Microbiologist (DOH/SLD #69799)

New Mexico Department of Justice; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Department of Justice invites a qualified laboratory professional to join the Biological Sciences Bureau. The role emphasizes molecular biology, with a focus on real-time PCR, in a regulated public health laboratory setting.

You will conduct standard and advanced diagnostic testing, support public health emergency preparedness, and contribute to novel assay development while maintaining high biosafety standards and HIPAA compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience with standard and complex clinical diagnostic testing on clinical/environmental samples.
• Strong hands-on expertise in molecular biology and PCR methods.
• Ability to work in regulated laboratory environments with HIPAA-like compliance.
• Education or experience totaling four years may substitute for certain requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform standard and complex clinical diagnostic testing on clinical and environmental samples, including nucleic acid extraction and PCR methods.
• Maintain compliance with CLIA standards and federal regulations.
• Participate in 24/7 on-call rotation for public health emergencies.
• Design, validate, and implement diagnostic assays across biology sub-disciplines as workflow permits.

Skills

PCR techniques

Real-time PCR

Molecular biology

Public health lab

Education

Associate degree in biological sciences

Tools

BSL-2/BSL-3 laboratory experience

Job description

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For more Job Requirements & Classification Description:

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.

The Scientific Laboratory Division (SLD) is the sole public health, environmental, and drug laboratory for New Mexico. It conducts tests for infectious diseases threatening people, livestock and wildlife, as well as for hazardous materials and pollutants in our water, air and milk. It also tests for alcohol and drugs in DWI criminal cases and for autopsy cases.

The Biological Sciences Bureau tests for indigenous and exotic infectious disease pathogens of public health significance. Towards this end, and in keeping with the mission of the laboratory, we test human clinical and animal specimens, autopsy and necropsy material, along with food, water, and dairy. Besides routine testing, we conduct regulatory and reference testing, as well as testing for outbreak investigation and surveillance.

Why does the job exist?

The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention and the New Mexico Department of Health Epidemiology and Response Division need state public health laboratories to be prepared for public health emergencies 24/7. This position serves to assist in this endeavor.

How does it get done?

• Perform standard and complex clinical diagnostic testing on clinical and environmental samples, including nucleic acid extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods.
• Maintain strict compliance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards and federal select agent and toxin regulations.
• Participate in public health emergency preparedness and response efforts, including serving in a 24/7 on-call rotation approximately one week per month.
• Support grant-funded special projects by designing, validating, and implementing novel diagnostic assays across bacteriology, mycobacteriology, and virology as workflow permits.

Who are the customers?

The job is done for New Mexico citizens, the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, New Mexico Department of Health Epidemiology and Response Division and regional clinicians, and external public health laboratory partners.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced laboratory professional with strong hands-on expertise in molecular biology, specializing in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques with an emphasis on real-time PCR (rt-PCR). This role requires a solid background in regulated laboratory environments, alongside practical experience in research and assay development. A versatile contributor, the candidate should excel in a collaborative team environment while possessing the self-motivation and discipline required to work independently.

Associate degree in biological sciences with emphasis on chemistry, mathematics, and/or computer science and two (2) years' experience in biology, microbiology, virology, parasitological, and/or molecular biology specialization in a laboratory setting. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

This is a designated safety-sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screenings in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Candidates must obtain Hepatitis B and potentially Rabies vaccinations, demonstrate proficiency in sterile techniques, possess good manual dexterity, and complete Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) certification. Additionally, candidates must be capable of obtaining and maintaining Department of Justice/Federal Bureau of Investigation (DOJ/FBI) security clearance for access to Select Agents under 42 CFR 73.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in both office and laboratory settings, primarily within a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) environment, with occasional duties in Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3). The laboratory setting includes potential exposure to biological, chemical, physical, and radiological hazards, as well as high-voltage electronic instrumentation. The incumbent must rigorously follow all safety protocols and utilize employer-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Physical requirements include extended standing and repetitive movements of the neck, trunk, arms, and hands associated with computer use and laboratory testing assays.

Supplemental Information

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For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.