Microbiologist

Employment Benefits

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage Sick & Vacation leave Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually) Fitness Centers in select locations Employee discounts with the Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

The position (K0241915)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Microbiologist opening in Topeka. This position will perform nucleic acid extraction and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for influenza, measles, mumps, and other infectious diseases of public health importance to support outbreak investigations and surveillance monitoring. Perform wastewater nucleic acid extraction and digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) for surveillance monitoring. All testing must be completed using established standard operating procedures. Prompt and accurate reporting of results is required. This position is strictly in office.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Perform whole genome sequencing (WGS) testing to support outbreak investigations and surveillance monitoring, including nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, loading and running sequencing instrumentation, and data analysis. All testing must be completed using established standard operating procedures. May be required to cross-train into other units to support surge capacity or to help cover during times of staff shortages. Prompt and accurate reporting of results is required.

Perform QC and QA on analytical tests through daily monitoring of assay performance, performing required preventative maintenance tasks on instruments and equipment, troubleshooting errors, and successfully participating in proficiency testing. Maintain complete and accurate records/worksheets for testing and equipment maintenance. Contact clients to answer questions or obtain information missing from specimen submission forms.

Qualifications

Education : Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, or Chemistry or other related fields. Licensing & Certification: Valid Driver's License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, or Chemistry or other related fields. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or Biochemistry. Master’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or Biochemistry. ASCP certification: M, MT, or MP. 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of Chemistry, 6 semester hours of Biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination. Packing and shipping knowledge. Pipette skills/calibration. Biosafety level 3 work practices. Laboratory equipment maintenance. CLIA Laboratory Practices. ELISA testing. Real-time PCR instrumentation/techniques. Proofreading, editing, attention to detail. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

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