Environmental Microbiology Supervisor (Microbiologist 4) DOH8723

State of Washington • King County, WA

78d • Onsite

About The Position

Our mission is simple yet powerful, we protect and improve the health of every person in our state. Our Public Health Laboratories (PHL) play a vital role in that mission, providing cutting-edge testing and surveillance that keeps communities safe from emerging pathogens and environmental threats. Join the Washington State Department of Health's Public Health Laboratories (PHL), where science meets purpose. We're looking for an Environmental Microbiology Supervisor to lead a skilled team advancing the early detection of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, Legionella, Monkeypox, and West Nile virus. This work directly protects the health of communities across the state. You'll also support the National Shellfish Sanitation Program, helping ensure Washington's iconic shellfish harvests remain safe for everyone to enjoy. This role is fast-paced, and deeply impactful and is perfect for someone who thrives at the intersection of science, leadership, and public service. This is a hands-on leadership role based onsite at the Public Health Laboratories, where your technical expertise and people-first supervision will help ensure high-quality results, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across multiple testing programs.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in microbiology, or in another laboratory science that includes at least 20 semester (or 30 quarter) credit hours in microbiology, AND six (6) years of experience working in a microbiology laboratory, OR four (4) years of experience as a Microbiologist 3.
• A master's degree in microbiology or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• A Ph.D. in microbiology or a closely related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Experience performing, troubleshooting, developing, validating, and verifying molecular methods for infectious diseases (qPCR, ddPCR, sequencing).
• Ability to clearly share technical information with both scientific peers and the general public, in writing and in conversation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in mathematics, including statistical analysis.

Nice To Haves

• Experience identifying mosquito and/or tick species using morphological keys and microscopy, with knowledge of public-health-relevant vectors (for example, Aedes, Culex, Ixodes). Familiarity with insect collection, preservation, and surveillance methods.
• Experience identifying and characterizing human pathogenic viruses using molecular methods (such as PCR, RT-PCR, or sequencing). Knowledge of viral taxonomy, biosafety practices, and laboratory methods for detecting viruses important to public health (for example, enteric viruses, arboviruses, or respiratory viruses).

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a talented team of environmental microbiologists, ensuring training, performance, and quality standards are met.
• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including quality control, proficiency testing, and accreditation compliance (CAP, FDA, ISO 17025).
• Plan and review validation studies, maintain safety practices, and keep laboratory methods and SOPs current.
• Manage multiple budgets, grants, and contracts to ensure resources align with program goals and deliverables.
• Participate directly in laboratory work when needed - from testing to troubleshooting and staff training.
• Collaborate across the Public Health Laboratories to share expertise, support other teams, and advance cross-disciplinary public health initiatives.

Benefits

• We prioritize your work-life balance with one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. At DOH, you'll find flexibility, growth, and stability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees