Microbiologist 1 DOH8210 - State of Washington
King County - Shoreline, WA
About the Job
This is an onsite/in-person, project position funded through July 31, 2026.
Microbiologist 1
Join our team at the Washington State Department of Health Public Health Laboratories (PHL), 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.
As part of the Environmental Microbiology Lab at the PHL, you'll be on-site, playing a key role in testing wastewater, environmental Legionella, arboviruses, and marine water quality. Your responsibilities will include sample accessioning, inventory management, and preparing sample kits. You'll also monitor equipment, restock supplies, maintain general housekeeping, and assist lead scientists with various tasks, including reporting and filing analysis results. Be a part of our mission and make a tangible impact on public health.
Responsibilities:
- Perform routine testing for surveillance and outbreak investigations for wastewater, Legionella, arbovirus, and other pathogens using molecular assays.
- Maintain current status and understanding in all applicable SOPs.
- Perform routine molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2, FluA, FluB, RSV, Mpox, Legionella, West Nile, St. Louis encephalitis, and western equine encephalitis.
- Perform mosquito identification during the summer season.
- Perform quality control of new reagents and controls.
- Ensure timely analysis and reporting of all submitted samples.
- Perform routine standardized bacteriological testing of marine water samples for Total and Fecal coliforms.
- Perform routine testing of drinking water for Total and Fecal coliforms, including specific tests for E. coli and other waterborne microorganisms.
- Perform quality control testing on media used for bacteriological testing of marine and drinking water.
- Analyze sterilization monitoring test strips to ensure autoclave sterility effectiveness.
- Perform proficiency tests on methods used in drinking and marine water bacteriological analysis.
- Perform daily data entry of test results into the Water lab databases using LIMS.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Required Qualifications:
- Option 1: Minimum of 2 years of experience in a laboratory setting, performing microbiological or molecular assays and assisting with laboratory operations.
- Option 2: A Bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in Microbiology.
- Option 3: 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.
Required Experience:
- Experience with microbiology techniques, such as pipetting, streaking plates and sterile technique.
- Experience using a biological safety cabinet.
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Preferred Experience and Desired Qualifications:
- One (1) or more years of experience with qPCR and/or dPCR.
- One (1) or more years of experience with bacterial isolation and identification.
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.
- PHL technical personnel performing testing or other tasks that require color discrimination are to be evaluated for difficulty with visual color discernment. This is a regulatory requirement for the PHL to comply with as part of our College of American Pathologists Accreditation.
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.