Laboratory Scientist II

Open Until Filled General Description The Wyoming Public Health Laboratory (WPHL) seeks a Clinical Microbiologist/Lab Scientist to join our Bacteriology Laboratory team. The WPHL plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health by providing laboratory services to identify infectious diseases of public health importance in Wyoming. Committed to excellence in laboratory testing, WPHL focuses on supporting public health initiatives and responses in coordination with our state Epidemiologists and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In this role, you will perform high‑complexity testing and analyses, contributing to diagnosing, monitoring, and managing infectious diseases. Your work will directly impact public health initiatives, including efforts to control and prevent disease outbreaks in the state. Join us in our mission to protect public health in Wyoming and support initiatives that improve community health outcomes! Compensation and Benefits Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays Retirement – Pension and 457(b) plans that help you build a secure future Flexible schedules and work‑life balance options Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE! Human Resource Contact View email address on click.appcast.io Essential Functions Perform high‑complexity testing in bacteriology, parasitology, and molecular biology, including bacterial genome sequencing and molecular identification (PCR, DNA extraction, sequencing analysis). Identify bacteria through culture methods, using phenotypic or biochemical reactions, and maintain bacterial stock cultures for future reference. Operate complex laboratory equipment, including MALDI‑TOF for bacterial identification and real‑time PCR platforms. Enter results into the laboratory information system (LIMS), review, print, and send reports to submitters and epidemiologists, ensuring timely and accurate reporting. Communicate critical results to submitters and document all communications appropriately. Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations (CLIA, HIPAA) and Wyoming Department of Health reportable disease requirements. Perform daily laboratory maintenance tasks, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, checking and recording temperatures, and managing waste control and disinfection. Conduct quality control of media, reagents, and laboratory instruments, and ensure all preventive maintenance is completed on laboratory equipment. Write, update, and maintain all standard operating procedures (SOPs) for bacteriology, ensuring alignment with current practices and regulations. Perform and document all required quality control procedures and record‑keeping for inspections and audits. Train and educate other laboratory personnel, providing cross‑training in various lab sections as needed. Assist with the implementation of new assays, tests, and other special projects or assignments as they arise. Apply biosafety principles and maintain adherence to all safety protocols in the laboratory environment. Participate in annual proficiency testing and ensure the lab meets accreditation and quality standards. Preferences A Bachelor’s degree or higher in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, molecular biology, microbiology, biology, biochemistry, or a related field. Experience working in a clinical or public health laboratory setting. 1‑3 years of laboratory experience in bacteriology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related fields. Hands‑on experience with MALDI‑TOF and real‑time PCR platforms. Proficiency in using laboratory information systems (LIMS) for result management and reporting. M(ASCP) certification is preferred. Knowledge of CLIA, HIPAA, and other state or federal regulatory requirements. Strong biosafety and quality control experience in a laboratory environment. Experience with writing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) in bacteriology or similar disciplines. Knowledge Knowledge of microbiology and molecular biology principles, theories, and procedures, especially related to bacteriology and infectious diseases. Proficiency in microbiological techniques such as bacterial culture, plate streaking, isolation, aseptic techniques, and phenotypic or biochemical identification methods. Experience with molecular techniques, including DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequencing analysis for bacterial identification. Expertise in operating laboratory equipment, including MALDI‑TOF, real‑time PCR platforms, incubators, autoclaves, biosafety cabinets, microscopes, and other standard lab instrumentation. Strong understanding of biosafety principles and the ability to apply safety protocols in the lab environment. Ability to interpret and analyze bacterial DNA sequences and perform genetic sequencing of bacterial genomes. Knowledge of laboratory information systems (LIMS) for data entry, result management, and reporting. Familiarity with state and federal regulations, such as CLIA, HIPAA, and Wyoming Department of Health reportable disease requirements. Proficiency in quality control procedures for media, reagents, and laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with inspection and accreditation standards. Strong attention to detail for accurate documentation, reporting, and record‑keeping. Ability to train and educate other laboratorians, providing cross‑training in various lab sections as needed. Strong communication skills for relaying critical results to submitters, epidemiologists, and other stakeholders. Proficiency in computer skills and laboratory‑related software, including personal computers and specialized programs used for laboratory data management. Ability to write and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure best practices are followed and regulatory compliance is maintained. Strong organizational skills to manage daily laboratory operations, including inventory control, waste management, equipment maintenance, and supply ordering. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, contributing to special projects and collaborating across different lab sections. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s Degree (typically in Science). Experience: 0‑3 years of progressive work experience (typically in a medical or environmental laboratory) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Laboratory Scientist I. OR a substitution of 4‑6 years of progressive work experience with acquired knowledge at the level of a Laboratory Scientist I. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None. Physical Working Conditions The employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, driving an automobile, etc. Notes FLSA: Exempt The Wyoming Department of Health is an E‑Verify employer. The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version. #J-18808-Ljbffr