Microbiologist I

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled Microbiologist I to join our team at Heluna Health. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing complex diagnostic and reference testing for virus and host immune response.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs, interprets, and reports complex diagnostic and reference testing for virus and host immune response by direct viral detection, including but not limited to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), whole genome sequencing, and general virus identification methods according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensures adherence to QC/QA protocols and standards for all methods, reagents, and laboratory equipment.
• Calibration, maintenance, and parallel testing of laboratory equipment.
• Maintains laboratory records of specimens, virus stocks, and reagents.
• Ordering inventory check of laboratory supplies and reagents, as needed.
• Analyze genomic sequences using bioinformatic pipelines for pathogen identification, characterization, and outbreak detection.
• Participate in proficiency testing, as needed.
• Maintain the database of genetic information, participate in reporting of the results, and communicate effectively with internal and external partners.
• Validation testing of new equipment, methodologies, and software for molecular methods, particularly PCR and next generation sequencing.
• Attend training and informational meetings/webinars/conference calls.

Requirements:

• Knowledge and experience with laboratory work environments (BSL-2 minimum), sterile technique, and molecular (PCR; sequencing) techniques are required.
• Experience with standard precautions for working with potentially infectious clinical specimens, particularly working in class II BSC.
• Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Experience performing molecular biology techniques, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), sequencing, and DNA extraction is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.

Education/Experience: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with course work in chemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology, required AND Must either be a certified Public Health Microbiologist or have microbiological laboratory experience performing tasks related to microbiology or molecular biology.

Certificates/Licenses: Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist certificate, or eligibility for the Public Health Microbiologist training program, preferred.

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• 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

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. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities