Molecular Virology Microbiologist

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced laboratory professional to serve as a Molecular Virology Microbiologist. The incumbent performs laboratory tests on human and environmental specimens for biothreat agents, conduct tests on mosquito, avian, equine, and human specimens for evidence of arboviral, respiratory pathogens, vaccine preventable diseases, and other emerging infectious agents of public health importance using molecular techniques. They will address the many contingencies of laboratory operations and perform tasks and responsibilities with a high degree of independence.

Learn more about what it's like to work at the State Public Health Lab.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Perform RT-PCR to detect presence of respiratory infectious agents, arboviruses, bio-threat agents and other infectious diseases. Examine suspicious materials in a BSL 3 laboratory and perform screening tests for biothreat agents. Provide surge testing support to the laboratory section. 
• Assist in Next Generation Sequence analyses as needed. 
• Once trained and competent, the incumbent shall perform second reviewer duties, compliant with regulatory standards, to verify and release test results for all tests for which they employee has been deemed competent.  The employee will be eligible to perform verify/release duties for all analysts regardless of classification level provided the employee is competent to perform the verify/release on the specific test.
• Report results accurately and completely within the laboratory information management system(s) and prepares weekly reports as required.
• Ensure the laboratory areas and reagents are contamination-free and problems with laboratory equipment are reported according to procedures. 
• Perform all laboratory work (e.g., testing procedures, safety protocols, quality assurance protocols) according to written standard operating procedures. 
• Follow the quality management program requirements to ensure that all certification and accreditation requirements, including training and competency, are met.
• Comply with agency policy regarding safety, security, and protection in the working environment in accordance with the laboratory's procedures and policies for biological, chemical, and radiologic agents. 
• Communicate with submitters according to procedures regarding specimen collection, packaging, shipping, and transportation of specimens transported to the laboratory.
• Provide supervision, as needed, for seasonal or temp staff to support supervisor. 
• Assist in delivery of specimens with State-owned vehicle(s).
• Perform additional duties as required such as verification or validation, routine quality control, proficiency testing, equipment maintenance, disposal of hazardous waste, and maintenance of frozen specimen collection.
• Conduct related duties as required to include but not limited to participation/contribution to LIMS implementation and processes associated with building renovation.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the concepts and theories of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology.
  
• Demonstrated proficiency in basic microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques, which includes knowledge of basic microbial culture techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays.
  
• Familiarity with the quality assurance practices (e.g., equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency, following standard operating procedures) specific to microbiology, immunological, and molecular biology test methods in a diagnostic setting.
  
• Ability to perform calculations, measurements, and unit conversion calculations.
  
• Knowledge of laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to certification and accreditation requirements to meet regulatory requirements.
  
• Proficiency at computer use to conduct research, analyze databases, and produce written documents.
  
• Ability to coordinate assignments for microbiological sample storage, handling, specimen retention, and packaging and shipping of infectious substances.
• Skill to read and interpret technical manuals, journal articles, and other formal scientific materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise and understandable manner and prepare concise technical reports.
  
• Proficiency in giving effective oral presentations.
• Knowledge of the principles and policies governing professional ethics and rules of conduct.
• Capacity to follow work instructions and either work independently or in a team environment.

Special Requirements:

Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents. Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.  

As part of the pre-hire process, you will be required to submit transcript(s) for review for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) verification process. If selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to submit an official transcript from each accredited academic institution to verify the above. Please note that we will be unable to move forward with your application for this position if you do not meet CLIA qualifications.

This position will require work in the BSL-3 laboratory. In the context of work in a BSL-3 environment the successful candidate must understand the following: 

• All Tier 1 Staff will undergo a security risk assessment (SRA), which includes signing a confidentiality statement, and renewal every three years.
• Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents.
• All Tier 1 designated staff who may be exposed to Tier 1 Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) must complete OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C), be evaluated and determined able to wear a respirator before working in any HSLI laboratory (Tier 1, non Tier1, and non SAT) that requires a respirator.
• All Tier 1 designated staff are subject to ongoing suitability assessment to ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding Tier 1 Select Agents. Failure to pass the SRA and/or suitability assessment required for access to Tier 1 BSAT may result in being laid off if no other resolution is reached.

Working Conditions:

This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week. Based on assignment, participates in standby/on call rotation as required for response to emergent situations of public health importance. The State Public Health Laboratory performs diagnostic testing that necessitates some testing on some weekends. This position will work shifted schedule (including weekend days) as deemed necessary by the Lab Director or designee.

About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS):

The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL).

Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment. 

The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease.  The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety.  The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
 
DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems. More information can be found at: Department of Public Health | Mass.gov

 

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the  ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.   Minimum Entrance Requirements:   Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory technology, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.   Substitutions:    I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, medical laboratory technology, or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.   II. A Master's degree or higher with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for the required experience.

Based on assignment, applicants must meet related Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) requirements for High Complexity Testing.   Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.

 

 

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

 

 

COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details related to compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. 

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.