Microbiologist

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Microbiologist works within the Indiana Department of Health Laboratories’ Antimicrobial Resistance and Reference Bacteriology lab sections. The role identifies pathogens submitted by clinical laboratories, including organisms such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Candida auris. The position conducts microbiological testing, evaluates and reports results, supports laboratory quality and operations, and works with laboratories and public health staff. It may include supervisory duties depending on agency needs. The position traditionally starts at $53,222.00, though compensation may be commensurate with education and work experience. The role is exempt from overtime compensation; additional hours may be required to complete essential or assigned work. Employees must report at least 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave to receive their base biweekly salary.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of microbiology principles, theories, and practices and related subspecialties.
Ability to meet requirements for personnel certification as a general supervisor under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988.
Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply accepted or unprecedented laboratory problems.
Broad knowledge of and ability to use complex, specialized technical and scientific equipment and automated analysis techniques.
Broad knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles.
Specialized knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies concerning the program area.
Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs.
Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and present laboratory data to physicians, veterinarians, public health staff, and professional organizations.
Bachelor’s degree in a biological, chemical, or physical science, with at least 2 years of relevant testing experience.
For roles performing CLIA-regulated high-complexity testing, the degree must meet CLIA educational requirements.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Conduct procedures on clinical, reference, food, and environmental samples for serological analysis or the isolation and identification of microorganisms or their antigens/nucleic acids.
Evaluate, interpret, and validate laboratory results and report findings to submitters.
Organize and plan identification schemes for organisms that do not fit regular schemes.
Evaluate quality-control checks on laboratory methods, materials, and equipment.
Coordinate preparation of media, reagents, stains, supplies, and other materials used in transport, examination, and analysis.
Prepare epidemiological and statistical reports from data compiled daily, weekly, monthly, or annually.
Develop, prepare, and update procedural manuals covering methods, instrumentation, and quality assurance.
Participate as a planner or instructor in training programs, workshops, and conferences for private and public laboratory personnel.
Initiate special research projects to test and improve microbiological methods and procedures.
Participate in evaluation testing of new products used in clinical and reference laboratory work.
Work with local laboratories and other health department staff to support the use of adequate materials, techniques, methods, and procedures.
May appear at legal proceedings as an expert witness.
May perform supervisory duties based on agency needs.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, and vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completed wellness activities.
Health savings account with a biweekly state contribution.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies including 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.