Microbiologist

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced Microbiologist to join the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences’ (BIDLS) Clinical Microbiology Laboratory within the Microbiology Division. This role is located at the State Public Health Laboratory (MASPHL) and performs highly complex culture and molecular based microbiological tests on specimens to identify pathogens of clinical and public health concern. The Microbiologist performs testing of clinical specimens, including but not limited to, suspected in foodborne outbreaks, to detect antimicrobial resistance and related to vaccine preventable diseases. This role assists in testing of specimens across MASPHL. The incumbent complies with all safety and security protocols and recognizes and communicates laboratory contingencies to a supervisor in real time. The incumbent performs related duties as required, including but not limited to participation/contribution to LIMS implementation and processes associated with building renovation. Learn more about what it’s like to work as a DPH Laboratory Professional. Please note: This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week. Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Follow approved, written procedure and use sound scientific practice and technical skills to perform all tasks associated with laboratory testing to include all pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical tasks for routine, surveillance and outbreak testing.
• Participate in quality management program to meet policy and regulatory requirements; perform tasks as directed by Microbiologist III, Lab Supervisor and/or Division Director including, but not limited to: following the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's defined acceptable levels of performance, documenting all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications, and performing testing and preparing results for subsequent secondary review and release following verification.
• Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment by determining when such supplies, equipment and chemicals must be ordered, and by placing purchases orders to maintain proper supply levels.
• Train new staff and participate in cross training in other laboratory sections.
• Participates in investigating and onboarding new and updated test processes.
• Communicate with submitters according to procedures regarding specimen collection, packaging, shipping, and transportation of specimens transported to the laboratory.
• Communicate with both internal and external collaborators in a timely manner to include communicating results and providing guidance on lab policies and testing guidelines, as appropriate.
• Comply with agency policy regarding safety, security, and protection in the working environment in accordance with the laboratory’s procedures and policies for biological, chemical, and radiologic agents.
• Participates and responds to emergency events.
• Apply concepts and theories relevant to specific tests that are being conducted.
• Evaluate quality control data prior to reporting results.
• Assist with the development of new test methods.
• Collect data for reporting on quality assurance indicators.
• Performs other duties as determined by the Division Director/management in response to program needs including, but not limited to, working in additional Microbiology laboratories, upon successful completion of training in assigned areas.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to coordinate assignments for microbiological sample storage, handling, and specimen retention, and packaging and shipping of infectious substances.
• Ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise and understandable manner.
• Ability to make effective oral presentations.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, journal articles, and other formal scientific materials.
• Knowledge of the concepts and theories of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology.
• Knowledge of basic microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques. These include knowledge of basic microbial culture techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays.
• Knowledge of the quality assurance practices (e.g., equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency, following standard operating procedures) specific to microbiology, immunological, and molecular biology test methods in a diagnostic setting.
• Ability to perform calculations, measurements and unit conversion calculations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to explain the provisions of the laws, rules and regulations governing a bacteriology laboratory.
• Ability to explain the procedures, guidelines, policies governing assigned unit activities.
• Knowledge of the principles and policies governing professional ethics and rules of conduct.
• Ability to effectively and professionally communicate orally and in writing and prepare concise technical reports.
• Ability to follow work instructions and either work independently or in a team environment.
• Knowledge of laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to certification and accreditation requirements to meet regulatory requirements.
• Ability to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents.

Special Requirements:

• Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents.
• Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.
• As part of the pre-hire process, you will be required to submit transcript(s) for review for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) verification process. If selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to submit an official transcript from each accredited academic institution to verify the above. Please note that we will be unable to move forward with your application for this position if you do not meet CLIA qualifications.

About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS):

The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL). Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment. The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease. The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety. The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). BIDLS Vision: Optimize the health of all people in Massachusetts and implement an equitable and just public health response by combatting infections and other public health threats.

BIDLS Mission: Use testing, analytical, and direct service capacities, grounded in data-, science-, and equity-driven public health principles, to share accurate information, provide timely guidance, and respond to infections and other public health threats, leveraging innovation and partnerships at the individual, family, community, and population levels.

DPH Mission and Vision:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism. We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory technology, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Based on assignment, applicants must meet related Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) requirements for High Complexity Testing.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, medical laboratory technology, or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

II. A Master's degree or higher with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for the required experience. Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.