Senior Microbiologist

New Mexico Department of Health; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Department of Health’s Scientific Laboratory Division seeks a scientist to advance molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases. The role supports CDC and NMDOH epidemiology and response in tracking outbreaks and emergencies.

The ideal candidate has molecular lab experience, NGS assay development skills, and strong technical writing ability for validation reports and SOPs within CLIA/CAP-regulated environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a biological sciences field (chemistry, math, or CS emphasis).
• Extensive experience in a molecular laboratory setting is preferred.
• Strong technical writing skills for validation reports and SOPs.
• Experience in CLIA/CAP regulated environments is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and validate new molecular assays for infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
• Lead analysts, provide direction, and review work to ensure quality.
• Performs clinical diagnostic testing while complying with CLIA/CAP and federal regulations.
• Prepare for and respond to public health emergencies with rapid diagnostic testing.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological sciences (chemistry, mathematics, and/or computer science emphasis)

Job description

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date. The Scientific Laboratory Division (SLD) is the sole public health, environmental, and drug laboratory for New Mexico. It conducts tests for infectious diseases threatening people, livestock and wildlife, as well as for hazardous materials and pollutants in our water, air and milk. It also tests for alcohol and drugs in DWI (Driving while intoxicated) criminal cases and for autopsy cases. The Biological Sciences Bureau tests for indigenous and exotic infectious disease pathogens of public health significance. Towards this end, and in keeping with the mission of the laboratory, we test human clinical and animal specimens, autopsy and necropsy material, along with food, water, and dairy. Besides routine testing, we conduct regulatory and reference testing, as well as testing for outbreak investigation and surveillance.

Why does the job exist?

The Scientific Laboratory Division (SLD) requires advanced scientific expertise to investigate, develop, and validate new molecular-based diagnostic assays for infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. This position supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Epidemiology and Response Division in tracking, identifying, and responding to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies across New Mexico.

How does it get done?

• Investigates and validates new next generation sequencing-based assays for diagnostic testing of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance as well as surveillance. Writes validation proposals, comprehensive validation reports, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for newly adopted methodologies.
• Serves as lead analyst by guiding, directing, and reviewing the work of other analysts involved in research, assay development, and reagent/equipment preparation. Provides recommendations on experimental design and next steps.
• Performs clinical diagnostic testing while ensuring full compliance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), College of American Pathologists (CAP), and federal regulations governing select agents and toxins. Collaborates with section management and supervisors to maintain quality standards and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Prepares for and responds to public health emergencies by providing rapid diagnostic testing as required.

Note: This is a Sponsored Term Position with limited grant funding.

Who are the customers?

Citizens of New Mexico, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the NMDOH Epidemiology and Response Division, regional clinicians, and external public health laboratory partners.

Ideal Candidate

An ideal candidate will have research experience in a molecular laboratory setting, with extensive expertise in Next Generation Sequencing, including developing assays and validating complete testing methods. Strong experience working within a regulated laboratory (CLIA/CAP) and documented clinical laboratory experience is highly preferred. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical writing skills for drafting validation proposals, reports, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). They should demonstrate strong leadership capabilities to guide and lead analysts, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and communicate clearly across multidisciplinary public health teams.

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences (chemistry, mathematics, and/or computer science emphasis) and one (1) year of laboratory experience in biology, microbiology, virology, parasitology, and/or molecular biology. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling five (5) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

This position is designated a safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Must obtain Hepatitis B and possibly Rabies vaccination. Must demonstrate sterile techniques, and good manual dexterity. Successful completion of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) certification.

Working Conditions

Office and Laboratory setting. Work is performed in a fully functional laboratory containing biological, chemical, physical, and radiological hazards. Work is performed both at computers to analyze data, research methods, write reports and procedures and in the BSL2 laboratory. Incumbent will be required to use all applicable safety equipment provided by the employer and follow all safety precautions specified by the employer. There will be extended standing, repetitive trunk/arm/hand/neck movements with computer usage or assay/methodologies utilized. Work involves using high voltage electronic instrumentation, and high-pressure gas cylinders.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.