Public Health Microbiologist — Infectious Disease Lab

State-of-Maine; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) seeks a Microbiologist II to support clinical lab sections, identify infectious organisms, and perform advanced microbiology testing in Biosafety Level 2 and 3 environments in Augusta.

Responsibilities include real-time PCR, nucleic acid extraction, quality assurance, and equipment maintenance; training and vaccine requirements apply, with a strong emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or related field and two years of progressively responsible experience in a related microbiological field.
• Preferred ASCP Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist.
• Experience in a diagnostic laboratory performing high-complexity testing.
• Familiarity with STARLIMS.
• Knowledge of infectious organisms using biochemical, media, and molecular methods such as real-time PCR.

Responsibilities

• Support HETL Clinical Laboratory across sections.
• Identify infectious organisms using molecular methods and culture techniques.
• Perform quality assurance metrics and routine equipment maintenance.
• Conduct necropsies on animals to test for rabies.
• Support Blood Lead, Bacteriology, Virology/Serology, and Washroom/Media sections.
• Prepare reagents, media, and other solutions and maintain safety procedures.

Skills

Microbiology

Laboratory techniques

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or related field

Tools

STARLIMS

Real-time PCR

Graphite furnace

Biosafety cabinets

Job description

The Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) seeks a Microbiologist II to support clinical lab sections, identify infectious organisms, and perform advanced microbiology testing in Biosafety Level 2 and 3 environments in Augusta.

Responsibilities include real-time PCR, nucleic acid extraction, quality assurance, and equipment maintenance; training and vaccine requirements apply, with a strong emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance.