SUMMARY

California’s Microbial Diseases Laboratory is responsible for the diagnostics, education and applied research programs for identification, surveillance, control and prevention of bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal and parasitic diseases of public health significance.

Under the supervision of the Antimicrobial Resistance Testing Laboratory Supervisor in the Bacterial Diseases Section of the Microbial Diseases Laboratory, the Microbiologist I performs duties associated with the receipt, processing, culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, phenotypic and genotypic testing to identify antimicrobial resistance (AR) of bacterial isolates related to hospital-associated infections (HAI); in addition, this position will cross-train to provide AR testing support for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, as needed. This position is Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week. Weekend, holiday, and overtime may be required during a public health emergency.

Must be able to work flexible hours that may include weekends and holidays.

Must submit a resume with the application.

The hourly range for this position is $32.30/hour to $37.70/hour, depending on experience/ qualifications.

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation). The applicant will need to have the qualifying exemption.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Receives and checks-in specimens and isolates for testing and performs data entry into the laboratory information management system (LIMS), and other applicable tracking documents.
• Performs culture and identification of bacterial pathogens using a variety of laboratory testing methods (e.g., Gram stain, biochemical testing, MALDI-TOF, etc.).
• Performs phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing and/or molecular testing for antimicrobial resistance markers.
• Performs quality control testing of media, reagents, and QC strains.
• Accurately and thoroughly interprets and reports testing and quality control results and other applicable quality data.
• Effectively communicates with internal and external partners to gather or share information.
• Assists with method validation/verification and implementation.
• Assists with maintaining laboratory equipment and related documentation.
• Performs reagent and media inventory and places orders, as needed.
• Participates in professional training, seminars and other scientific meetings, as required to perform the functions of this position.
• Compiles information needed for grant or quality performance metrics.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) Certification issued by the State of California. Applicants who do not possess the required California PHM Certification but are eligible for the examination for certification may apply and be approved for employment. California Public Health Microbiologist Certification within 6 months of appointment is required.
• Knowledge of sterile technique and universal precautions for working with bloodborne pathogens.
• 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.

• At least one year experience working with microbial pathogens in a clinical or public health microbiology laboratory setting is preferred.
• Experience performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular biology techniques is preferred.
• Experience using a computer and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Certificates/Licenses

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

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• 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
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively under pressure

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand: Frequently
• Walk: Frequently
• Sit: Frequently
• Handling / Fingering: Frequently
• Reach Outward: Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
• Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs.
• Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs.
• See (Vision): Constantly
• Taste/ Smel: 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

General office and laboratory setting, indoors, temperature controlled

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)