Public Health Microbiologist — Real-Time PCR Specialist

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

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.