Microbiologist 2

Washington State University • Puyallup, WA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Opportunity: Under general supervision, performs accurate and timely testing in multiple microbiological sub-disciplinaries that include microbiology (bacteriology, mycology), immunodiagnostics/serology, and molecular diagnostics ( PCR ) to support client centric avian health and food safety surveillance and diagnostic testing. Responsibilities include sample processing, assay execution, troubleshooting, laboratory quality assurance/ quality control, test reporting, and participation in assay development. Eligibility and understanding of BSL -2 laboratory safety guidelines and work environment is required. Additional Information: This is a full time (100 % FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible. Monthly Salary: $5,011 to $6,735 | Range 54 (Steps A-M) | Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28 . In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Classified staff and Total Compensation .

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree with a major in microbiology or a major in another laboratory science provided that at least 20 semester or 30 quarter credit hours in microbiology are included AND two years of professional experience in a microbiology laboratory.
• A Master's degree in one of the aforementioned fields may be substituted for one year of experience.
• A Ph.D. degree in one of the aforementioned fields may be substituted for two years of experience OR equivalent education/experience.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday.
• Ability to work rotating Holidays and weekends as necessary.
• Ability to work flexible schedule, if necessary.
• Must not have routine exposure to avian species, including pet birds, or frequent poultry farm visits, due to biosafety regulations/policy/concerns.
• Physical eligibility required for working in a BSL-2 environment.
• See the following link for more information: Biosafety/Biocontainment Plan Guidance: Provision Requirements | Compliance | Federal Select Agent Program

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in microbiology or closely related field of study.
• Work experience with medical or laboratory data base(s).
• Experience handling biological specimens.
• Experience in sterile technique.
• Experience working with zoonotic agents in appropriate biosafety levels.
• Knowledge of infectious diseases.
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in isolation of DNA/ RNA from tissue and body fluids/samples and use of PCR in identification of microbial agents.
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge to perform primary isolation techniques of microorganisms.
• Experience working with automated lab testing procedures, i.e. ELISA.
• Work experience in a diagnostic laboratory setting.
• Experience working with SOPs and/or a Quality System.
• Familiarity with Veterinary Medicine.

Responsibilities

• sample processing
• assay execution
• troubleshooting
• laboratory quality assurance/ quality control
• test reporting
• participation in assay development

Benefits

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation
• optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

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