Microbiologist II (SHARP) - Public Health Foundation Enterprises, In

SUMMARY

The California Department of Public Health’s Microbial Diseases Laboratory Branch is responsible for diagnostic and surveillance testing, applied research projects, and education and training for the identification and characterization of bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens of public health importance.

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, and phenotypic and genotypic testing to identify antimicrobial resistance (AR) of bacterial isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and pathogens related to hospital-associated infections (HAI); in addition, this position may cross-train to provide testing and administrative support for a range of SHARP-funded laboratory activities, as required.

This position is Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week.  Weekend, holiday, 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 hourly range for this position is $36.53 to $49.15 per hour depending on experience/ qualifications. 

This position is funded from 08/01/2024 – 07/31/2027. This position may be extended if funding is available.

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.
• 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.
• Reviews test results for completeness and accuracy.
• Performs validation, verification, and correlation studies and summarizes data for related reports.
• Develops and optimizes workflows, protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for isolation, phenotypic antimicrobial testing, and molecular characterization of pathogens of concern (e.g. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, carbapenem-resistant organisms, and other applicable HAI/AR pathogens).
• Assists the AR Testing Laboratory Supervisor and the Section Chief with updating relevant SOPs and performing quality assurance and safety audits, reviews, and related tasks.
• Assists with developing, testing, implementing, and updating LIMS assays, as needed.
• Assists with maintaining laboratory equipment and related documentation. 
• Assists with reagent, media, and consumables inventory and places orders, as needed.
• Effectively communicates with internal and external partners to gather or share information.
• Works with the AR Testing Laboratory Supervisor and AR Laboratory Coordinators to compile, report and/or analyze AR testing data, as required to ensure timely public health reporting and to comply with grant deliverables.
• Assists with planning educational events and with training public health microbiologist trainees and other partners on laboratory testing for antimicrobial resistance for relevant pathogens.    
• Participates in professional training, seminars, and other scientific meetings, as required to perform the functions of this position.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or related biological science from an accredited university.
• Two years of experience performing high-complexity microbiological analyses, preferably in a public health or clinical laboratory with possession of a Public Health Microbiologist Certificate or Clinical Laboratory Scientist License issued by the State of California.
• Experience performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular testing methods is preferred.

Certificates/Licenses

• 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.

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard biosafety precautions for working with potential infectious material, aseptic technique, and molecular methods (PCR; sequencing).

• 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 25 lbs
• Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs
• See (Vision): Constantly
• Hear: Frequently
• Taste/ Smell: 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.

Work in a Biological Safety Level – 2 (BSL-2) laboratory is required.

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.

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)