Microbiologist 1

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Exton (PA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Microbiologist 1 position with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Health supports public health through laboratory work. You'll handle samples, media, and essential testing materials in a fast-paced, team-focused environment.

Responsibilities include media preparation, measuring components, operating equipment, quality checks, specimen handling, and data entry into LIMS, with a standard full-time schedule and no telework option.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field.
• Within 3 months of graduation, education requirements may be considered met.

Responsibilities

• Media preparation using aseptic techniques.
• Measure components with balances, volume tools, and pH meters.
• Operate automatic dispensing equipment and filter heat-sensitive solutions.
• Perform quality checks on media, reagents, equipment, and procedures.
• Receive samples, assign accession numbers, and prepare submissions for testing.
• Enter specimens into LIMS and track processing.

Skills

Media handling

Data entry

Laboratory measurements

Quality checks

Specimen handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology

Degree with 20 microbiology credits + 12 chemistry/biochemistry credits

Job description

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.

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.

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.

• 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.