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 (K0221551)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Microbiologist opening in Topeka. This position will perform whole genome sequencing (WGS) testing to support outbreak investigations and surveillance monitoring, including nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, loading and running 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.

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

Serve as a general supervisor as defined by CLIA '88 regulations. This includes serving as a lead trainer in the Molecular Genomics Laboratory at KHEL. This training will be performed in compliance with the standard operating procedures for each method, and the technical supervisor will review and verify satisfactory completion of training. Duties also include assisting the technical supervisor by ensuring laboratory annual testing competency of other laboratory staff, answering technical questions from staff, assisting with the verification/validation of new assays, and informing supervisor when essential supplies are needed and when equipment is not meeting performance requirements. Work is reviewed by management through regular conferences and/or written reports.

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. All testing must be completed using established standard operating procedures. Prompt and accurate reporting of results is required.

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. Associate’s degree in laboratory science, medical laboratory technology or related science field. 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of chemistry, 6 semester hours of biology. 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination. CLIA Laboratory Testing Practices. ELISA Testing. Packing and shipping knowledge. Real-time PCR instrumentation/techniques. Pipette skills/calibration. Experience with clinical testing of human specimens. Related lab experience in an academic/professional setting. Proofreading, editing, attention to detail. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

---