Microbiologist I (Foodborne & Waterborne Diseases Section - Genotyping Unit)
About The Position
California’s Microbial Diseases Laboratory is responsible for the diagnostics, education, and applied research programs for identification, surveillance, control, and prevention of bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases originating in humans. Under the direction of the Supervisor of the Genotyping Unit, Foodborne & Waterborne Diseases Section of the Microbial Diseases Laboratory Program, the microbiologist performs duties associated with the receipt, processing, culture, and genetic fingerprinting of bacterial isolates. The position will require on-job training and certification in Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for participation in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention PulseNet Network outbreak surveillance program. The position is Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week; weekend, holiday, and overtime may be required during a public health emergency.
Requirements
- Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
- Knowledge of standard biosafety precautions for working with potential infectious material, sterile technique, and molecular methods (PCR; sequencing).
- Minimum of one year of experience handling infectious agents in a microbiology laboratory setting.
- Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course work in microbiology and molecular biology is required.
- 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
Nice To Haves
- Experience performing molecular biology techniques, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), sequencing, and DNA extraction is preferred, but not required.
Responsibilities
- Cultivate bacterial pathogens and quality control strains.
- Perform genetic fingerprinting of bacterial pathogens using WGS and other molecular techniques.
- Analyze genomic sequences using BioNumerics software.
- Participate in proficiency testing and maintain PulseNet certification in WGS.
- Maintain the database of genetic information, participate in reporting of the results, and communicate effectively with internal and external partners.
- Comply with Quality Management system established in the laboratory.
- Validation testing of new equipment, methodologies, and software for next generation sequencing-based detection and characterization of bacterial isolates.
- Specimen receipt and data entry into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Preparation and quality control testing of media and reagents.
- Calibration, maintenance and parallel testing of laboratory equipment.
- Ordering and monthly inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents.
- Attendance at training and informational meetings/webinars/conference calls related to PulseNet workflow.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
