Microbiologist II

Job 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 direction of the Supervisor of the Mycobacterial Drug Susceptibility Unit, within the Mycobacterial, Mycotic & Parasitic Diseases Section of the Microbial Diseases Laboratory Branch, the Laboratory Scientist performs duties associated with receipt, processing, culture, and next generation sequencing of primarily mycobacterial and fungal isolates. Some functions performed by the Laboratory Scientist will be conducted under Biosafety Level 3 conditions, frequently requiring application of appropriate respiratory protection. The position is Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week; weekend, holiday, and overtime coverage may be required during a public health emergency.

The hourly range for this position is $36.53 to $49.15 per hour depending on experience/qualifications. This position is grant funded and may be extended if funding is available.

Essential Functions:

Performs Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) on mycobacterial and/or fungal isolates.

Performs NGS data management and coordination of data submissions from partner laboratories.

Receives specimens and performs data entry into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Cultivates microbial pathogens and applicable quality control strains.

Develops and optimizes protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for comprehensive next generation sequencing using various NGS platforms, including but not limited to the Illumina, Nanopore and PacBio platforms.

Performs DNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing of mycobacterial, fungal, and bacterial pathogens using various sequencing platforms.

Analyzes genomic sequences using validated pipelines and software.

Performs or assists with clinical validations of NGS-based assays.

Performs all work in compliance with MDL, Section, and Unit QC/QA policies for laboratory operations including biosafety, chemical hygiene, quality and other applicable standards.

Complies with the Quality Management system established in the laboratory.

Reviews test results for completeness and accuracy.

Maintains inventory of essential chemicals, reagents, and disposables.

Prepares reports for test result and other technical reports related to grants and projects.

Communicates effectively with internal and external partners.

Assists with planning educational events and with training public health microbiologist trainees and other partners. Attends training and informational meetings/webinars/conference.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory instrumentation and equipment.

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

Experience performing molecular biology techniques, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), sequencing, and DNA extraction is preferred.

Minimum of one year of experience handling infectious agents in a microbiology laboratory setting.

Education/Experience:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree in the field of microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, life sciences, systems biology, data analytics, chemistry, or related fields with 3+ years of relevant molecular and microbiology laboratory experience, OR

Possession of a Master's degree in the field of microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, life sciences, systems biology, data analytics, chemistry, or related fields with 1+ years of relevant molecular and microbiology laboratory experience.

Certificates/Licenses:

CA Public Health Microbiologist Certification is preferred, but not required.

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook 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

Ability to work in BSL-3 conditions with required respiratory protection

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 30 lbs

Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 50 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 - 3 (BSL-3) laboratory with respiratory protection 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)