Senior Microbiologist

SUMMARY

The Drinking Water and Radiation Laboratory Branch (DWRLB) is seeking a Senior Microbiologist (Environmental Microbiology) to implement testing in support of environmental microbiology outbreak response and wastewater surveillance (WWS). The incumbent will develop and optimize sample processing methods for various source matrices, such as potable and non-potable water and wastewater samples, targeting environmental pathogens to support outbreak response efforts. The lab work will include implementation and validation of PCR-based molecular assays and operation of related genomic platforms to detect genetic targets associated with bacteria, viruses, fungi, and microorganisms corresponding disease outbreaks. The incumbent will also provide laboratory support for WWS targeting SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens of concern, including related method validations, pilot testing, and development of metrics for investigational action. DWRLB is an accredited and regulatory compliant laboratory for environmental testing.

The hourly range for this position is $49.04 per hour to $52.40 per hour, commensurate with experience/qualifications.

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 accommodation). The applicant will need to have the qualifying exemption.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs, interprets, and reports complex diagnostic and reference testing of  microbiological organisms from environmental samples, including PCR and genomic sequencing methods according to established protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Processes environmental samples from water and wastewater and surface sources for detecting against SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogen targets of concern.
• Develops and implements routine and novel molecular-based assays, and performs nucleic acid extractions from various environmental matrices, targeting common waterborne microorganisms or pathogens of concern.
• Characterize new or “emerging” infectious microorganisms or pathogens in environmental samples (such as wastewater, et cetera).
• Develops metrics from molecular test system outputs to inform public health decisions and investigative action.
• Coordinates communications and reporting of lab results from molecular test systems in pilot testing applications with other departmental divisions and Public Health partner organizations.
• Adheres to laboratory quality requirements and provides support for quality assurance.
• Maintains laboratory records of environmental sample sources, viral stocks, bacterial isolates, and experimental reagents.
• Performs other laboratory duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive experience with sterile technique, PCR-based molecular methods, molecular biology techniques, and knowledge of laboratory work environments
• Software experience with Primer 3 Plus application, or equivalent assay design systems
• Experience with Biological Safety Level-2 infectious agent laboratory environments, environmental microorganisms, infectious agents, and universal safety precautions
• Ability to accurately perform micro-manipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory instrumentation and equipment
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Professional fluency in verbal communication and writing skills

Education/Experience  

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course and laboratory work in biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field, and 1-4 years professional laboratory experience. Master of Science degree in one of these fields and/or professional laboratory experiences is highly desirable.

Certificates/Licenses

• Public Health Microbiologist certificate is desirable, but not required

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Outlook, Teams, WebEX, GraphPad Prism, Primer 3 plus, BioRad and QIAgen molecular platforms, NCBI GenBank.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings
• Ability to work effectively work on a multidisciplinary team
• Possess developed organization and documentation skills 

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: Constantly
• 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

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.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.