Microbiologist I

Ncagr; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a Microbiologist I to join the Food & Drug Protection Division (FDPD) Microbiology Laboratory.

The role focuses on microbial analyses of foods, meats, and environmental samples using culture, ELFA, PCR, LAMP, MALDI-TOF, and other methods to identify and enumerate pathogens and indicator organisms. Qualified candidates will have a bachelor's degree in microbiology or related field and at least one year of related experience, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, food science or a related curriculum and one year of related experience.
• Experience with at least one of: bacterial identification; serology; immunoassays; PCR; LAMP; VIDAS; VITEK; MALDI; or microscopy.
• Ability to independently perform standardized and non-standardized complex tests under stringent time restrictions and accurately document work.

Responsibilities

• Performing microbiological analysis of regulatory samples using traditional and molecular microbiological techniques
• Reviewing data for completeness, accuracy, and consistency with standardized operating procedures
• Performing quality assurance, quality control and laboratory support tasks to maintain laboratory readiness
• Performing testing and support tasks per the laboratory’s Quality Management System and ISO 17025 requirements

Skills

Laboratory analysis

Data review

Quality control

Communication

Detail-oriented

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in microbiology or related

Tools

PCR

MALDI-TOF

WGS

ELFA

Job description

Agency Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services Division Agriculture Consumer Service Job Classification Title Microbiologist I (S) Position Number 60011598 Grade NC14

About Us

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

Description of Work

Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. The Food & Drug Protection Division (FDPD) protects the health, welfare, and economic interests of consumers of foods, drugs, livestock feeds, fertilizers, and medical devices by ensuring, through inspections and analysis, that these products are wholesome and properly labeled.

This position is located in the FDPD Microbiology Laboratory, which performs microbiological analyses of food, meat, poultry, feed, and environmental samples using cultural techniques, enzyme-linked fluorescence assays (ELFA), real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), automated and manual biochemical tests, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization with time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), whole genome sequencing (WGS), and serological methods. Through these methods, the FDPD Microbiology Laboratory detects, characterizes, identifies, and enumerates pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms indicative of unacceptable quality.

Primary Job Functions

• Performing microbiological analysis of regulatory samples using traditional and molecular microbiological techniques
• Reviewing data for completeness, accuracy, and consistency with standardized operating procedures
• Performing quality assurance, quality control and laboratory support tasks to maintain laboratory readiness
• Performing testing and support tasks per the laboratory’s Quality Management System and ISO 17025 requirements

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Recruitment Range: $52,592 - $64,000
• Experience with at least one of the following: bacterial identification; serology; immunoassays; PCR; LAMP; VIDAS; VITEK; MALDI; or microscopy
• Ability to independently and accurately perform standardized and non-standardized complex tests under stringent time restrictions and accurately document work
• Ability to work with pathogens, including Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Staphylococcus aureus
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively
• Ability to apply organizational skills and high level of attention to detail

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.

Eligibility & Requirements

• All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing.
• All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals.
• Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment.
• If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.
• * Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in microbiology, food science or a related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.