Virology Serology CLIA Laboratorian

Department of Health and Human Services; United States; Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Parental leave

Job summary

The Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) seeks a Microbiologist I to join our virology, serology, and STI testing section in Augusta, ME. This role involves performing tests on respiratory and vaccine-preventable viruses, as well as STI pathogens, using RT-PCR, extraction and serologic methods.

Minimum qualifications include a biology bachelor’s degree with microbiology specialization or equivalent, plus relevant certifications and experience with PCR, serology,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in microbiology or equivalent education/experience.
• Certification such as ASCP/MLT/MT preferred.
• Experience with real-time PCR and serology desirable.
• Knowledge of CLIA/CAP guidelines; familiarity with LIMS and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing on specimens for respiratory viruses, vaccine-preventable viruses, vectorborne viruses and STIs using RT-PCR, nucleic acid extraction and serologic methods.
• Participate in biosafety, chemical safety and ethics trainings; follow SOPs and QA/QC metrics; perform proficiency testing.
• Assist the section supervisor with validating new assays; maintain competency in laboratory methods.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support ongoing laboratory operations.

Skills

Real-time PCR

Serology

LIMS

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology

ASCP/MLT/MT certification

Job description

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.

• 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.

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.

Contact

For questions about this position, please contact Trevor Rivard at [e-mail]. To request a paper application, please contact Mandy Hernandez at [e-mail].

Benefits

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—\"Dirigo\" or \"I lead\"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day.

We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• 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 pays 85%-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 leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six 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.
• 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 for anything less than full-time.

Company Culture

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Accommodations

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.