not limited to:

• Provide scientific and technical leadership for the evaluation, optimization, validation, development, and implementation of new test methods and procedures that support the NCSLPH Microbiology Unit

• Assist in the evaluation and implementation of expanded NCSLPH Microbiology Unit advanced molecular detection (AMD) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods and procedures

• Evaluate new equipment and instrumentation and assist in developing efficiencies within current workflows

• Meet quality standards by performing and documenting work in accordance with NCSLPH Quality Assurance guidelines and CLIA '88 (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) rules and regulations

• Assist Microbiology Unit manager by supporting technical planning, project management, SOPM development, monitoring of deliverables, and providing staff trainings

• Manage and present data and findings to internal and external partners, and prepare manuscripts for publication

• Manage and procure testing reagents, equipment, and consumables

Work is performed at BSL2, BSL2+, and BSL3 levels using proper containment techniques and personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Surge capacity response during viral, bacterial, and/or fungal public health disease clusters, outbreaks, and/or pandemics is required. Work may require extended work hours to include weekends and/or holidays during public health emergencies and/or routine specimen processing.

About the Division of Public Health and the State Laboratory of Public Health:

The NC Division of Public Health (DPH) works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina - Everywhere, Everyday, Everybody.

The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) provides an array of services including Laboratory Testing, Training/Consultation and Certification. The NCSLPH provides more than 125 clinical laboratory tests and more than 65 environmental laboratory tests to the public and private medical health care system in North Carolina and performs over 6 million tests annually on human, animal, food, water, and agricultural samples. Additionally, NCSLPH provides training and consultation for local health departments, hospitals, commercial laboratories, private health care professionals, community-based organizations and state and regional staff from the NC Division of Public Health (DPH) and other state and regional agencies.

A staff of over 200 employees make up the organization units which include Administration, Bioterrorism and Emerging Pathogens (BTEP), Chemical Terrorism and Threat, Environmental Sciences, Laboratory Improvement, Molecular Diagnostics & Epidemiology, Newborn Screening, Microbiology, Sequencing and Bioinformatics Response, and Virology/Serology and is co-located with the Office of Chief Medical in a 220,000-sq. ft. state of the art facility. The NCSLPH has several doctoral level managers and research scientists as well as medical laboratory specialists, medical technologists, chemists, laboratory technicians, and support staff.

The Infectious Diseases Unit (IDU) at the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) is comprised of three primary units containing various laboratories all of which provide testing services to local and state partners as well as to clinical labs for the diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and control of communicable diseases. Collectively, the unit conducts highly complex testing procedures for the detection, identification, and characterization of a wide range of infectious agents from a variety of clinical, reference, and environmental specimens.

The NCSLPH Microbiology Unit's Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST)/ and Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) section provides reference and specialized testing services for the isolation, identification, and select antimicrobial susceptibility testing of a variety of pathogens that impact public health. The section performs identification of pathogens associated with healthcare-acquired infections (HAI) (e.g., CRE, C. auris) and other multidrug resistant organisms. This work is performed by a team consisting of 4 staff including the supervisor. Specimens are accepted from public and private health care providers across the state, including select long-term care facilities.

Campus Amenities and Benefits at the State Laboratory of Public Health

We are in Raleigh, NC. According to Forbes, we are ranked as one of the top 20 best places to retire and the 2nd most educated city in the country. US News & World ranks Raleigh among the top 15 places to live in the U.S.

• 220,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility

• Plentiful Free Parking

• Easy access to highways (70, 40 and 440), NC Museum of Art, Umstead State Park, healthcare providers, and shopping centers

• Proximity to globally and nationally ranked universities (NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke)

• Fitness area with exercise equipment, classes, and wellness activities

• Patio Dining with Umbrellas

• Weekly Food Trucks, including Double Food Truck Fridays

• Car Cleaning and Detailing Services On-site bimonthly

• Annual Flu Shot Clinic for Employees and Families

• Monthly and quarterly career development classes, including opportunities for traveling

• Library of academic journals and materials on-site

• Employee Engagement and Staff Development Activities

• NCSLPH Employee Recognition Programs

• State Health Plan and State of NC Employee Benefits

To receive credit for all of your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information listed under the text resume section or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Qualified candidates must document on the application that they possess all of the following:

• Must meet federal CLIA '88 personnel requirements for general supervisor in a high complexity laboratory. Candidates must attach a copy of their transcript(s) and/or certification(s) to qualify for consideration.

• Experience and thorough knowledge of clinical microbiology and advanced molecular detection (AMD) techniques.

• Experience and knowledge of standards and rules of regulatory agencies (e.g., CLIA, CAP).

• Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance (including total quality management and continuous quality improvement).

• Ability to conduct independent, applied research related to new test method development, including optimization, validation, implementation, staff training and assessment.

• Ability to compile scientific data from analytical results; prepare reports; present reports of findings, and conduct root cause analysis.

Management Preferences:

•  American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification

Physical Requirements:

An occupational medical assessment may be required to determine your ability to safely work with biological, chemical, or radiological hazards. This position may also require periodic medical screenings to confirm safety practices are effectively preventing occupational injury or illness.

All costs associated with obtaining occupational health services are covered by NCSLPH.

This position:

• Works frequently with infectious disease agents that require the use of personal protective equipment.

• Requires the ability to distinguish colors and close visual acuity to perform data analysis and visual inspection of specimens using standard laboratory equipment.

• Uses laboratory equipment that requires ability to manipulate items with fingers, ability to grasp, and ability to feel/perceive the attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture.

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.

Doctoral degree in in molecular biology, medical genetics, microbiology, immunology or analytical chemistry or a related field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of clinical laboratory or research experience;

OR

Master's degree in any of the above fields from an appropriately accredited institution and five years of clinical laboratory or research experience;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) selects applicants for employment based on job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, political affiliation or political influence.  Pre-Employment criminal background checks are required for some positions.

Division of Public Health (DPH) main locations, including their grounds, are tobacco-free as outlined in the Tobacco-free Campus Policy. All tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, e-hookahs, "vape products" and all smokeless tobacco products, may not be used in the indicated areas. For more information, please see the policy and FAQ posted here: http://publichealth.nc.gov/employees/

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. You will either receive a call to schedule an interview or an email notifying you when the job has been filled.

For technical issues with your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627. Applicants will be communicated with via email only for updates on the status of their application. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact HR, 919-707-5450.

Please refer to the link below for additional information:

https://oshr.nc.gov/work-nc/how-do-i-get-job