Micro-Biologist

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Wellness rewards

Health savings account

Pension plans

Paid leave

Vacation time

LinkedIn Learning

Free parking

Job summary

The State of Indiana's Department of Health is seeking a Microbiologist to rotate responsibilities and learn outbreak detection with CDC/APHL methods. The role requires strong microbiology knowledge, CLIA high‑complexity testing experience, and the ability to communicate results to physicians and public health staff.

Expect a salary starting around $53,222 with opportunities to grow based on education and experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological, chemical, or physical science with 2+ years of testing.
• CLIA high-complexity testing knowledge or eligibility required.
• Strong microbiology theory and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform serological analyses and identify micro-organisms or their nucleic acids.
• Evaluate and report laboratory results to the submitter.
• Plan identification schemes for unusual organisms.

Skills

Microbiology

Lab testing

Quality control

CDC methods

Education

Bachelor’s degree (bio/chem/phys)

Tools

CDC methods

Job description

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Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH):

The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.

Role Overview:

This position provides something different every day, as the Microbiologist that fills the position will rotate responsibilities with their teammates and learn many different testing methods. The position will also teach the Microbiologist the role IDOHL plays in outbreak detection. This position requires the Microbiologist to become familiar with parasitology and the testing options available at IDOHL and at CDC. The Microbiologist will work on projects, with the team and individually, to maintain our high-level testing with the most current methods approved by the CDC and APHL.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at$53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Conduct procedures of clinical specimens and/or reference samples/food samples/environmental samples for serological analysis or isolation and identification of micro-organisms or their antigens/nucleic acids.
• Evaluate, interpret, and validate laboratory results and reports findings to the submitter.
• Organize and plan identification schemes for examination of organisms not fitting regular schemes.
• Evaluate quality control checks on laboratory methods, materials, and equipment.
• Coordinate the preparation of media, reagents, stains, supplies and other materials used in the transport, examination, and analysis process.
• Prepare epidemiological and statistical reports from data compiled on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis.
• Development, preparation and updating of procedural manuals on methods, instrumentation, and quality assurance.
• Participate in training programs as a planner or instructor at workshops and conferences for private and public laboratory personnel.
• Initiate special research projects designed to test and improve microbiological methods and procedures.
• Participate in testing evaluation of new products used in clinical/reference laboratory work.
• Work with local laboratories and other health department staff to ensure their use of adequate materials, techniques, methods, and procedures.
• May appear at legal proceedings as an expert witness.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of microbiology and related sub-specialties.
• Ability to meet requirements for personnel certification as a general supervisor pursuant to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988.
• Thorough knowledge of, and the ability to apply, accepted or unprecedented laboratory problems.
• Broad knowledge of, and ability to use, complex and specialized technical/scientific equipment and automated techniques of analysis.
• Broad knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles.
• Specialized knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies concerning the program area.
• Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs.
• Ability to compile, analyzes, evaluate and present laboratory data to physicians, veterinarians, public health staff and professional organizations.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

A Bachelor’s degree in a biological, chemical, or physical science, with at least 2 years of relevant testing experience. For roles performing CLIA‑regulated high‑complexity testing, the degree must meet CLIA educational requirements.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b)account (similar to401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .