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SalaryDepartment of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Microbiologist II
Opening Date: March 14, 2024
Closing Date: March 28, 2024
Job Class Code: 4219
Grade: 04-23 (Pro / Tech)
Salary: $50,460.80 - $68,078.40 / yr.*
- Includes an additional 5.5% stipend
Position Number: 02000-1973
Location: Augusta
This Bacteriologist position is located within the clinical microbiology section at the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL). This position will assist a team of Microbiologists and the section supervisor in performing complex bacteriological testing. This position will fulfill the duties outlined in §493.1495 Standard; Testing personnel responsibilities section of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Law. This position will be responsible for providing support in all phases of testing (pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical).
As a Microbiologist II in the Clinical Microbiology section of the HETL, you will be part of a team responsible for the diagnostic testing of Foodborne diseases (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Shigella, Campylobacter), Waterborne diseases (Vibrio, Cryptosporidium), hospital associated infections (Enterococcus, MRSA, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas), and unknown pathogenic microorganisms from clinical specimens. The position is also a member of Laboratory Response Network for Biological Threats (LRN-B) which conducts diagnostic testing of special pathogens (Ebola, Orthopoxvirus, ricin, anthrax, brucellosis). Laboratory systems used are: a variety of traditional bacteriology methods, real-time PCR, sequencing, automated instrumentation, and biosafety level-3 practices.
Core Responsibilities:
- Accessioning samples
- Routine data entry
- Working in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories
- Identification of bacteria using the Vitek II, an automated platform
- Culturing and identification of bacteria from clinical samples using traditional bacteriology techniques
- Performing Modified Carbapenem Inactivation Method to detect resistant organisms
- Performing traditional serotyping assays
- Extracting nucleic acid from clinical samples, and performing real-time PCR for detection of a variety of pathogenic bacteria
- Maintenance of quality control organisms
- Shipping Category A and Category B organisms
- Communicating with submitters, physicians, and epidemiologists
- Performing other clinical microbiology testing as needed
- Ensure state and federal testing regulations are met with guidance from the Quality Assurance Officer
- Ensure state and federal safety regulations are met with guidance from the Biosafety Officer
- Ensure state and federal safety regulations are met with guidance from the Chemical Hygiene Officer
Minimum Qualifications: (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).
A Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or related scientific field and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a related microbiological field. Responsible experience in microbiology may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
- Professional certification such as ASCP, MLT, or MT
- Experience working independently performing highly complex bacteriological testing
- Experience using aseptic techniques
- Experience working in BSL-3 laboratories
- Knowledge of selective media, when to use it, and which bacteria it selects for
- The ability to distinguish between closely related bacteria by analyzing results derived from traditional bacteriology and molecular biology techniques, using appropriate research, and consulting the Manual of Clinical Microbiology
- Experience with automated instruments and corresponding troubleshooting
- Background knowledge of quality control and quality assurance
- Experience working within a team
- The ability to meet all Select Agent federal regulations (https://www.selectagents.gov/)
Thinking about applying?
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Agency information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.
The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.
For additional information about this position please contact Heather Grieser, Bacteriology Supervisor, 207-287-5769 or heather.grieser@maine.gov
- To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter with your application.
To request a paper application, please contact Ashley.smith@Maine.gov .
Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.
Benefits
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.41%of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
- Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
- Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
