Microbiologist 1

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework option

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Microbiologist 1 to support veterinary diagnostic labs with molecular testing and microbiology workflows. You will identify infectious agents, extract nucleic acids, and document results to protect animal health across the state.

The role involves setting up instruments, maintaining logs, and complying with QA/ SOP standards in a federally compliant lab environment. Remote telework may be available part-time.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field with required microbiology/chemistry credits.
• Applicants may be considered within three months of graduating.
• PA residency requirements apply.

Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular tests to identify infectious agents using established methods.
• Extract DNA and RNA and analyze samples with PCR and related assays.
• Document results, logs, and enter data in LIMS.
• Prepare solutions, calculate concentrations, and manage stock for testing.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments and assist with SOP updates.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in microbiology

Microbiology credits (20)

Chemistry/biochemistry credits (12)

Education

Bachelor's degree in microbiology

30 credits in related sciences

Tools

Laboratory instruments

PCR techniques

Job description

Step into a role where science helps protect communities every single day! The Microbiologist 1 position with the Department of Agriculture gives you the chance to work with real laboratory tools that safeguard animal health. You will help uncover important information about infectious agents that impact farms and wildlife. This is a meaningful opportunity to grow your skills while supporting an essential public mission. Join a dedicated team focused on maintaining strong health standards across the Commonwealth!

This role supports molecular testing and microbiological diagnosis in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. The work ensures accurate specimen processing and contributes to animal health protection across the state. As a Microbiologist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Conduct molecular tests to identify infectious agents using established diagnostic methods
• Extract DNA and RNA from organisms and analyze samples with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and related assays
• Document results, maintain logs, and enter data in the Laboratory Information Management System
• Prepare solutions, calculate concentrations, and manage stock supplies for laboratory testing
• Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and support routine housekeeping tasks
• Follow quality assurance standards and assist with updates to standard operating procedures

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, one 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.
• 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 three months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

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 Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. If no applicable union-covered bidders apply, other applicants may be considered.

• Seniority rights apply for Temporary Microbiologist 1s
• Seniority/Promotion Unit: 001

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Recruitment Methods

• Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy:
  • Seniority Promotion
  • Seniority Unit Lateral
• When the collective bargaining obligation(s) have been met; then the following recruitment methods may be used:
  • Promotion Without Exam
  • Reassignment (Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment.)
    • Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.
  • Transfer (Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.)
    • Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.
  • Voluntary Demotion
  • Reinstatement (Former civil service employees may only be reinstated to the job title from which they resigned. Current civil service employees are not eligible through reinstatement.)

Promotion Without Examination (PWOE)

• Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications:
  • Laboratory Technologist
  • Chemistry Technician
• Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination.
• The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations.
• Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.
• Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower classes by the posting closing date with no break in service.

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.