Principal Microbiologist (35 Hour) (Office/On-site)

Department of Public Health; Rocky Hill (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Public Health in Rocky Hill, Connecticut seeks a Principal Microbiologist to lead the State Public Health Laboratory's Advanced Molecular Diagnostics program. This leadership role oversees molecular diagnostic workflows including RT-PCR, sequencing, and assay validation, to support outbreak investigations, surveillance, and statewide public health response.

Internal promotion for current DPH staff.

Qualifications

• Eight years of experience in public health or medical laboratory in microbiology, biochemistry, or molecular biology.
• Two years at full working level in microbiology (Microbiologist 2 level for state employees).
• Experience with clinical molecular diagnostic techniques including RT-PCR and sequencing.
• Experience with whole genomic sequencing (WGS) wet preparation workflow.
• Experience coordinating workflow priorities while maintaining Biosafety Level 2 practices.
• Experience with quality assurance and regulatory compliance procedures for clinical laboratories.

Skills

RT-PCR

Sequencing

WGS

Biosafety Level 2

Quality assurance

Regulatory compliance

Laboratory leadership

Outbreak investigations

Job description

The Principal Microbiologist leads the State Public Health Laboratory's Advanced Molecular Diagnostics program in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, overseeing molecular diagnostic workflows including RT-PCR, sequencing, and assay validation. This is an internal promotional opportunity for current DPH employees working in a leadership role that supports outbreak investigations, surveillance, and statewide public health response through high-complexity molecular diagnostics. The position involves managing laboratory operations, ensuring quality assurance, and coordinating with public health partners on test methods and results.

Key qualifications

• Eight years of experience in public health or medical laboratory in microbiology, biochemistry, or molecular biology
• Two years at full working level in microbiology (Microbiologist 2 level for state employees)
• Experience with clinical molecular diagnostic techniques including RT-PCR and sequencing
• Experience with whole genomic sequencing (WGS) wet preparation workflow
• Experience coordinating workflow priorities while maintaining Biosafety Level 2 practices
• Experience with quality assurance and regulatory compliance procedures for clinical laboratories