Microbiologist 1/Microbiologist 2 DOH9006

Salary: $4,864.00 - $7,213.00 Monthly
Location : King County - Shoreline, WA
Job Type: Various Job Types
Job Number: DOH9006
Department: Dept. of Health
Division: Public Health Laboratories (PHL)
Opening Date: 10/13/2026
Closing Date: 10/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Microbiologist 1/Microbiologist 2 DOH9006
This is a full-time onsite position located at our Public Health Laboratory in Shoreline, WA.

We are hiring for one 7-month temporary (non-permanent) position and one Permanent position, both located at the Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline, WA. The position may be filled at the Microbiologist 1 or Microbiologist 2 level depending on qualifications.

The Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Health Public Health Laboratories provide a wide range of state-of-the-art diagnostic, surveillance, investigative, and specialty laboratory services. Our scientists test for infectious and chronic disease, genetic conditions, and environmental threats. We also train the next generation of public health scientists and offer technical assistance to the broader laboratory community.
We are looking for a Microbiologist to join our Emergency Response Laboratory (LRN-B/BioWatch) in Shoreline. This team supports surveillance and diagnostic testing for high consequence pathogens, including environmental testing 365 days a year to detect the intentional release of a biothreat agent. You will also take part in emergency response testing in coordination with first responders, law enforcement, epidemiologists, and local health departments, including white powder analysis.
Key Responsibilities Include:

Sample preparation and processing

• Prepare environmental and clinical specimens for analysis.
• Perform manual and automated DNA/RNA extraction, filter cutting, and specimen log-in.
• Survey suspicious packages as part of emergency response testing.

Pathogen and toxin detection

• Perform culture-based methods to detect and identify bacterial pathogens.
• Perform qPCR to detect and identify bacterial and viral pathogens.
• Use Time Resolved Fluorescence and Mouse Bioassay to detect toxins.
• Conduct MALDI-TOF analysis to identify toxins.
• Learn and apply new technologies and assays as assigned to address emerging disease threats.

Quality assurance and lab operations

• Assist the lead with quality control and quality assurance activities, including media and reagent QC, completed accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain laboratory equipment through regular temperature monitoring, real-time PCR platform calibration, and eyewash flushing.
• Use MediaLab for document review and competency assessment
• Assist the lead(s) in training other microbiologists on the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical aspects of the work.

Data management, surge support, and special projects

• Enter submitter information and testing results into laboratory databases; currently StarLIMS, Access Reference Database, and LRN Results Messenger.
• Support surge events in other laboratory sections when needed.
• Contribute to project work such as process improvement and method validation or verification.

Why You'll Love This Role

Few jobs connect the bench to the community as directly as this one. The testing you perform helps detect biological threats, supports outbreak response, and gives public health partners the information they need to act quickly. You will be part of the Department of Health's mission to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington, and your work will make a difference in the lives of people across the state.
Required Qualifications

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.
Requirements for Microbiologist 1 level:

Option 1 : Two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory that includes 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses - OR - 24 semester hours of science courses that includes Six (6) semester hours of chemistry, Six (6) semester hours of biology, and Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination

AND Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria: Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ASHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS - OR - At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent. Performs high complexity testing.
Option 2 : Bachelor's degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, which includes 20 or more semester hours, or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms.
Requirements for Microbiologist 2 level:

Option 1 : Four (4) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory including 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses - OR - 24 semester hours of science courses that includes Six (6) semester hours of chemistry, Six (6) semester hours of biology, and Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination

AND Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria: Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ASHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS - OR - At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent performs high complexity testing.

Option 2 : Bachelor's degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, WHICH INCLUDES 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms; AND two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory.

• A Master's degree in one of the aforementioned fields will substitute for one year of experience.
• A Ph.D. degree in one of the aforementioned areas will substitute for two years of experience.

Background Check : After a conditional offer of employment, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) background check/security risk assessment (SRA) will be performed. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a CAP/CLIA regulated Clinical Laboratory.
• Experience working in an ISO regulated Environmental Laboratory.
• Experience working in biosafety level 3 laboratories.
• Experience performing next generation sequencing.
• Experience performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Hold an ASCP certificate.
• Experience in real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays.

Employee Benefits

We want you to have the support and benefits you need to do your best work while building a career that fits your life. As a DOH employee, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, with resources to support you now and help you plan for the future. Learn more about DOH benefits and what it's like to work with us by visiting View email address on us.fitly.work .

The Public Health Laboratories

Where Science Protects Communities

At the Public Health Laboratories, every test matters. From hunting emerging pathogens to ensuring every newborn in the state gets life-saving screenings, your work will drive disease detection, outbreak response, and protect Washington's most vulnerable. We're the state's reference lab, tracking rare threats like rabies, hantavirus, and West Nile virus, analyzing outbreaks, and safeguarding food and water safety. Here, science meets service in a collaborative, equity-driven team committed to real-world impact and public health at scale.
About the Washington State Department of Health

We're nearly 2,700 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience.

