Mass.gov
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced laboratory professional to serve as a Microbiologist. This position is located at the State Public Health Laboratory. This role performs highly complex microbiological and molecular tests to detect, identify and characterize pathogens of both clinical and public health importance. The Microbiologist participates in outbreak testing and investigations, as appropriate. This role performs laboratory activities which support both upstream and downstream testing of clinical and environmental samples, to include screening tests and testing to further characterize pathogens and extraction protocols prior to downstream sequencing. The Microbiologist complies with all safety and security protocols, recognizes and communicates laboratory contingencies to a supervisor in real time, and performs related duties as required to include, but not limited to, participation/contribution to LIMS implementation and processes associated with building renovation.
Learn more about what it’s like to work as a DPH Laboratory Professional.
Please note:
This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week.
Duties and Responsibilities
Follows approved, written procedure and uses sound scientific practice and technical skills to perform all tasks associated with laboratory testing to include all pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical tasks for routine, surveillance and outbreak testing.
Participates in quality management program to meet policy and regulatory requirements; performs tasks as directed by Microbiologist III, Lab Supervisor and Division Director. This includes, but is not limited to, following the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's defined acceptable levels of performance, documenting all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications and performing testing and preparing results for subsequent secondary review and release following verification.
Maintains inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment by determining when such supplies, equipment and chemicals must be ordered and writing purchases to maintain proper supply levels.
Participates in investigation and onboarding of new and updated test processes.
Trains new staff and participates in cross training in other laboratory sections.
Communicates with submitters according to procedures regarding specimen collection, packaging, shipping, and transportation of specimens transported to the laboratory.
Complies with agency policy regarding safety, security, and protection in the working environment in accordance with the laboratory’s procedures and policies for biological, chemical, and radiologic agents.
Participates and responds to emergency events.
Communicates with both internal and external collaborators in a timely manner to include communicating results and providing guidance and on lab policies and testing guidelines, as appropriate. Performs related other duties as required and determined by the Supervisor, Division Director, and/or Public Health Laboratory management in response to program needs including but not limited to participation/contribution to LIMS implementation, and performing Microbiologist II level duties in other sections of the laboratories upon successful completion of training in assigned areas.
Required Qualifications
Knowledge of the concepts and theories of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology.
Familiarity with basic microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques. These include knowledge of basic microbial culture techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays.
Understanding of the quality assurance practices (e.g., equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency, following standard operating procedures) specific to microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology test methods in a diagnostic setting.
Ability to perform calculations, measurements and unit conversion calculations.
Comprehension of the principles and policies governing professional ethics and rules of conduct.
Knowledge of laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to certification and accreditation requirements to meet regulatory requirements.
Means to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents.
Able to coordinate assignments for microbiological sample storage, handling, and specimen retention, and packaging and shipping of infectious substances.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations pertaining to the prevention and control of communicable diseases.
Awareness of the laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations.
Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing assigned unit activities.
Understanding of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms.
Knowledge of the regulatory standards governing clinical and environmental laboratory testing.
Potential to give oral and written instructions in a precise and understandable manner.
Capacity to make effective oral presentations.
Able to read and interpret technical manuals, journal articles, and other formal scientific materials.
Skilled to effectively and professionally communicate orally and in writing and prepare concise technical reports.
Ability to follow work instructions and either work independently or in a team environment.
Special Requirements Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents. Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.
CLIA and BSL‑3 Laboratory Requirements
Required to submit transcript(s) for review for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) verification process. Candidates who do not meet CLIA qualifications will not be considered.
The position requires work in a BSL‑3 laboratory. Successful candidates must understand the following:
Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents.
All Tier 1 designated staff exposed to Tier 1 Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) must complete an OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire and be evaluated and determined able to wear a respirator before working in any BSL‑3 laboratory that requires a respirator.
All Tier 1 designated staff are subject to ongoing suitability assessment to ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding Tier 1 Select Agents. Failure to pass the suitability assessment may result in termination if no other resolution is reached.
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.
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Equal Opportunity / Diversity Statement An Equal Opportunity / Aff…
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.
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Learn more about what it’s like to work as a DPH Laboratory Professional.
Please note:
This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week.
Duties and Responsibilities
Follows approved, written procedure and uses sound scientific practice and technical skills to perform all tasks associated with laboratory testing to include all pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical tasks for routine, surveillance and outbreak testing.
Participates in quality management program to meet policy and regulatory requirements; performs tasks as directed by Microbiologist III, Lab Supervisor and Division Director. This includes, but is not limited to, following the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's defined acceptable levels of performance, documenting all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications and performing testing and preparing results for subsequent secondary review and release following verification.
Maintains inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment by determining when such supplies, equipment and chemicals must be ordered and writing purchases to maintain proper supply levels.
Participates in investigation and onboarding of new and updated test processes.
Trains new staff and participates in cross training in other laboratory sections.
Communicates with submitters according to procedures regarding specimen collection, packaging, shipping, and transportation of specimens transported to the laboratory.
Complies with agency policy regarding safety, security, and protection in the working environment in accordance with the laboratory’s procedures and policies for biological, chemical, and radiologic agents.
Participates and responds to emergency events.
Communicates with both internal and external collaborators in a timely manner to include communicating results and providing guidance and on lab policies and testing guidelines, as appropriate. Performs related other duties as required and determined by the Supervisor, Division Director, and/or Public Health Laboratory management in response to program needs including but not limited to participation/contribution to LIMS implementation, and performing Microbiologist II level duties in other sections of the laboratories upon successful completion of training in assigned areas.
Required Qualifications
Knowledge of the concepts and theories of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology.
Familiarity with basic microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques. These include knowledge of basic microbial culture techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays.
Understanding of the quality assurance practices (e.g., equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency, following standard operating procedures) specific to microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology test methods in a diagnostic setting.
Ability to perform calculations, measurements and unit conversion calculations.
Comprehension of the principles and policies governing professional ethics and rules of conduct.
Knowledge of laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to certification and accreditation requirements to meet regulatory requirements.
Means to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents.
Able to coordinate assignments for microbiological sample storage, handling, and specimen retention, and packaging and shipping of infectious substances.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations pertaining to the prevention and control of communicable diseases.
Awareness of the laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations.
Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing assigned unit activities.
Understanding of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms.
Knowledge of the regulatory standards governing clinical and environmental laboratory testing.
Potential to give oral and written instructions in a precise and understandable manner.
Capacity to make effective oral presentations.
Able to read and interpret technical manuals, journal articles, and other formal scientific materials.
Skilled to effectively and professionally communicate orally and in writing and prepare concise technical reports.
Ability to follow work instructions and either work independently or in a team environment.
Special Requirements Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents. Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.
CLIA and BSL‑3 Laboratory Requirements
Required to submit transcript(s) for review for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) verification process. Candidates who do not meet CLIA qualifications will not be considered.
The position requires work in a BSL‑3 laboratory. Successful candidates must understand the following:
Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents.
All Tier 1 designated staff exposed to Tier 1 Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) must complete an OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire and be evaluated and determined able to wear a respirator before working in any BSL‑3 laboratory that requires a respirator.
All Tier 1 designated staff are subject to ongoing suitability assessment to ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding Tier 1 Select Agents. Failure to pass the suitability assessment may result in termination if no other resolution is reached.
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.
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Equal Opportunity / Diversity Statement An Equal Opportunity / Aff…
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr