Microbiology Technologist III.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment seeks a Laboratory Technology III in the Microbiology Program to perform high-complexity testing of human specimens using culture-based, molecular, and serotyping methods. You will adhere to CLIA guidelines, train new staff, and coordinate with epidemiologists to interpret results.
This onsite role requires strong aseptic technique, instrument maintenance, and thorough documentation.
Qualifications
- Six years of relevant laboratory experience or a related science education with equivalent experience.
- Ability to follow CLIA guidelines and QC procedures.
- Effective communication with customers and epidemiologists.
Responsibilities
- Perform high-complexity testing to identify pathogens in clinical and surveillance specimens.
- Train staff and cross-train to support the unit during outbreaks.
- Maintain quality assurance and document all testing activities.
- Communicate results and specimen requirements with submitters and epidemiologists.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado.
At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado.
At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
We support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
- TERM LIMIT : THIS POSITION IS TERM LIMITED AND FUNDING CANNOT BE GUARANTEED BEYOND 07/31/2027 . THE INCUMBENT IN THIS POSITION MUST BE WILLING AND ABLE TO RESIGN ON THIS DATE OR WHEN FUNDS RUN OUT, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
- This position will be onsite and required to report to the office located at: 8100 E Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80230
join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play, to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.
- Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
- Flexible working arrangements
- Retirement ( PERA options), Medical and dental health plans
- Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
- Paid life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off
- Tuition assistance
- Wellness programs
- Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects
- Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch
The Microbiology Program includes two analytical units: Environmental Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology. This program provides accurate, timely testing to support environmental monitoring, patient diagnosis and management, and investigations of communicable disease outbreaks. The Clinical Microbiology unit focuses on detecting and identifying microorganisms of public health importance in clinical specimens. It supports patient diagnosis and treatment decisions, conducts routine surveillance to supply regional data to the CDC and local public health partners, and maintains cross-training capacity to scale testing and support other program units as needed.
This position performs high-complexity testing of human specimens to detect, identify, and characterize microorganisms of public health importance. It uses culture-based, molecular, and serotyping methods to identify pathogens while adhering to strict quality assurance and control standards in accordance with CLIA guidelines. The role requires expertise in aseptic technique, decontamination, specimen and chemical handling, infectious diseases, and operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments. As a Technologist III, this position is also responsible for the training of additional staff and cross-training to assist the unit as needed. Strong critical thinking is essential to troubleshoot testing issues. The position also involves regular communication with customers and epidemiologists to advise on specimen requirements and to assist with result interpretation.
- This position is expected to apply specialized Microbiological knowledge to perform analytical testing techniques in order to identify pathogenic microorganisms in clinical and surveillance specimens. Duties are performed according to established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and from the guidance of the unit supervisor.
- This position facilitates the execution of the test assays and performs initial review and secondary review of assay results and has been delegated some duties assigned to a CLIA-defined Technical Supervisor.
- Analytical testing duties include successful performance of high-complexity analytical testing, ensuring that all quality requirements and parameters are met in order to maintain regulatory compliance. Duties include thorough and complete documentation of all testing activities (according to SOPs), review of results, review of quality results in order to evaluate assay acceptance criteria, and efficient reporting of deviations to established methods.
- Analytical testing duties also include effective communication with submitters and/or CDPHE partners in order to resolve specimen inquiries or questions, in order to move specimens forward for testing.
- This position independently performs laboratory duties to support general laboratory operations within the Microbiology Program. Duties include routine maintenance of equipment and general laboratory cleaning and decontamination procedures. This requires the completion of instrument calibration/maintenance logs.
- This position is also responsible for maintaining supply inventory and restocking the work unit areas to allow for uninterrupted testing activities.
- This position is responsible for notifying the unit supervisor of any issues that arise regarding quality assurance/quality control. This position ensures that all quality assurance and quality control measures are completed according to the quality program at the Colorado State Public Health Laboratory.
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
C8D3XX Laboratory Technology III
Six (6) years of relevant experience in a in a laboratory setting conducting high-complexity testing and performing diagnostic, research or regulated microbiological testing (e.g., CLIA, FDA, ISO) or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
A combination of related education in science, biological science (e.g., microbiology, food microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry) or closely related education and/or relevant experience in a laboratory setting conducting high-complexity testing and performing diagnostic, research or regulated microbiological testing (e.g., CLIA, FDA, ISO) or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to six (6) years
NOTE: An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.
**This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.**
- Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent
- Knowledge of microbiology and molecular biology concepts, principles, and theories and their practical applications
- Experience performing the diagnosis and screening of infectious diseases
- Knowledge of and use of laboratory equipment such thermocyclers, autoclaves, and automated sample preparation equipment
- Experience or training using instruments for microbe identification via mass spectrometry.
- Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures and instrumentation
- Equipment maintenance skills (performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed)
- Operation monitoring skills (watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly)
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with a wide range of customers
- Knowledge of generally accepted laboratory QA/QC procedures
- Knowledge of spreadsheet, database and word processing applications
- Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills
- Excellent planning and organizing skills
- Excellent analytical skills
- A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
- Critical Status: Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
- Critical Status: be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
- TRAVEL: Conferences may require overnight stays
- Required COVID vaccination
- On-Site position
- Shift Work Required: Occasional Saturday Duties
- PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
An applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website at CO State Personnel Board Forms and Filing .
Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us or by fax at 303-866-5038 within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action.
The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.
- Completed State of Colorado application.
- If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
- If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
- All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
- Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.
- A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.
CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or
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