Microbiologist

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced Microbiologist to join the BioWatch Laboratory within the Virology Division. This position is located at the State Public Health Laboratory (MA SPHL). The Microbiologist performs and supervises clinical diagnostic testing for a variety of infectious agents using conventional and molecular methods in the laboratory. The incumbent performs highly complex molecular microbiological tests to identify and characterize pathogenic agents of both clinical and public health importance. Please note: This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week. Learn more aboutwhat it’s like to work as a DPH Laboratory Professional. Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive): * Perform and supervise the sample accessioning, determination of accept/reject criteria, and initiate sample analysis according to programmatic and institutional requirements while maintaining chain-of-custody for the samples. * Perform analysis and determine the validity of molecular test results for this laboratory within the Division. * Assure that incoming specimens are recorded, processed, and triaged appropriately while maintaining chain-of-custody for the specimens. * Perform PCR-based or sequence-based molecular assays to detect the presence of biological agents and other infectious diseases. * Maintain documentation on findings and follow strict protocols for entering and reporting test results within the laboratory information systems. * Maintain proficiency in aseptic methods and molecular diagnostics methods within either biosafety level 2 or biosafety level 3 environments. * Observe safety precautions and practices. * Perform testing and characterization of microbial pathogens using traditional and/or advanced molecular library * Perform PCR-based molecular assays to detect the presence of infectious biological agents and other agents of public health concern on human, animal, food, or environmental samples; including the application of the underlying concepts of performing real-time PCR determining cutoff thresholds and critically evaluate technical issues. Prepare results generated for subsequent secondary review and release following verification by a second reviewer. * Perform sample archival process including interfacing with other agencies. * Provide backup to ensure adequate laboratory inventory and maintenance of 3 months of laboratory supplies. * Ensure that quality control, equipment maintenance, disposal of hazardous waste, and maintenance of collection apparatus are performed. * Determine experiments that need to be performed to analyze possible source(s) of problems (i.e. technical, equipment, etc.) and implement subsequent corrective action. * Participate in generating testing and surveillance summaries and prepare QA/QC reports for this laboratory. * Supervise and train laboratory personnel and others in laboratory procedures and safety protocols. * Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s defined acceptable levels of performance and document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications. * Ensure adequate laboratory staff coverage for 24/7/365 operations. * Provide laboratory support for field responses and investigations, as assigned by the supervisor. * Provide technical support to other labs as needed. * Follow local and federal quality management program requirements to ensure that all certification and accreditation requirements, including training and competency, are met. Required Qualifications: * Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in a laboratory. * Understanding of general laboratory techniques and methods including sample collection. * Comprehension of the safety practices and procedures followed in the laboratory. * Awareness of the calibration and adjustment techniques applied to equipment used in the laboratory. * Familiarity of analytical testing methods and standard operating procedures (SOPs). * Knowledge of proper safety methods used in the disposal of contaminated laboratory materials. * Knowledge of the techniques for handling and transportation of specimens used in a laboratory. * Ability to work in team environment. Preferred Qualifications: * Knowledge of the analysis protocol and quality assurance in a laboratory. * Ability to explain, understand and follow the SOP, testing and regulatory guidelines, policies, laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the laboratory operations. * Means to follow written and oral instructions. * Potential to work independently. * Skilled to prepare statistical reports. * Capability to maintain accurate records. * Capacity to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Special Requirements: * Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents. * Must be willing to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire. * This position will require work in the BSL-3 laboratory. In the context of work in a BSL-3 environment the successful candidate must understand the following: o All Select Agent registered, non-Tier 1 Staff will undergo a security risk assessment (SRA), which includes signing a confidentiality statement, and renewal every three years. o Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents. o All Select Agent registered, non-Tier 1 designated staff who may be exposed to Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) must complete OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C), be evaluated and determined able to wear a respirator before working in any HSLI laboratory (Tier 1, non Tier1, and non SAT) that requires a respirator. o Failure to pass the SRA required for access to BSAT may result in being laid off if no other resolution is reached. As part of the pre-hire process, you will be required to submit transcript(s) for review for theClinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)verification process. If selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to submit an official transcript from each accredited academic institution to verify the above. Please note that we will be unable to move forward with your application for this position if you do not meet CLIA qualifications. About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS): The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL). Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment. The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease. The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety. The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). *BIDLS Vision:  *Optimize the health of all people in Massachusetts and implement an equitable and just public health response by combatting infections and other public health threats. *BIDLS Mission: *Use testing, analytical, and direct service capacities, grounded in data-, science-, and equity-driven public health principles, to share accurate information, provide timely guidance, and respond to infections and other public health threats, leveraging innovation and partnerships at the individual, family, community, and population levels. DPH Mission and Vision: The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism. We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances. Pre-Hire Process: A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. ADA Reasonable Accommodation: *If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: * EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io Ext. #4 First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have (A) at least five (5) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory technology or equivalent scientific field, of which (B) at least one (1) year must be in a supervisory or leadership capacity, or (C), any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below. Based on assignment, applicants must meet related Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) requirements for High Complexity Testing. Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology or medical laboratory technology, or related scientific field, may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience. II. A Master's degree with a major in microbiology, molecular microbiology, biology or medical laboratory technology or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience. III. A Doctoral degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, medical technology or related scientific field, may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience. Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range. Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: * Science Organization: * Department of Public Health Title: Microbiologist Location: Massachusetts-Boston-305 South Street Requisition ID: 260005L1