Microbiologist

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH):

The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.

Role Overview:  

Working for Indiana Department of Health Labs (IDOHL) is a great opportunity to develop and expand your laboratory skills while supporting your neighbors throughout the state of Indiana. Located on the outskirts of downtown Indianapolis, IDOHL Serology assists with the testing and surveillance of HIV, hepatitis, STIs, and various outbreak organisms within high-risk demographic groups. The microbiologist will work closely with submitting facilities, CDC, and other laboratories to ensure that quality specimens are submitted, tested, and reported in a timely fashion.

The microbiologist in this position will support the HIV, Hepatitis, Immunization and related public health programs of IDOH by performing serological surveillance and outbreak testing for HIV, Hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea), arboviruses (West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis), and vaccine preventable diseases (measles and mumps). Other key testing functions in the Serology Lab include specimen receiving and results entry into the laboratory information system, reagent inventory monitoring, and data analysis. The microbiologist may be cross trained in other departments where they will maintain competency in other methods to serve as support during outbreak response by IDOH. The microbiologist will also be responsible for the documentation of all quality control and quality assurance associated with these assays in compliance with CLIA regulations.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows: 

• Conduct procedures of clinical specimens and/or reference samples/food samples/environmental samples for serological analysis or isolation and identification of micro-organisms or their antigens/nucleic acids.
• Evaluate, interpret, and validate laboratory results and reports findings to the submitter. 
• Organize and plan identification schemes for examination of organisms not fitting regular schemes. 
• Evaluate quality control checks on laboratory methods, materials, and equipment. 
• Coordinate the preparation of media, reagents, stains, supplies and other materials used in the transport, examination, and analysis process. 
• Prepare epidemiological and statistical reports from data compiled on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis. 
• Development, preparation and updating of procedural manuals on methods, instrumentation, and quality assurance. 
• Participate in training programs as a planner or instructor at workshops and conferences for private and public laboratory personnel. 
• Initiate special research projects designed to test and improve microbiological methods and procedures. 
• Participate in testing evaluation of new products used in clinical/reference laboratory work. 
• Work with local laboratories and other health department staff to ensure their use of adequate materials, techniques, methods, and procedures. 
• May appear at legal proceedings as an expert witness.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of microbiology and related sub-specialties. 
• Ability to meet requirements for personnel certification as a general supervisor pursuant to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988. 
• Thorough knowledge of, and the ability to apply, accepted or unprecedented laboratory problems. 
• Broad knowledge of, and ability to use, complex and specialized technical/scientific equipment and automated techniques of analysis. 
• Broad knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles. 
• Specialized knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies concerning the program area. 
• Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs. 
• Ability to compile, analyzes, evaluate and present laboratory data to physicians, veterinarians, public health staff and professional organizations.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

A Bachelor’s degree in a biological, chemical, or physical science, with at least 2 years of relevant testing experience. For roles performing CLIA‑regulated high‑complexity testing, the degree must meet CLIA educational requirements.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

   

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at View email address on us.fitly.work .