Associate Laboratory Microbiologist, Bureau of the Public Health Laboratory

City of New York • New York City, NY

9d

About The Position

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Public Health Laboratory (PHL) seeks an Associate Laboratory Microbiologist I to support laboratory testing and responses to public health threats, including COVID-19, vaccine-preventable diseases, HIV, Legionella, and respiratory, foodborne, and waterborne disease outbreaks. The role works as part of a multidisciplinary team and collaborates with local, state, federal, and academic partners.

The position performs high- and moderate-complexity testing on clinical and environmental specimens using manual and automated methods and specialized instrumentation. Work takes place in BSL-2 and high-containment BSL-3 laboratories. The role also supports laboratory operations, administration, quality systems, biosafety, data management, and supplies and equipment management. The candidate must hold or be eligible for a New York State Clinical Laboratory Technologist License.

Requirements

• Hold or be eligible for a New York State Clinical Laboratory Technologist License.
• Meet one of the stated education and experience pathways: a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university specializing in medical technology or a chemical, physical, or biological science, plus one year of laboratory experience at the technologist level in the appropriate specialty; or 90 college credits from an accredited college or university, the specified coursework for the applicable training-completion period, and one year of laboratory experience at the technologist level in the appropriate specialty.
• For training completed before September 15, 1963, the 90-credit pathway requires at least 24 combined credits in chemistry and biology, including at least nine chemistry credits (six in inorganic chemistry) and at least 12 biology credits pertinent to medical sciences.
• For training completed after September 15, 1963, the 90-credit pathway requires 16 chemistry credits acceptable toward a chemistry major, including at least six credits in inorganic chemistry; 16 biology credits acceptable toward a biology major; and three mathematics credits.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a clinical or environmental diagnostic testing laboratory.
• Possess or be eligible for a New York State Clinical Laboratory Technologist License as described in Article 165 of the New York State Education Law, effective September 7, 2008.

Responsibilities

• Assist laboratory supervisors with routine laboratory operations and administrative tasks.
• Perform high- and moderate-complexity laboratory testing and procedures on clinical and environmental specimens submitted to the PHL.
• Use manual and automated methods and specialized instrumentation in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories.
• Generate reports, maintain records, and perform tasks related to laboratory testing.
• Cross-train in methods and techniques across the PHL to assist with routine operations and surge events as needed.
• Perform and/or provide oversight of laboratory administrative functions.
• Use the Laboratory Information System for data entry, queries, and verification of testing results.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment using the PHL inventory tracking system or an alternative system when implemented.
• Assist laboratory supervisors with quality control, participate in quality assurance, and take corrective action when needed.
• Maintain and monitor general and unit-specific biosafety and infection-control programs.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for federal or state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs.
• Premium-free health insurance plan.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available depending on the position’s associated union or benefit fund.
• Public-sector defined benefit pension plan.
• Tax-deferred savings program.
• Worksite Wellness Program.
• Depending on the position, the possibility of working from home up to two days during the week.
• Job security compared with private-sector employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level