Job Details

Microbiologist II (MDL)

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 Microbiologist II performs duties associated with receipt, processing, culture, and next generation sequencing of primarily mycobacterial and fungal isolates. Some functions performed by the Microbiologist II 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 $37.63 to $54.08 per hour depending on experience/qualifications. This position is grant funded and may be extended if funding is available. If hired for this position, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your start date or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require an accommodation).

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 optimize 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.

Job 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 to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.