Microbiologist 1

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Exton (PA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The Microbiologist 1 position with the Department of Health in the Bureau of Laboratories supports public health across Pennsylvania. You will work with samples, media, and essential testing materials in a fast-paced, team environment to advance laboratory operations.

This role emphasizes hands-on techniques, data entry in LIMS, and adherence to quality controls, with a standard 37.5-hour workweek in Exton, PA.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in microbiology; or a bachelor's degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Media preparation: prepare culture media, reagents, and solutions using aseptic techniques.
• Laboratory measurements: measure components using balances, liquids, and pH meters.
• Equipment operation: operate automatic dispensing equipment and perform filtration of heat-sensitive solutions.
• Quality checks: perform quality control on media, reagents, equipment, and procedures.
• Specimen handling: receive samples, assign accession numbers, and prepare submissions for testing.
• Data entry: enter specimens into the LIMS and track information through processing.

Education

Bachelor's degree in microbiology

20 microbiology credits and 12 chemistry/biochemistry credits

Job description

Salary

$53,008.00 - $80,646.00 Annually

Location

Chester County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-57305-32410

Department

Department of Health

Division

HL Div of Mcrblgy

Opening Date

08/31/2026

Closing Date

9/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

32410

Position Number

00094375

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00077311

Bureau / Division

Bureau of Laboratories / Division of Microbiology

Worksite Address

110 Pickering Way

City

Exton, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

19341

Contact Name

Margaret King

Contact Email

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

The Microbiologist 1 for the Department of Health (DOH) in the Bureau of Laboratories plays a key part in driving laboratory work that supports public health across Pennsylvania. This position introduces you to professional lab practices while you work with samples, media, and essential testing materials. It offers an exciting opportunity to grow technical skills in a fast-paced, team-focused environment. Step into a role where your energy, drive, and commitment help advance important laboratory operations.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position performs a variety of laboratory tasks that support specimen processing, media preparation, and quality control activities. As a Microbiologist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Media Preparation: Prepare culture media, reagents, and solutions using aseptic techniques
• Laboratory Measurements: Measure components using balances, liquid volume tools, and pH meters
• Equipment Operation: Operate automatic dispensing equipment and perform filtration of heat-sensitive solutions
• Quality Checks: Perform quality control on media, reagents, equipment, and procedures
• Specimen Handling: Receive samples, assign accession numbers, and prepare submissions for testing
• Data Entry: Enter specimens into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and track information through processing

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in microbiology; or
• A bachelor's degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Condition of Employment:

• You must possess a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirement:

• You must pass a background investigation.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.