SUMMARY

The position is funded by CDC’s Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) cooperative agreement. It is administered by Heluna Health which is a non-profit public health research organization. ELC supports state, local, and territorial health departments to improve laboratory capacity which supports public health laboratory testing, surveillance, and reporting.

Under the general supervision of the Public Health Microbiologist Supervisor, the Microbiologist I works within the Mycology Unit of the Mycobacterial, Mycotic & Parasitic Diseases Section of the Microbial Diseases Laboratory.

The Microbiologist I will perform and/or assist with testing patient specimens for the detection, identification, and characterization of Candida auris as a part of the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (ARLN). Under supervision, the Microbiologist I will perform molecular and culture-based testing on samples submitted for C. auris colonization screening to facilitate infection control measures. In addition, the Microbiologist I will work with submitters and other ARLN partners to coordinate receipt of specimens and reporting of required data to the CDC. The Microbiologist I may assist with whole genome sequencing (WGS) of C. auris for surveillance purposes. The Microbiologist I may also be involved in assay development and validation studies for various ARLN tests. Ability to comply with quality assurance procedures and follow good laboratory and safety practices is required.

Must submit a resume with the application. Please provide three professional references.

The salary range is $33.27 to 41.48 per hour depending on qualifications.

If hired for this position, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your start date or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require an accommodation).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Specimen receipt and data entry for laboratory information management systems (LIMS), including preparing specimens for storage and testing, maintaining culture collection.
• Detection, culture, identification, and characterization of fungal pathogens for diagnostic and epidemiological purposes using conventional and molecular techniques.
• Preparation of test reports, result summaries and other relevant documents, including reporting of relevant results and communications with internal and external partners.
• Participates in proficiency testing and competency assessments, if applicable.
• Follows the Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC / QA) policies and procedures for quality control testing, maintenance of instruments and equipment, and completion of quality assurance reports to ensure optimal performance of test and to fulfill CLIA regulations and MDL QA policies.
• Preparation and quality control testing of media and reagents.
• Autoclaves, disinfects and disposes of contaminated materials and infectious agents.
• Maintain inventory and accurate records of laboratory supplies and fungal isolates.
• Assist in the preparation and tracking of purchase requests and facility workorders.
• Assist with testing for verification/validation studies for new and/or revised procedures and processes.
• Participate in seminars and other scientific meetings as requested.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with microbial pathogens, preferably in a clinical or public health microbiology laboratory setting
• Experience with routine molecular and culture methods.
• Knowledge of sterile technique and universal precautions for working with bacterial pathogens.
• Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, email).
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings.
• Ability to complete projects in a timely manner.
• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course work in chemistry, microbiology, medical microbiology and molecular biology is required
• Experience using a PC and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Capacity to work independently or in a team environment

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

Possession of a current Public Health Microbiologist Certificate. Applicants who do not possess the required California Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) certificate but are eligible for the examination for certification may apply and be approved for employment. Public Health Microbiologist Certification within 6 months of appointment is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand Frequently
• Walk Frequently
• Sit Frequently
• Handling / Fingering Occasionally
• Reach Outward Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally
• Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs.
• Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs.
• See Constantly
• Hear Frequently
• Taste/ Smell Not Applicable

KEY

Not Applicable Not required for essential functions

Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Laboratory setting, indoor and airflow and temperature controlled. Vaccinations (recommended, not required).

Work in a BSL-3 environment may be required.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.