Description

Microbiologist 3

This is an in-person, non-permanent position that has a duration of 12 months and requires an on-site presence at our Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, WA.

Note: This position has been reopened to invite more applicants. If you have already applied, there is no need to reapply. Your application is still under consideration.

The PHL: Empowering Health and Protecting Communities!

The Washington State Public Health Laboratories (PHL) provides essential support to local health jurisdictions and healthcare providers in disease monitoring and outbreak response. Serving as the reference laboratory, PHL identifies rare diseases such as Rabies, Hantavirus, and West Nile virus, along with analyzing clinical samples for statewide outbreaks and shellfish contamination. With a focus on public health, PHL plays a critical role in safeguarding communities and addressing potential health threats. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to public health efforts in Washington state. Join a dedicated team that makes a direct impact on disease prevention and control!

What You Will Do:

You will play a pivotal role in protecting the health of Washington residents by overseeing testing operations for Syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis, ensuring accurate communicable disease surveillance and diagnosis. In this leadership role, you'll also support the Tuberculosis (TB) laboratory with back-up reporting, reinforcing the PHL's mission of disease prevention. As the subject matter expert, you’ll lead daily operations at our state-of-the-art Public Health Laboratory, guiding a dedicated team of microbiologists, driving improvements in methods and equipment, and ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and oversee staff training, ensuring all lab staff are trained, competent, and documentation is up-to-date.
Manage testing operations for STI lab, ensuring accurate and timely results for Syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis testing, and provide back-up support for the TB lab as needed.
Troubleshoot technical issues, provide guidance to staff, and maintain lab equipment for optimal performance.
Perform bench testing when needed to support the team and maintain personal proficiency.
Implement new lab methods, validate procedures, and ensure compliance with safety regulations (CLIA/CAP).
Participate in general lab duties and assist during public health outbreaks or surges.

You Will Be Successful at the DOH If:

You embrace cultural humility by honoring diverse perspectives and cultures.
You are committed to equity and inclusion, removing barriers, championing social justice, and fostering a sense of belonging.
You use an outward mindset to make impactful contributions, blending your personal expertise with collaborative achievements.
You excel at problem-solving and crafting effective solutions while communicating clearly across different mediums.
You are dedicated to customer service and navigate diverse interactions to build strong organizational relationships.
Your technical competence shines, making you an invaluable asset to our team!

Location and Flexibility:

Join our on-site team to collaborate directly with colleagues and be part of our dynamic workplace environment. This position requires working on-site and in-person daily, at our Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, WA.

What We’re looking for – Required Qualifications:

We value all relevant experience, whether paid or unpaid and your diverse experiences can make a difference in this role. To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the required qualification options listed and any additional qualifications included in the required qualifications section.

Option 1: 6 or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory including 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses - OR - 24 semester hours of science courses that includes Six (6) semester hours of chemistry, Six (6) semester hours of biology, and Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination.

AND Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria: Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS - OR - At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent performs high complexity testing.

Option 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science, WHICH INCLUDES 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms; AND four (4) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory.

Master's degree in the aforementioned areas will substitute for 1 year of experience.
PhD in the aforementioned area will substitute for 2 years of experience.

And the Following Experience:

Reading, synthesizing, and presenting technical information, both orally and in writing.
Reviewing laboratory test results and quality control data.

Preferred Qualifications:

The qualifications below are what would make you a strong fit for this role. While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

Experience with Treponemal testing including: RPR (screen and titer), VDRL (screen and titer), TP-PA and T. pallidum IgG/IgM CMIA assays.
Experience with 4th generation HIV CMIA assays and HIV differentiation testing.
Experience working with Tuberculosis or Mycobacteria in BSL3 laboratory conditions.
Ability to lead/motivate co-workers.
Proficient in problem solving, communication, customer service, interpersonal skills, cultural competency, achievement orientation, and team oriented.
Prefer thorough knowledge of standard office software, such as Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, etc.

Benefits and Lifestyle:

We prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "Why DOH" by visiting Work@Health.

We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH):

At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington health.

Conditions of Employment:

I am prepared, with or without accommodations, to do the following:

Work Setting, including hazards:

You’ll be required to work on-site in the lab.
You need to be able to stand or sit for up to 2 hours at a time.
You’ll work at a computer for extended periods.
You may lift and move packages or materials up to 40 pounds.
You’ll use a microscope for up to 2 hours.
You’ll handle infectious specimens and samples, wearing the required PPE such as a lab coat and safety glasses.
You may work in warmer or cooler conditions as needed.
You’ll need to undergo vaccinations for potential lab exposure.

Schedule:

You can have flexible hours between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with supervisor approval.
You may occasionally need to work more than 40 hours per week, including weekends, nights, or holidays, to respond to outbreaks or emergencies.

Travel:

You may travel 0-2 times a year for job-related conferences or meetings.
If driving is required for state business, you must be able to legally operate a state or personal vehicle or provide alternative transportation.

Tools and Equipment:

You’ll work with lab equipment like microscopes, centrifuges, incubators, and manual pipettes.
You’ll use computers, reference documents, standard operating procedures, and laboratory information management systems.
You’ll wear PPE, including a respirator when needed.

Customer Interactions:

You’ll communicate with DOH epidemiology professionals, local health departments, specimen submitters, and vendors.

Other:

You’ll wear lab-appropriate attire daily.
As part of a first-response agency, you may be called upon to respond during public health emergencies and training.
If your work involves color discrimination, you’ll be evaluated to ensure compliance with laboratory regulations.

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

We're committed to a fair and equitable recruitment process. We only consider information submitted through our formal application. We do not accept emailed resumes, cover letters, or supplemental information and will not share any emailed information with the hiring manager.

To apply, click "Apply" and complete the application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and at least three professional references (including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led, if applicable). Do not include private information such as social security numbers or year of birth.

Make sure to document your years of experience in this field or area of work along with any tools, applications, software, etc. listed in the qualifications section of this job posting.

Do attach the following:

Resume
Cover letter
References
DD-214 (if applicable)

DO NOT include or attach the following:

REMOVE personal photos – DO NOT submit any documents containing personal photos.
Transcripts
Certifications or Diplomas
Projects or Portfolios
Letters of Recommendation

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need accommodation in the application or selection process, or need information in an alternative format, contact Shawnelle Goalder at shawnelle.goalder@doh.wa.gov. For general DOH recruitment questions, email the Talent Acquisition Team at employment@doh.wa.gov. Deaf or hard of hearing contact Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1; individuals outside of Washington State contact Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6874.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

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