Microbiologist 1

Microbiologist 1

Are you eager to use your microbiology expertise to help protect animal health across Pennsylvania? Join the Department of Agriculture as a Microbiologist 1 and make a positive impact through advanced laboratory testing. This role allows you to use your scientific skills to investigate infectious agents and support statewide animal health efforts. You will support a team that values accuracy, safety, and public service. If you enjoy hands-on laboratory work and value accurate diagnoses and safer communities, this may be the career for you!

This position focuses on performing molecular and microbiological testing to support accurate diagnosis in a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. As a Microbiologist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Molecular Testing: Perform molecular assays to detect genetic material of infectious agents in laboratory specimens
• Sample Analysis: Extract DNA and RNA from test materials and analyze results using approved diagnostic methods
• Record Management: Document all specimen information, verify results, and report findings through the laboratory information system
• Reagent Preparation: Prepare solutions and reagents, conduct measurements, and maintain a stocked inventory of supplies
• Lab Maintenance: Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, follow bio-safety procedures, and complete routine housekeeping tasks
• Quality Assurance: Follow standard operating procedures, assist with quality control tasks, and support accreditation requirements

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Limited-term, full-time employment, lasting approximately 8.5 months.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 1 day per month. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in microbiology; or
• A bachelor's degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Other Requirements:

• The candidate selected for this position will be required to be vaccinated against rabies prior to the start of employment and maintain a current rabies vaccination throughout the duration of employment.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.