Microbiologist 2

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team in a public health laboratory as a Microbiologist 2, where your expertise will directly contribute to safeguarding the community from infectious diseases. This role involves performing complex laboratory tests, including PCR protocols for pathogen detection and evaluating new diagnostic methods. You will work in a supportive environment that values initiative and independence, allowing you to make impactful decisions. If you are passionate about public health and microbiology, this is an exciting opportunity to advance your career while making a difference in the lives of citizens.

Qualifications

• One year as a Microbiologist 1 or equivalent experience.
• Bachelor's degree with specific microbiology and chemistry credits.

Responsibilities

• Perform specialized laboratory testing on infectious agents.
• Evaluate new diagnostic procedures and conduct quality checks.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Microbiology

PCR Techniques

Analytical Skills

Quality Control

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or related field

Graduate Degree in Microbiology

Tools

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Job description

Are you searching for an exciting career in a public health laboratory where your work will assist in protecting citizens from infectious diseases? If so, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Laboratories, is eager to welcome a diligent and ambitious Microbiologist 2 to join their team of professionals. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in safeguarding public health by performing specialized laboratory testing on various infectious agents. Start your journey on a career path like no other and apply today!

As a Microbiologist 2, you will function as a primary component in preserving public health from threatening and hazardous agents through the completion of complex laboratory assignments. Duties include using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols for the qualitative detection of specific pathogen DNA or RNA, performing molecular or serological methods for qualitative detections of specific pathogens, and performing animal brain tissue extractions from suspected rabid animals in preparation for direct fluorescent antibody testing (DFA). Additional responsibilities include evaluating new diagnostic procedures, using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), participating in proficiency testing, and performing quality checks. Work involves the handling of sensitive material and confidential patient information. The ability to make informed decisions and complete tasks with a high degree of initiative and independence is essential.

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 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• 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;
• 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.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

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

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at [e-mail].

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.

• 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.