Microbiologist 1

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Dauphin County, PA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Make a difference through your work with infectious agents! Becoming a Microbiologist 1 for the Department of Agriculture is a chance to be part of a team that protects animal health across the state. This role brings energy and purpose to each day as you help identify harmful diseases. You will use your skills and knowledge to assist in our mission to control and eradicate diseases in livestock and poultry. This position offers the satisfaction of knowing your efforts protect the health and safety of Pennsylvanians! This position supports the laboratory by performing molecular diagnostic testing that helps protect animal health. You will apply specialized scientific methods to identify infectious agents. As a Microbiologist 1, you will perform the following duties: Molecular Testing: Conduct molecular tests to detect genetic markers of infectious agents Sample Processing: Extract DNA and RNA from diagnostic specimens and prepare them for analysis Equipment Operation: Set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments Reagent Preparation: Prepare, store, and manage reagents, buffers, and solutions needed for testing Quality Tracking: Monitor testing performance and maintain records that support laboratory quality standards Data Documentation: Record all testing information in the laboratory information management system.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in microbiology; or A bachelor’s degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
• The candidate selected for this position will be required to be vaccinated against rabies and maintain a current rabies vaccination throughout the duration of employment.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular tests to detect genetic markers of infectious agents
• Extract DNA and RNA from diagnostic specimens and prepare them for analysis
• Set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments
• Prepare, store, and manage reagents, buffers, and solutions needed for testing
• Monitor testing performance and maintain records that support laboratory quality standards
• Record all testing information in the laboratory information management system

What This Job Offers

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