Virology Serology CLIA Laboratorian

MaineGuide; Augusta (ME); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

3+ weeks vacation leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) seeks a laboratorian to join the virology, serology and STI testing section in Augusta, Maine. You will perform testing on specimens for respiratory and vectorborne viruses, vaccine-preventable diseases, and STIs using real-time PCR and serologic methods.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s in microbiology or equivalent, with preferred ASCP/MLT/MT certification and experience with LIMS and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in microbiology or equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training.
• Professional certification such as ASCP, MLT, or MT.
• Knowledge and experience with real-time PCR and serology.
• Knowledge of CAP and CLIA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Follow approved testing SOPs and monitor QA/QC metrics.
• Perform proficiency testing to maintain competency in laboratory methods.
• Assist the section supervisor with validating new assays.
• Perform other duties as assigned to sustain laboratory operations.

Skills

Real-time PCR

Serology

QA/QC

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology

ASCP certification

CAP/CLIA knowledge

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Microbiologist I

Opening Date: October 13, 2026

Closing Date: October 26, 2026

Job Class Code: 4215

Grade: 19(04)

Salary: $21.87 - $30.31 per hour*

*This is inclusive of a 5.5% recruitment and retention stipend

Position Number: 02000-1964

Location: Augusta, ME

This position allows for partial telework with management approval.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Job Description:

The Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) is looking for a laboratorian to join our virology, serology and sexually transmitted disease (STI) testing section. You will perform testing on specimens for respiratory viruses, vaccine preventable disease viruses, vectorborne viruses, and sexually transmitted infections using techniques such as real-time PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and various serologic methods. You will have the education and experience to fulfill the duties outlined in the § 493.1495 Standard; Testing personnel responsibilities of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Law.

You will also:

• Participate in annual biosafety, chemical safety and ethics trainings
• Follow testing standard operating procedures and monitor QA/QC metrics associated with testing
• Perform proficiency testing to maintain competency in laboratory methods
• Assist the section supervisor with validating new assays
• Perform other duties as assigned for the continuance of laboratory operations

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree with specialization in microbiology -OR- an acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training.

Preferred candidates will also have:

• Professional certification such as ASCP, MLT, or MT.
• Knowledge and experience with real time PCR and serology.
• Knowledge and experience with federal laboratory guidelines such as CAP and/or CLIA.
• A working knowledge of a laboratory information management system (LIMS) and the ability to use Microsoft Office software
• Have the education and experience to fulfill the duties outlined in the 42 CFR § 493.1489 - Standard: Testing personnel qualifications and 42 CFR § 493.1495 - Standard: Testing personnel responsibilities sections of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Law
• Have the education and experience to fulfill the duties outlined in Clinical Laboratory Improvement of 1988 (CLIA) Fees; Histocompatibility, Personnel, and Alternative Sanctions for Certificate of Waiver Laboratories (CMS-3326-F); Published 12/28/2023, Effective 1/27/2024 Personnel updates effective 12/28/2024.

Thinking about applying?

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Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

• Work-Life Fit– Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize 12 days of sick leave per year.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $13,650.48 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan– The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated foranything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.