Microbiologist 2

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Chester (AR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg is seeking a Microbiologist 2 to contribute to public health through laboratory testing and analysis. You'll work with advanced diagnostic methods to detect and track infectious agents, supporting timely treatment decisions and prevention statewide.

The role emphasizes accuracy, documentation, and collaboration within the Bureau of Laboratories, with a Monday–Friday schedule and on-site responsibilities at the Department of Health.

Qualifications

• One year as Microbiologist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title).
• One year of professional laboratory work experience in microbiology and a bachelor's degree including 20 microbiology/cellular/molecular credits and 12 chemistry/biochemistry credits.
• A graduate degree in microbiology.
• Applicants considered within 3 months of graduating meet educational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Culture testing: perform acid-fast bacilli cultures and identify mycobacteria.
• Specimen processing: decontaminate, digest, and prepare specimens for culture and microscopy.
• Microscopy analysis: use fluorescence and light microscopy for acid-fast bacilli.
• Molecular testing: perform real-time PCR to detect pathogen DNA/RNA and interpret results.
• Quality control: conduct equipment checks, maintain records, and follow QA policies.
• Laboratory support: provide training, maintain documentation, and assist with specimen shipping.

Skills

Microbiology knowledge

Laboratory experience

Documentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree with microbiology/chemistry credits

Graduate degree in microbiology

Job description

Posting number: CS-2026-57069-32420

Department: Department of Health

Division: HL Div of Mcrblgy

Summary

Become a Microbiologist 2 with the Department of Health (DOH) and contribute to laboratory work that directly strengthens public health across Pennsylvania. This role gives you the opportunity to work with advanced diagnostic tools that help detect and track infectious agents. Your technical skill will support fast, accurate results that guide important treatment and prevention decisions statewide. Join the Bureau of Laboratories team that values precision, curiosity, and a deep commitment to protecting community health.

Examples of duties

This position focuses on laboratory testing that detects, identifies, and monitors infectious agents that impact public health. It involves performing specialized laboratory procedures, quality control, and documentation to ensure accurate and timely results. As a Microbiologist 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Culture Testing: Perform acid-fast bacilli (AFB) cultures and identify mycobacteria using specialized detection systems
• Specimen Processing: Decontaminate, digest, and prepare clinical specimens for culture and microscopy smear
• Microscopy Analysis: Use fluorescent microscope with auramine-rhodamine stain and light microscope with Kinyoun stain to examine acid-fast bacilli
• Molecular Testing: Use real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures to detect pathogen DNA or RNA and interpret results
• Quality Control: Complete equipment checks, maintain records, and follow quality assurance policies
• Laboratory Support: Provide training, maintain documentation, and assist with specimen shipping and customer service

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 8:30 AM to 4:30 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

• One year as a Microbiologist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of professional laboratory work experience in microbiology, and a bachelor's degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry; or
• A graduate degree in microbiology.
• 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

• This position will require the successful completion of a background risk assessment check, after hire.

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.

Legal Requirements

• You must pass a background investigation.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

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.

Supplemental 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.