Microbiologist II

State of Maine•Lamoine, ME

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will work with both the Water Quality laboratory and the Biotoxin laboratory as necessary. This position will lead daily laboratory sample processing, sample scheduling and work with the Scientist II to maintain all quality control for laboratory methods performed in compliance with Maine State Public Health Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP). Water Quality laboratory work includes analysis of fecal coliforms in seawater samples with membrane filtration, operation of autoclaves, dry over sterilization, critical temperature monitoring, preparation of media, and data entry. Biotoxin laboratory work involves enumeration of marine phytoplankton utilizing bright-field microscopy, shellfish tissue testing with high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). The successful candidate will be required to learn HPLC-post column oxidation method for Paralytic Shellfish Toxin monitoring as well as contribute to validation of emerging biotoxin testing methods.

Requirements

Basic laboratory skills including pipetting, solution preparation, knowledge of measurement units, mastery of simple laboratory calculations with basic PC software, and attention to detail
Self-motivated to recognize the tasks that need to be completed and to perform those tasks according to Standard Operating Procedures with limited supervision
Motivated to research new scientific methods for potential implementation into the program
Required to work occasional weekends and holidays
A Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or related scientific field and two (2) 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

Nice To Haves

Laboratory experience in a regulatory setting
Knowledge of membrane filtration, HPLC, or PCR is preferred
Experience with Microsoft Access, R, Python, or other programming languages is a plus

Responsibilities

Lead daily laboratory sample processing
Sample scheduling
Maintain all quality control for laboratory methods performed in compliance with Maine State Public Health Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP)
Analysis of fecal coliforms in seawater samples with membrane filtration
Operation of autoclaves
Dry over sterilization
Critical temperature monitoring
Preparation of media
Data entry
Enumeration of marine phytoplankton utilizing bright-field microscopy
Shellfish tissue testing with high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV)
Learn HPLC-post column oxidation method for Paralytic Shellfish Toxin monitoring
Contribute to validation of emerging biotoxin testing methods

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.