Infectious Disease Laboratorian
About The Position
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL), within Maine CDC, is seeking a Microbiologist to support its clinical laboratory sections. The position performs diagnostic and surveillance testing of clinical and animal samples and requires qualifications and responsibilities consistent with the applicable Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards, 42 CFR § 493.1489 and § 493.1495. The laboratorian supports laboratory sections including Blood Lead, Bacteriology, Virology/Serology, and Washroom/Media. Work may include preparing blood samples for graphite furnace analysis, identifying bacteria on solid media, extracting nucleic acid, running real-time PCR, and preparing reagents, media, and other solutions. The role involves learning and performing assays to identify infectious organisms in Biosafety Level 2 and 3 laboratories, as well as conducting necropsies on domestic and wild animals for rabies testing. The position also includes quality assurance, equipment maintenance, other clinical microbiology testing as needed, participation in laboratory safety and response programs, and maintaining relevant certifications and health monitoring. The role is located in Augusta, Maine. Visa sponsorship and STEM OPT extensions are not available for this position.
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related scientific field and two years of progressively responsible experience in a related microbiological field.
- Responsible experience in microbiology may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
- Meet the applicable CLIA testing personnel qualifications and responsibilities standards.
Nice To Haves
- Certification as an American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist.
- Experience in a diagnostic laboratory performing high-complexity testing.
- Familiarity with laboratory information systems, particularly STARLIMS.
- Knowledge of and experience identifying infectious organisms using biochemicals, media, and molecular methods such as real-time PCR.
- Experience using a graphite furnace to determine heavy metals in blood.
Responsibilities
- Perform diagnostic and surveillance testing of clinical and animal samples.
- Support the Blood Lead, Bacteriology, Virology/Serology, and Washroom/Media sections of the HETL Clinical Laboratory.
- Perform assays to identify infectious organisms in Biosafety Level 2 and 3 laboratories.
- Perform necropsies on domestic and wild animals to test for rabies virus.
- Prepare blood samples for graphite furnace analysis, identify bacteria on solid media, extract nucleic acid, run real-time PCR, and prepare reagents, media, and other solutions as assigned by section supervisors.
- Perform and monitor routine quality assurance metrics.
- Perform routine maintenance of equipment, including biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, graphite furnace, nucleic acid extraction platforms, and dishwashers.
- Perform other clinical microbiology testing as needed.
- Receive pre-exposure rabies vaccination and maintain annual titers.
- Receive an annual Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) or QuantiFERON TB Gold (IGRA) to determine tuberculosis status.
- Participate in the respiratory protection program.
- Participate in Laboratory Response Network-Bioterrorism testing.
- Obtain and maintain International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Shipping Certification.
Benefits
- 13 paid holidays and more than three weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with years of service.
- Overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- 12 days of sick leave per year.
- The State pays 85%–95% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; a health insurance premium credit may reduce employee-only premiums by 5% when program requirements are met.
- The State pays 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
- The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of employee pay toward MainePERS retirement.
- Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
- Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
- Employee assistance through the Living Resources Program.
- Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child, including non-birthing and adoptive parents; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
