Microbiologist 1

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Department of Agriculture seeks a Microbiologist 1 to advance laboratory testing for animal health across the state. You will perform molecular assays, extract DNA/RNA, and document results to support accurate diagnoses and safe communities.

The role emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, adherence to SOPs, and potential telework up to one day per month. Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, for a limited-term about 8.5 months; residency and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or equivalent with required microbiology/chemistry credits.
• Educational requirements may be met within 3 months of graduation.

Responsibilities

• Molecular Testing: Perform molecular assays to detect genetic material of infectious agents in laboratory specimens
• Sample Analysis: Extract DNA and RNA and analyze results using approved diagnostic methods
• Record Management: Document specimen information, verify results, and report findings via LIMS
• Reagent Preparation: Prepare solutions and maintain inventory
• Lab Maintenance: Operate and maintain equipment and follow bio-safety procedures
• Quality Assurance: Follow SOPs and support accreditation requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology

Bachelor’s degree with 20 microbiology credits and 12 chemistry/biochemistry credits

Job description

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!

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

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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.