Microbiologist (Genomics) - Public Health Foundation Enterprises, In

SUMMARY 

The Infectious Disease Laboratory Branch (IDLB) is currently seeking highly motivated Microbiologists to join the Genomics Center group. In this role, the candidate will work collaboratively and cross-functionally with colleagues to execute Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows that support the surveillance, diagnostics, and research efforts of the California Department of Public Health.

This role will be part of a team that will be involved in all aspects of the NGS workflow including library preparation, targeted enrichment, and DNA sequencing.

The ideal candidate should have a broad scientific background and lab experience in molecular and cellular biology, understanding of sequencing technologies, and expertise in sequencing platforms such as Illumina and Oxford Nanopore. The position is in Richmond, CA.

Must submit a resume with the application. 

The hourly range for this position is $36.00 to $44.00 per hour depending on experience/ qualifications. 

Must be able to work flexible hours that may include weekends and holidays.

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation). The applicant will need to have the qualifying exemption.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participate in all aspects of NGS workflow including sample preparation, library generation, DNA sequencing and data generation.
• Operate and maintain various laboratory instrumentation, including NGS sequencers, Liquid Handlers, and PCR/qPCR machines.
• Develop and optimize methods and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for comprehensive DNA sequencing using short and long-read sequencing technologies.
• Collaborate with a cross-functional teams to design and execute verification and validation studies for regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate with researchers across the organization to plan and execute experiments studying pathogens of public health importance.
• Perform work according to established internal safety and quality guidelines and procedures, and as specified by appropriate external regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA, CLIA, FDA).
• Maintain supplies in the laboratory and ensure proper cleanliness and sanitation in accordance with Good Clinical and/or Good Laboratory practices.
• Summarize experimental results, and review conclusions with research supervisors/ project leaders.
• Ability to assist with other IDLB activities/testing in other sections to enhance capacity during laboratory surges.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Broad scientific background in molecular and cellular biology, understanding of sequencing technologies, and expertise in sequencing platforms such as Illumina and Oxford Nanopore.
• Experience or proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as NGS library preparation, target enrichment, DNA amplification/purification, DNA quantitation/characterization (Qubit, TapeStation, NanoDrop, qPCR machines), etc.
• Experience working in a sequencing or genomics core facility and operating various sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina, PacBio, Oxford Nanopore)
• Experience with high-throughput laboratory automation computational skills, or basic understanding of programming language is a plus.
• Ability to conduct and report on scientific experiments while maintaining careful attention to detail, safety, and good laboratory practices.
• Strong communication skills, self-motivation, and proven ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Excellent organizational, prioritization and planning skills to ensure projects are complete under established deadlines and timelines.

 Education/Experience

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course work in chemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology.

• Minimum of 1 years of experience with next-generation sequencing techniques including nucleic acid purification, PCR, NGS library preparation and sequencing. 

Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist certificate or eligibility for the Public Health Microbiologist training program, preferred.

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings.
• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals.
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively under pressure.

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 50 lbs
• See: Constantly
• Taste/ Smel: Not Applicable

KEY

• 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 without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)