Microbiologist II

SUMMARY

California's Microbial Diseases Laboratory is responsible for diagnostics, education, and applied research programs for identification, surveillance, control, and prevention of bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases originating in humans.

Under the supervision of the Antimicrobial Resistance Testing Laboratory Supervisor in the Bacterial Diseases Section of the Microbial Diseases Laboratory, the Microbiologist II performs duties associated with the receipt, processing, culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, phenotypic and genotypic testing to identify antimicrobial resistance (AR) of bacterial isolates related to hospital-associated infections (HAI). This position is Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week. Weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required during a public health emergency.

Applicant must submit resume, cover letter, and three (3) professional references with the application.

The salary range for this position is $37.53 to $56.02 depending on experience and qualifications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Receives and checks-in specimens and isolates for testing and performs data entry into the laboratory information management system (LIMS), and other applicable tracking documents. Participates in new LIMS assay development and testing.
• Performs culture and identification of bacterial pathogens using a variety of laboratory testing methods (e.g. Gram stain, biochemical testing, MALDI-TOF, etc.)
• Performs phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing and/or molecular testing for antimicrobial resistance markers.
• Performs quality control testing of media, reagents, and QC strains.
• Accurately and thoroughly interprets and reports testing and quality control results and other applicable quality data.
• Effectively communicates with internal and external partners to gather or share information.
• Participates in proficiency testing and maintains competency of related tests
• Participates in validation/verification studies.
• Assists with developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOP), job aids, and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)assays, as assigned.
• Performs calibrations, maintenance and parallel testing of laboratory equipment.
• Performs reagent and media inventory and places orders, as needed.
• Participates in professional training, seminars and other scientific meetings, as required to perform the functions of this position.
• Compiles information needed for grant deliverables or quality performance metrics.
• Assists with planning for educational events and in training of public health microbiologist trainees, junior level microbiologists, and other partners
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) certificate issued by the State of California. Applicants who do not possess the required California PHM certificate but are eligible for the examination for certification may apply and be approved for employment. California Public Health Microbiologist Certification within 6 months of appointment is required.
• Knowledge of standard biosafety precautions for working with potential infectious material, sterile technique, and molecular methods.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings.
• Ability to complete projects in a timely manner.
• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.

Education/Experience

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university with course work in microbiology and molecular biology.

• Experience performing antimicrobial resistance testing, such as GeneXpert PCR to detect resistance genes is preferred
• Minimum of two years of experience handling infectious agents in a microbiology laboratory setting; preferably in a clinical or public health laboratory setting performing high complexity testing.

Certificates/Licenses

• California Public Health Microbiologist certificate

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, email)
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings.
• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand Frequently

Walk Frequently

Sit Frequently

Handling / Fingering Frequently

Reach Outward Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally

Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs

Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs

See Constantly

Taste/ Smell Not Applicable

Not Applicable Not required for essential functions

Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General office and laboratory setting, indoors, temperature controlled.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.