Infectious Disease Laboratorian

Department of Marine Resources; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5.5% recruitment stipend

Job summary

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Maine CDC's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory in Augusta, is seeking a Microbiologist II to support diagnostic and surveillance testing of clinical and animal samples.

You will work in Biosafety Level 2 and 3 laboratories, performing assays to identify infectious organisms and assisting sections such as Bacteriology and Virology/Serology. A Bachelor's in Microbiology and two years’ related experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field and two years of progressively responsible microbiology experience.
• ASCP MLS/MT certification preferred.
• Experience in a diagnostic laboratory performing high-complexity testing preferred.
• Familiarity with STARLIMS LIS system.

Responsibilities

• Support HETL Clinical Laboratory sections with microbiology testing.
• Identify infectious organisms using assays in BSL-2/3 laboratories.
• Perform necropsies on domestic and wild animals to test for rabies.
• Support Blood Lead, Bacteriology, Virology/Serology and Washroom/Media sections.

Skills

Quality assurance

Biosafety

PCR techniques

Nucleic acid extraction

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Tools

STARLIMS

Graphite furnace

Biosafety cabinets

PCR equipment

Job description

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Microbiologist II

Opening Date: November 3, 2026

Closing Date: November 17, 2026

Job Class Code: 4219

Grade: 23 (04)

Salary: $54,329.60 - $76,232.00 per year*

*This is inclusive of a 5.5% recruitment and retention stipend

Position Number: 02000-2326

Location: Augusta

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Maine CDC's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) is looking for a laboratorian to support all sections of our laboratory. You will be responsible for the diagnostic and surveillance testing of clinical and animal samples. You will have the education and experience to fulfill the duties as outlined in the 42 CFR § 493.1489 - Standard: Testing personnel qualifications and 42 CFR § 493.1495 - Standard: Testing personnel responsibilities sections of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Law.

Core Responsibilities:

In this position, you will serve as a Microbiologist supporting the different sections of the HETL Clinical Laboratory. You will learn various assays used to identify infectious organisms while working in Biosafety Level 2 and 3 laboratories. You will perform necropsies on domestic and wild animals to test for the rabies virus. You will provide support to the Blood Lead, Bacteriology, Virology/Serology, and Washroom/Media sections. The tasks in these sections will be determined by each supervisor such as setting up blood samples to run on a graphite furnace, identifying bacteria on solid media, extracting nucleic acid, running real-time PCR, and preparing reagents, media, and other solutions.

• Perform and monitor routine quality assurance metrics.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance including, but not limited to, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, graphite furnace, nucleic acid extraction platforms and dishwashers.
• Perform other clinical microbiology testing as needed.
• Receive pre-exposure vaccination for Rabies and maintain annual titers.
• Receive a Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) or QuantiFERON TB Gold (IGRA) annually to determine tuberculosis status.
• Participate in the respiratory protection program.
• Participate in Laboratory Response Network-Bioterrorism testing.
• Obtain and maintain International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Shipping Certification.

Minimum Qualifications:

(Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).

A Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or related scientific field and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a related microbiological field. Responsible experience in microbiology may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred candidates will also have:

• Certification as American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist.
• Experience in a diagnostic laboratory performing high-complexity testing.
• Familiarity with laboratory information systems, particularly STARLIMS.
• Knowledge of and experience with the identification of infectious organisms using biochemicals, media, and molecular methods, such as real-time PCR.
• Experience with using graphite furnace for the determination of heavy metals in blood.

Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

For questions about this position, please contact Lori Webber at [e-mail].