At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health . Our work depends on people who take action to learn and grow and who take action to meet the needs of others every day, in service of a healthier Washington. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website .
What to Expect (Working Conditions):

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Setting: You must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time; work at a computer for extended periods; and move packages or materials weighing up to 40 pounds. You will work in Biosafety Level 2 spaces while wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to eye protection, lab coats, PAPRs, double gloves, and front gowns. You will also work in Biosafety Level 3 laboratory spaces while wearing full PPE, including but not limited to PAPRs, double gloves, lab coats, gowns, booties, and Tyvek suits. Your work will involve handling infectious specimens and samples and, when necessary, working in uncomfortable conditions, including warm, humid, or smelly environments. You must undergo an occupational health assessment for working in a BSL-3 environment and using a respirator. DOH will provide both the evaluation and training. You must also undergo vaccinations for laboratory contaminants as determined and required by the Public Health Laboratory Risk Assessment. In addition, you must be able to work outside your assigned core work hours on short notice in response to outbreaks and emergency response needs.
Schedule: Full-time 40 hrs./week. Training schedules will be 8 hours per day M-F. Start and end times may vary slightly from 8-5pm. Once training is complete, staff will be assigned a long-term schedule. Work schedules will include at least one weekend day and rotation holiday work. Flexible schedules including 9-80s and 4-10s may be considered. All staff will also participate in a standby schedule. Typically, staff will be on standby for 7 days per month but could be more or less based on need.
Travel Requirements: Youmay occasionally travel to training meetings and conferences both in- and out-of-state.
Tools & Equipment: Biosafety cabinets, Computer Workstation, Laboratory Personal Protection Equipment (including respirators), pipettes, PCR machines, MALDI-TOF, automated instruments, Next Generation Sequencers, Automated analyzers, Incubators and many other routine microbiological equipment.

Customer Interactions: The position will be required to interact with customers. Customers may include specimen submitters at the Clinic or Local Health Department Level. Staff often interact with State Epidemiology staff and may interact with First responders, Law enforcement or federal partners such as the CDC, FDA, USDA.

Other: This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment. This position may be required to conduct and/or par
We Encourage You to Apply

If you meet the required qualifications for this position; we want to hear from you. Preferred qualifications describe additional experience, knowledge or skills that may be helpful in the role, but they are not required to be considered for the position. We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives.

Application Directions

To be considered, you must complete the online application in full and submit all required materials. Incomplete applications or applications missing required materials will not be considered. When completing your application, please include the following required materials:

• Cover letter : describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume : that details your applicable experience and education.
• Three (3) professional references : References must be entered directly into the designated references section of your application or attached as a separate document. At least one reference must be a current or recent supervisor.

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.

Veterans Preference : We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans' preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must attach your applicable DD-214, NGB Form 22, or other equivalent discharge or separation documentation. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion : We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve. DOH is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, the presence or perception of a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Shawnelle Goalder at [click to reveal email address] View email address on us.fitly.work and reference DOH9006.
Technical Support : Reach out to NEOGOV directly at [click to reveal phone number]View phone number on us.fitly.work for technical support and login issues.
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Supplemental Information
This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

To be considered, please follow the application instructions and complete all required application materials. Information provided in your supplemental question responses, including education and experience, must be supported by your applicant profile.

This position is located in King County. The advertised pay includes a 5% location-based salary adjustment.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

02

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status? (e.g. H-1B, F1, TN, etc.) DOH is not an E-Verify agency)

• Yes
• No

03

Are you currently employed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)? If yes, please include your personnel number in Question #3 of the "agency questions" above

• Yes
• No

04

This position is open to residents of Washington State and those living in Oregon and Idaho only. Please select the response that applies to you:

• a. I am a resident of Washington State.
• b. I currently reside in Oregon or Idaho.
• c. I do not reside in Washington, Oregon or Idaho, but I am willing to relocate.
• d. I do not reside in Washington, Oregon or Idaho, and I am unwilling to relocate.

05

A background check will only be conducted for the final applicant and only after an offer of employment is made. The information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the suitability and competence to perform in this position.Click Yes to Acknowledge

• Yes

06

Requirements for Microbiologist 1 level: I have the following qualifications (select one):

• a. Two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory that includes 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses - OR - 24 semester hours of science courses that includes Six (6) semester hours of chemistry, Six (6) semester hours of biology, and Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination AND Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria: Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ASHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS - OR - At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent. Performs high complexity testing.
• b. Bachelor's degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, which includes 20 or more semester hours, or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms.
• c. None of the above

07

Requirements for Microbiologist 2 level - I have the following qualifications (select one)

• a. Four (4) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory including 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses - OR - 24 semester hours of science courses that includes Six (6) semester hours of chemistry, Six (6) semester hours of biology, and Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination AND Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria: Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ASHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS - OR - At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent performs high complexity testing.
• b. Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, WHICH INCLUDES 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms; AND two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory.
• c. A Master's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, WHICH INCLUDES 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms; AND one (1) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory.
• d. A Ph.D. degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, WHICH INCLUDES 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms.
• e. None of the above

08

How would you describe your experience working in a CAP/CLIA regulated Clinical Laboratory?

• a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
• b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
• c. I have independently performed this activity.
• d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

09

How would you describe your experience working in an ISO regulated Environmental Laboratory?

• a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
• b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
• c. I have independently performed this activity.
• d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

10

How would you describe your experience working in biosafety level 3 laboratories?

• a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
• b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
• c. I have independently performed this activity.
• d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

11

How would you describe your experience in performing next generation sequencing?

• a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
• have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
• have independently performed this activity.
• d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

12

How would you describe your experience in performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing?

• a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
• b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
• c. I have independently performed this activity.
• d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

13

How would you describe your experience in real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays?

• a. I have not performed this activity or do not have this experience.
• b. I have some exposure to this activity, typically through observation, receiving training, or supporting someone else who was responsible for it.
• c. I have independently performed this activity.
• d. I have independently and regularly performed this activity, including in complex or non-routine situations, and have extensive knowledge in this area.

14

Do you hold an ASCP certificate?

• Yes
• No

15

I have reviewed my responses to the supplemental questions for accuracy and understand they cannot be changed once the job announcement closes.

• Yes

Required Question