Microbiologist II (79234)

Overview Job Details: Job Location: Department of Health - Bureau of Laboratories – Exton, PA 19341. Position Type: Full-Time. Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree. Job Shift: Day. Job Category: Medical Technician & Support. MHM Solutions, a Centurion Health company, is the provider of healthcare staffing solutions to state agencies within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We are currently seeking a full-time Microbiologist II to join our team at the Department of Laboratories – Exton office located in Exton, Pennsylvania. This position is under the direct supervision of the Advance Molecular Detection (AMD) Coordinator. The candidate communicates and collaborates regularly with the Supervisor, Division Director, and other laboratory team members. Responsibilities Support the AMD Coordinator in the implementation of new/advanced molecular technologies, such as high throughput liquid handlers, sequencers or PCR platforms. Provide technical assistance regarding new sequencing platform search, review, optimization, and validation. Perform whole genome sequencing (WGS) on pathogenic bacteria, virus and fungal organisms. This includes wet lab genomic library preparation, sequencing and QC/troubleshooting; it also includes dry lab sequence analysis, cluster detection and communication with Bioinformatician for further analysis. Perform nucleic acid extraction of clinical isolates for use in various molecular testing procedures such as real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for qualitative detection of infectious bacterial or viral pathogens. Analyze and interpret results. Assist with isolation and identification of clinically significant infectious bacterial species by both conventional and molecular techniques. Use Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to accession specimens, manage samples through testing processes, and report laboratory results to ensure timely reporting to laboratory clients and public health partners. Participate in proficiency testing to ensure and maintain high quality standards of testing for molecular detection of different viruses and typing/subtyping to ensure compliance with CLIA regulations. Perform quality control checks on equipment, reagents, controls, and procedures to ensure reliability of test results and protect public health. Follow Bureau Quality Control and Quality Assurance Policies to ensure accurate results and outstanding customer service. Provide technical consultation and training on technical matters for new laboratory employees, public health agencies, students, and PA clinical microbiology laboratories to ensure understanding of virology testing and surveillance. Prepare, package and ship outsource tests to ensure all referral testing is performed. Provide customer service via telephone to submitting agencies by providing timely laboratory results and laboratory status updates that aid in decisions about diagnosis, effective treatments, and control efforts. Provide technical support to submitting agencies about specimen collections and laboratory testing procedures to ensure proper collection of specimens in facilities and Public Health Local laboratories. Engage in educational activities to increase technical knowledge and skills through literature searches and attendance at conferences. Share information gained from external training opportunities with colleagues to keep staff up to date. Adhere to safety policies as described in the Bureau of Laboratories Policy Manual, Chemical Hygiene Plan, and Bloodborne Pathogens Plan to ensure personal and public safety. Role Description This is advanced professional work in the field of microbiology in a base laboratory or mobile laboratory setting. An employee uses advanced microbiological and biomedical techniques in the examination of samples and specimens and may direct the work activities of a small group of staff. Work includes development and implementation of new methods and techniques. The role involves independent research to develop and modify testing methods and procedures and performing advanced microbiological analysis with access to advanced testing procedures and equipment. Work is performed independently but is subject to periodic supervisory review. Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS One year of professional laboratory work experience in microbiology, and a bachelor’s degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry; or a graduate degree in microbiology. Certain positions require possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. Certain positions require successful completion of a background risk assessment check. Experience with sequencing is required. Advance Molecular Detection experience is required. Shift and Location Shift: 40 hours per week – Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Location: 110 Pickering Way, Exton, PA 19341 #J-18808-Ljbffr Centurion Health