Microbiologist (BT)

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 (K0227317)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Microbiologist (BT) opening in Topeka. This position will serve as part of a two-person team managing all aspects of the Bioterrorism lab, including but not limited to the following: Perform analytical tests for bioterrorism agents and implement and maintain Laboratory Response Network (LRN) bioterrorism test method SOPs to assure that the laboratory is technically prepared for a bioterrorism event.

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

Provide laboratory training and continuing education in bioterrorism analytical techniques and the CDC’s Laboratory Response Network (LRN) test protocols to staff. Implement and maintain current and newly released LRN bioterrorism testing protocols for clinical and environmental specimens. Maintain and monitor function of personal protective equipment (PPE) and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) through routine inspection and preventive maintenance. Repair or replace PPE and PAPR components as needed and train staff in the use of PPE and PAPR. Perform quality control and quality assurance testing for all bioterrorism analytical tests and monitor proficiency testing results for accuracy. Maintain the inventory of select agent cultures and notify appropriate federal officials of receipt, identification, and disposal of select agent cultures in accordance with 42 CFR Part 73: Select Agent Interim Final Rule. Maintain inventory of LRN-related reagents and supplies to assure that sufficient laboratory reagents are on hand to cope with a bioterrorism event. When training is completed, serve as a co-principal investigator of the select agent program.

When time allows, assist the Diagnostic Microbiology Unit to ensure testing needs are met. Serve as testing personnel (high and moderate complexity testing), as defined by CLIA, for bacteriology, mycology and mycobacteriology areas. Perform technical duties in the identification of bacteria and report results in an accurate and timely manner. Bacteriology testing involves laboratory isolation of bacterial pathogens from human clinical samples and identification of cultures using biochemical analysis, microscopy, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight spectroscopy (MALDI-ToF), PCR, and serological tests. Mycobacteriology testing involves isolation and identification of mycobacteria using culture, fluorescent microscopy, MALDI-ToF, and nucleic acid amplification. As delegated, assist with the evaluation and implementation of new and alternative test methods for bacteriology and mycobacteriology areas.

Qualifications

Education : Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, 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. Two years of experience in microbiology. Preferred Qualifications: ASCP certification in Microbiology or Medical Technician. Master’s degree in Microbiology or Biology. PhD in Microbiology or Biology. 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. Select agent accessioning, processing, handling, and reporting. American Society for Microbiology rule-out/refer experience. Experience with LRN procedures and reporting. Experience in a clinical Microbiology laboratory. Experience in identifying bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi. Six months experience in the lead role for microbiology testing services in a CLIA regulated lab. Experience in working under BSL-3 laboratory conditions. Proofreading, editing, attention to detail. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access. Post -Offer, Pre-employment Requirements : In accordance with K.S.A. 75-4362 (g) (8), any person offered a position of employment in the Office of Laboratory Services of the Department of Health and Environment will be required to be drug screened to determination the applicant’s eligibility to perform tasks within the Laboratory Services.

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