Microbiologist

Heluna Health; Richmond (CA); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Heluna Health's California Emerging Infections Program (CEIP) is seeking a Microbiologist to support BD surveillance projects at the CDPH Microbial Diseases Laboratory. Under supervision, you will receive specimens, perform culture and identification of bacterial pathogens, and manage data entry and sample transport for CDC-linked analyses.

The role emphasizes quality control, sterile technique, teamwork across public health partners, and compliance with HIPAA data handling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, microbiology, medical microbiology or molecular biology is required.
• Current Public Health Microbiologist Certificate is preferred but not required.
• Experience with PC and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, email).
• Able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Ability to work independently and with a diverse team.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.
• Capable of secure data transmission (HIPAA-compliant).

Responsibilities

• Specimen receipt and data entry for LIMS, including storage and shipment prep.
• Preparation and quality control testing of media and reagents.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and schedule repairs as needed.
• Autoclave, disinfect, and dispose of contaminated materials.
• Culture and identify bacterial pathogens using conventional and molecular methods.
• Prepare test reports, SOPs, and communicate results to internal/external partners.
• Maintain inventories and records of supplies and isolates.
• Track and order laboratory supplies and assist in purchase requests.
• Participate in seminars and scientific meetings as requested.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Microbial pathogens experience

Sterile technique

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/Access)

Verbal and written communication

Independent work

Teamwork

Attention to detail

HIPAA data handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, microbiology, medical microbiology or molecular biology

Public Health Microbiologist Certificate preferred

Experience with PC and MS Office

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Excel

Email

Job description

The California Emerging Infections Program (CEIP) is managed by Heluna Health, a non-profit organization dedicated to public health research. CEIP operates through cooperative agreements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), collaborating with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, and multiple local health departments.

Under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor for the Reference Bacteriology Unit at the Microbial Diseases Laboratory, CDPH, the Microbiologist is responsible for testing samples received in connection with various surveillance projects conducted by CEIP. Responsibilities encompass the testing and transportation of specimens and isolates submitted by clinical laboratories participating in CEIP surveillance initiatives. Tasks include the receipt, processing, culturing, and confirmation (as necessary) of isolates.

Surveillance projects focus on microorganisms such as Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Hemophilus spp., Neisseria spp., Candida spp., Enterobacterales (including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales [CRE]), and Clostridium difficile. The Microbiologist will perform duties related to the receipt, testing, and transportation of specimens for the CEIP ABCs project. Additional responsibilities include data entry, specimen freezing and/or processing in accordance with standardized protocols and preparing specimens for storage and shipment to CDC for further analysis and characterization.

Pay rate is: $35.10 per hour.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Specimen receipt and data entry for laboratory information management systems (LIMS), including preparing specimen for storage and shipment, specimen shipping, maintaining culture collection.
• Preparation and quality control testing of media and reagents.
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment, including scheduling repairs as necessary.
• Autoclave, disinfect, and disposal of contaminated materials and infectious agents.
• Culture and identification of bacterial pathogens for non-diagnostic applications using conventional and molecular techniques.
• Preparation of test reports, result summaries, SOPs, and other relevant documents, including reporting of relevant results and communications with internal and external partners.
• Maintains inventories and accurate records of laboratory supplies and bacterial isolates.
• Tracks and orders laboratory supplies related to CEIP isolate processing.
• Assists in the preparation of purchase requests and order tracking.
• Participation in seminars and other scientific meetings as requested.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• At least six months’ experience working with microbial pathogens in an industry or clinical or public health microbiology laboratory setting
• Knowledge of sterile technique and universal precautions for working with bacterial pathogens
• At least one year experience of computer skills using Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, email
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings
• Ability to complete projects in a timely manner
• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals
• Demonstrated attention to detail

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course work in chemistry, microbiology, medical microbiology and molecular biology is required
• Possession of a current Public Health Microbiologist Certificate is preferred
• Experience using a PC and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Capacity to work independently or in a team environment
• Able to transmit data securely (i.e., to HIPAA compliant secure FTP sites or via encrypted email)

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• Possession of a current Public Health Microbiologist Certificate is preferred but not required.

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Training and certification of packaging and shipping of infectious agents.
• Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand Frequently
• Walk Frequently
• Sit Frequently
• Handling / Fingering Frequently
• Reach Outward Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally
• Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs.
• Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs.
• See Constantly
• Taste/ Smell Not Applicable

Key:

Not Applicable Not required for essential functions

Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Laboratory setting, indoor and airflow and temperature controlled
• Heluna is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.