Microbiologist 1

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Agriculture – Veterinary Labs Division in Harrisburg, is seeking a Microbiology 1 for a limited-term, full-time assignment. The role emphasizes molecular/microbiological testing to support animal health diagnoses across Pennsylvania.

Responsibilities include DNA/RNA extraction, data entry in the LIMS, reagent preparation, lab upkeep, and quality assurance. Telework may be possible part-time; standard schedule is 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology or a degree with 20 microbiology/biology credits and 12 chemistry/biochemistry credits
• Within 3 months of graduating qualifies you to meet education requirements
• Vaccination against rabies prior to start and maintained during employment
• PA residency requirement

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular assays to detect genetic material of infectious agents in lab specimens
• Extract DNA and RNA and analyze results using approved methods
• Document specimen information, verify results, and report findings in the LIMS
• Prepare solutions and reagents, maintain inventory
• Operate and maintain lab equipment and follow bio-safety procedures
• Assist with quality control and accreditation requirements

Job description

$27.10 Hourly

Dauphin County, PA

Civil Service Limited Term Full-Time

CS-2026-58534-32410

Department of Agriculture

AG Vtrnry Labs Div

09/21/2026

10/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

32410

50696750

AFSCME

B4

ST06

00046131

Veterinary Labs Division

2305 North Cameron Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

17110

Zachary Bender

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

Are you eager to use your microbiology expertise to help protect animal health across Pennsylvania? Join the Department of Agriculture as a Microbiologist 1 and make a positive impact through advanced laboratory testing. This role allows you to use your scientific skills to investigate infectious agents and support statewide animal health efforts. You will support a team that values accuracy, safety, and public service. If you enjoy hands‑on laboratory work and value accurate diagnoses and safer communities, this may be the career for you!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on performing molecular and microbiological testing to support accurate diagnosis in a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. As a Microbiologist 1, you will perform the following duties

• Molecular Testing: Perform molecular assays to detect genetic material of infectious agents in laboratory specimens
• Sample Analysis: Extract DNA and RNA from test materials and analyze results using approved diagnostic methods
• Record Management: Document all specimen information, verify results, and report findings through the laboratory information system
• Reagent Preparation: Prepare solutions and reagents, conduct measurements, and maintain a stocked inventory of supplies
• Lab Maintenance: Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, follow bio‑safety procedures, and complete routine housekeeping tasks
• Quality Assurance: Follow standard operating procedures, assist with quality control tasks, and support accreditation requirements

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Limited‑term, full‑time employment, lasting approximately 8.5 months.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part‑time, up to 1 day per month. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high‑speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• 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/credits.

Other Requirements:

• The candidate selected for this position will be required to be vaccinated against rabies prior to the start of employment and maintain a current rabies vaccination throughout the duration of employment.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

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.