Microbiologist 1/Microbiologist 2 DOH9006
Washington State Department of Health
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Job summary
Washington State Department of Health’s Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline, WA, seeks Microbiologist 1 or 2 (full‑time onsite) for temporary and permanent roles. Responsibilities include preparing specimens, performing DNA/RNA extraction, culture methods, qPCR, and toxin detection.
QA/QC support and staff training are also part of the role. The position offers exposure to emerging pathogens and outbreak response, with opportunities to work across high‑throughput environments and various
Qualifications
- Two or more years of microbiology/molecular lab experience for Microbiologist 1.
- Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field for Microbiologist 2 eligibility.
- Laboratory training that meets accredited program criteria or documented high‑complexity testing training.
Responsibilities
- Prepare environmental and clinical specimens for analysis.
- Perform DNA/RNA extraction and specimen log‑in.
- Survey suspicious packages as part of emergency response testing.
- Perform culture‑based methods to detect bacterial pathogens and use qPCR.
- Operate Time Resolved Fluorescence and MALDI‑TOF for toxin detection and identification.
- Support QA/QC activities and maintain lab equipment.
- Enter results into StarLIMS and other databases.
- Assist in training other microbiologists and participate in process improvements.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Microbiologist 1/Microbiologist 2 DOH9006 This is a full‑time onsite position located at our Public Health Laboratory in Shoreline, WA.
We are hiring for one 7‑month temporary (non‑permanent) position and one Permanent position, both located at the Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline, WA. The position may be filled at the Microbiologist 1 or Microbiologist 2 level depending on qualifications.
- Prepare environmental and clinical specimens for analysis.
- Perform manual and automated DNA/RNA extraction, filter cutting, and specimen log‑in.
- Survey suspicious packages as part of emergency response testing.
- Perform culture‑based methods to detect and identify bacterial pathogens.
- Perform qPCR to detect and identify bacterial and viral pathogens.
- Use Time Resolved Fluorescence and Mouse Bioassay to detect toxins.
- Conduct MALDI‑TOF analysis to identify toxins.
- Learn and apply new technologies and assays as assigned to address emerging disease threats.
- Assist the lead with quality control and quality assurance activities, including media and reagent QC, completed accurately and on schedule.
- Maintain laboratory equipment through regular temperature monitoring, real‑time PCR platform calibration, and eyewash flushing.
- Use MediaLab for document review and competency assessment
- Assist the lead(s) in training other microbiologists on the pre‑analytical, analytical, and post‑analytical aspects of the work.
- Enter submitter information and testing results into laboratory databases; currently StarLIMS, Access Reference Database, and LRN Results Messenger.
- Support surge events in other laboratory sections when needed.
- Contribute to project work such as process improvement and method validation or verification.
Few jobs connect the bench to the community as directly as this one. The testing you perform helps detect biological threats, supports outbreak response, and gives public health partners the information they need to act quickly. You will be part of the Department of Health's mission to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington, and your work will make a difference in the lives of people across the state.
There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.
Option 1: Two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory that includes 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses - OR - 24 semester hours of science courses that includes Six (6) semester hours of chemistry, Six (6) semester hours of biology, and Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination
AND Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria: Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ASHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS - OR - At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent performs high complexity testing.
Option 2: Bachelor's degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, which includes 20 or more semester hours, or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms.
Option 1: Four (4) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory including 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses - OR - 24 semester hours of science courses that includes Six (6) semester hours of chemistry, Six (6) semester hours of biology, and Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination
AND Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria: Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ASHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS - OR - At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent performs high complexity testing.
Option 2: Bachelor's degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, which includes 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms; AND two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory.
- A Master's degree in one of the aforementioned fields will substitute for one year of experience.
- A Ph.D. degree in one of the aforementioned areas will substitute for two years of experience.
After a conditional offer of employment, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) background check/ security risk assessment (SRA) will be performed. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- Experience working in a CAP/CLIA regulated Clinical Laboratory.
- Experience working in an ISO regulated Environmental Laboratory.
- Experience working in biosafety level 3 laboratories.
- Experience performing next generation sequencing.
- Experience performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- Hold an ASCP certificate.
- Experience in real‑time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays.
We want you to have the support and benefits you need to do your best work while building a career that fits your life. As a DOH employee, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well‑being, and work‑life balance, with resources to support you now and help you plan for the future. Learn more about DOH benefits and what it’s like to work with us by visiting Work@Health.
Where Science Protects Communities. At the Public Health Laboratories, every test matters. From hunting emerging pathogens to ensuring every newborn in the state gets life‑saving screenings, your work will drive disease detection, outbreak response, and protect Washington’s most vulnerable. We’re the state’s reference lab, tracking rare threats like rabies, hantavirus, and West Nile virus, analyzing outbreaks, and safeguarding food and water safety. Here, science meets service in a collaborative, equity‑driven team committed to real‑world impact and public health at scale.
We’re nearly 2,700 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Our work depends on people who take action to learn and grow and who take action to meet the needs of others every day, in service of a healthier Washington. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.
You must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time; work at a computer for extended periods; and move packages or materials weighing up to 40 pounds. You will work in Biosafety Level 2 spaces while wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to eye protection, lab coats, PAPRs, double gloves, and front gowns. You will also work in Biosafety Level 3 laboratory spaces while wearing full PPE, including PAPRs, double gloves, lab coats, gowns, booties, and Tyvek suits. Your work will involve handling infectious specimens and samples and, when necessary, working in uncomfortable conditions, including warm, humid, or smelly environments. You must undergo an occupational health assessment for working in a BSL‑3 environment and using a respirator. DOH will provide both the evaluation and training. You must also undergo vaccinations for laboratory contaminants as determined and required by the Public Health Laboratory Risk Assessment. In addition, you must be able to work outside your assigned core work hours on short notice in response to outbreaks and emergency response needs.
Full‑time 40 hrs./week. Training schedules will be 8 hours per day M‑F. Start and end times may vary slightly from 8‑5pm. Once training is complete, staff will be assigned a long‑term schedule. Work schedules will include at least one weekend day and rotation holiday work. Flexible schedules including 9‑80s and 4‑10s may be considered. All staff will also participate in a standby schedule. Typically, staff will be on standby for 7 days per month but could be more or less based on need.
You may occasionally travel to training meetings and conferences both in‑and out‑of‑state.
Biosafety cabinets, Computer Workstation, Laboratory Personal Protection Equipment (including respirators), pipettes, PCR machines, MALDI‑TOF, automated instruments, Next Generation Sequencers, Automated analyzers, Incubators and many other routine microbiological equipment.
The position will be required to interact with customers. Customers may include specimen submitters at the Clinic or Local Health Department Level. Staff often interact with State Epidemiology staff and may interact with First responders, Law enforcement or federal partners such as the CDC, FDA, USDA.
This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. The DOH campus is a smoke‑free, drug‑free, alcohol‑free, scent‑neutral environment. This position may be required to conduct and/or par
We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans’ preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans’ preference, you must attach your applicable DD‑214, NGB Form 22, or other equivalent discharge or separation documentation. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document.
We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve. DOH is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, the presence or perception of a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.
If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Shawnelle Goalder at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH9006.
Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1‑855‑524‑5627 for technical support and login issues.
This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days. To be considered, please follow the application instructions and complete all required application materials. Information provided in your supplemental question responses, including education and experience, must be supported by your applicant profile. This position is located in King County. The advertised pay includes a 5% location‑based salary adjustment.
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