Microbiologist I (Antimicrobial Resistance Testing Unit)

SUMMARY 

California’s Microbial Diseases Laboratory is responsible for diagnostics, education, and applied research programs for identification, surveillance, control, and prevention of bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases originating in humans.

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 primarily related to hospital-associated infections (HAI).

This position is Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week.  Weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required during a public health emergency.

Applicants must submit resume, cover letter, and three (3) professional references with the application.

The hourly rate for this position is $33.27 to $49.02 per hour depending upon experience/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

• 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. Assists new LIMS assay development and testing.
• 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.
• Participates in proficiency testing and maintains competency of related tests
• Assists validation/verification studies and implementation.
• Assists calibration, maintenance and parallel testing of laboratory equipment. 
• 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) certificate issued by the State of California. Applicants who do not possess the required California PHM certificate 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 standard biosafety precautions for working with potential infectious material, sterile technique, and molecular methods.
• 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 microbiology and molecular biology.

• Experience performing antimicrobial resistance testing, such as GeneXpert PCR to detect resistance genes is preferred, but not required
• One year of experience handling infectious agents in a microbiology laboratory setting is preferred, but is not required.

 Certificates/Licenses

• California Public Health Microbiologist certificate

 Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, email)
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings.

Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals

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                                          Constantly

Taste/ Smell                            Not Applicable

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 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.