Microbiologist 2, Antibiotic Resistance/Reference Laboratory DOH9004

Washington State Health Care Authority; Shoreline (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid holidays & leave

Public health impact

Job summary

Washington State Department of Health seeks a Microbiologist 2 for the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory in Shoreline, WA. The role involves advanced testing across ARLN and Reference Laboratory networks, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PCR, MALDI-TOF, and whole genome sequencing, with an emphasis on accuracy and timely results.

You will review results, troubleshoot issues, and help validate new methods while training staff and supporting outbreak responses in public health

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in Microbiology or Molecular laboratory with required coursework or training.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant science with microbiology coursework and 2+ years of related experience.
• Preferred: ASCP Microbiologist or Medical Technologist certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform antimicrobial and antifungal susceptibility testing and organism identification.
• Use PCR, MALDI-TOF, WGS, biochemical testing to analyze specimens.
• Review results and QC data to ensure accuracy before release.
• Investigate testing issues and troubleshoot technical problems.
• Maintain QA through proficiency testing, calibration, and documentation.
• Train and mentor staff and support outbreak response activities.

Skills

Microbiology principles

Laboratory testing

Quality control / QA

Result interpretation

Troubleshooting

STARLIMS / LIMS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related field

ABHES/CAHEA approved CLIA training program

Tools

STARLIMS

MALDI-TOF

PCR

Whole genome sequencing

Job description

Microbiologist 2, Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory

This is a full-time onsite position located at our Public Health Laboratory in Shoreline, WA.

The Opportunity

As a Microbiologist 2 in the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory, you will perform specialized testing to detect and characterize antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi that can pose serious public health risks. Working across the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (ARLN) and Reference Laboratory, you will use methods such as antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PCR, MALDI-TOF, whole genome sequencing, and biochemical testing to identify organisms and provide accurate, timely results.

Your work will go beyond running tests. You will review results and quality control data, troubleshoot technical issues, maintain testing quality, and contribute to the validation and implementation of new laboratory methods. You will also share your expertise by training and mentoring other laboratory staff and helping strengthen practices across the lab.

The results produced by this team help public health partners understand and respond to antibiotic resistance and emerging threats such as Candida auris and carbapenemase-producing organisms. During outbreaks and other public health emergencies, you may also provide testing support in other areas of the Public Health Laboratories.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Perform antimicrobial and antifungal susceptibility testing, organism identification, and screening for antibiotic-resistant and emerging pathogens.
• Use laboratory methods including PCR, MALDI-TOF, whole genome sequencing, biochemical testing, AST, and AFST to analyze submitted specimens.
• Review testing results, quality control data, and supporting documentation to ensure results are accurate and ready for release.
• Investigate testing, assay, and quality control issues, identify root causes, and work with laboratory staff to resolve technical problems.
• Maintain laboratory quality through QC/QA activities, proficiency testing, equipment maintenance and calibration, inventory, and accurate documentation.
• Develop and perform validations, verifications, and risk assessments for new or updated laboratory methods, equipment, and processes.
• Train and mentor microbiologists, laboratory technicians, students, and fellows on testing methods, procedures, and good laboratory practices.
• Maintain competency across applicable testing methods and provide bench and surge testing during outbreaks, staffing needs, and other public health response activities.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Put your microbiology expertise to work on complex testing. You’ll use a range of advanced methods while building expertise across both the ARLN and Reference Laboratory.
• Have a voice in how the lab works. You’ll troubleshoot challenging testing issues, contribute to new methods and processes, and share your knowledge with other laboratory professionals.
• Help detect emerging public health threats. Your work provides information public health partners rely on to identify and respond to antibiotic-resistant organisms and other infectious disease threats.
• Strengthen public health laboratory capacity. By maintaining high-quality testing, mentoring others, and supporting outbreak response, you’ll help ensure Washington has reliable laboratory services when they are needed most.

What you Bring

You’re a microbiologist who enjoys both the technical and problem-solving sides of laboratory work. You’re comfortable working across different testing methods, digging into unexpected results, and maintaining high standards for quality and accuracy. You communicate well with colleagues, share your expertise with others, and value working on a team where different perspectives and experiences strengthen the work. Most importantly, you understand that behind every specimen and result is a public health decision that depends on getting the science right.

Required Qualifications

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

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 ABHES, 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 the aforementioned areas will substitute for 1 year of experience
• A PhD in the aforementioned areas will substitute for 2 years of experience

And the following knowledge, skills, and experience

• Knowledge of microbiology principles and standard laboratory practices.
• Experience performing laboratory testing using established methods, procedures, and protocols.
• Skill in reviewing and interpreting laboratory test results and quality control data.
• Skill in troubleshooting laboratory testing and resolving technical or quality control issues.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and quality control principles and practices.

Required Competencies

• Cultural Humility - You are curious, self-aware, and open to perspectives and experiences different from your own. You will continue to learn, reflect on your own assumptions and biases, adapt your approach, and build respectful relationships where different cultures, identities, and perspectives are valued.
• Equity and Inclusion - You are committed to creating an environment where people feel valued, included, and supported. You will consider how decisions affect people with different backgrounds and experiences, remove barriers where possible, and incorporate diverse perspectives and lived experiences into your work.
• People Impact Orientation - You understand that how you work can have a meaningful impact on others. You will seek to understand the needs and experiences of the people affected by your work, take responsibility for your impact, and adjust your approach when needed to create better outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified as Microbiologist (ASCP) or Medical Technologist (ASCP)
• Experience working in a public health or reference laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of College of American Pathologists (CAP) standards.
• Experience with antimicrobial resistance testing or surveillance, particularly emerging organisms such as Candida auris or carbapenemase-producing organisms.
• Experience using STARLIMS or a similar laboratory information management system (LIMS).

Employee Benefits

We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health.

The Public Health Laboratories – 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.

About the Washington State Department of Health

We're nearly 2,000 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. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.

What Expect (Working Conditions)

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Setting, Hazards, Tools and Equipment

This is an onsite position working in the Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, WA. The work involves handling bacterial and fungal pathogens and human specimens, using standard laboratory equipment, biological safety cabinets, microscopes, and required PPE, including gowns, gloves, and respirators. Some work may require standing or using a microscope for up to two hours at a time. The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, and scent-neutral environment. This position may also participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

Due to potential laboratory exposure, this position may require vaccinations for laboratory contaminants as determined by management. Respirator use may also be required. If required, DOH will provide the necessary medical evaluation, fit testing, and training.

Schedule and Travel

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with work outside regular hours as needed for outbreaks or emergency response and participation in a rotating 24/7 on-call schedule. Limited travel, typically up to two trips per year, may be required for conferences or partner meetings. This role also interacts with specimen submitters, local health officials, and state epidemiology staff.

Representation

This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).