Microbiologist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health seeks an experienced Microbiologist for the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences’ Clinical Microbiology Laboratory within the Microbiology Division. Based at the State Public Health Laboratory, the position performs complex culture- and molecular-based testing of specimens to identify pathogens of clinical and public health concern. Testing includes clinical specimens associated with suspected foodborne outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, and vaccine-preventable diseases. The role may also assist with testing across the State Public Health Laboratory and take part in LIMS implementation and processes related to building renovation. The Microbiologist follows approved procedures and sound scientific practices throughout pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing. The position supports quality management and regulatory compliance, evaluates quality-control data, documents corrective actions, and prepares verified results for secondary review and release. Other work includes maintaining supply and equipment inventory, training and cross-training staff, investigating and onboarding test processes, developing test methods, communicating with submitters and collaborators, and responding to emergencies. The incumbent must comply with safety and security procedures for biological, chemical, and radiologic agents and may work in additional microbiology laboratories after completing assigned training. The position is expected to report to the office five days per week. Applicants must meet applicable CLIA requirements for high-complexity testing, and selected candidates must provide transcripts for CLIA verification. A criminal background check and verification of education, licensure, and certifications are part of the pre-hire process.

Requirements

At least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory technology, or an equivalent combination of experience and qualifying education substitutions.
Meet applicable Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements for high-complexity testing, based on assignment.
Ability to coordinate microbiological sample storage, handling, specimen retention, and the packaging and shipping of infectious substances.
Ability to provide precise, understandable oral and written instructions and make effective oral presentations.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, journal articles, and other formal scientific materials.
Knowledge of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology concepts and theories.
Knowledge of basic microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques, including microbial culture techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays.
Knowledge of quality assurance practices for microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology diagnostic testing, including equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency, and adherence to standard operating procedures.
Ability to perform calculations, measurements, and unit conversions.
Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents.
Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.
Submit transcripts for review in the CLIA verification process; the preferred candidate must submit official transcripts from each accredited academic institution and meet CLIA qualifications.
A bachelor's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, medical laboratory technology, or an equivalent scientific field may substitute for two years of required experience; a master's degree or higher in one of the listed or equivalent scientific fields may substitute for the required experience.
A current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at the class level specific to the assignment may be required.

Nice To Haves

Ability to explain laws, rules, and regulations governing a bacteriology laboratory.
Ability to explain procedures, guidelines, and policies governing assigned unit activities.
Knowledge of principles and policies governing professional ethics and rules of conduct.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally orally and in writing and prepare concise technical reports.
Ability to follow work instructions and work independently or in a team environment.
Knowledge of laboratory certifications and accreditations and the requirements for maintaining regulatory compliance.
Ability to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents.

Responsibilities

Perform routine, surveillance, and outbreak laboratory testing, including pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical tasks, in accordance with approved written procedures and sound scientific practice.
Perform complex culture- and molecular-based microbiological testing of specimens to identify pathogens of clinical and public health concern, including testing related to suspected foodborne outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, and vaccine-preventable diseases.
Participate in the laboratory quality management program and follow applicable policies and regulatory requirements.
Follow established procedures when test systems fall outside acceptable performance levels, document corrective actions, and prepare verified testing results for secondary review and release.
Maintain laboratory supply and equipment inventory, determine ordering needs, and place purchase orders to maintain appropriate stock levels.
Train new staff and participate in cross-training in other laboratory sections.
Participate in investigating and onboarding new and updated test processes.
Communicate with submitters about specimen collection, packaging, shipping, and transportation according to procedures.
Communicate promptly with internal and external collaborators, including conveying results and providing guidance on laboratory policies and testing guidelines as appropriate.
Comply with safety, security, and environmental protection policies for biological, chemical, and radiologic agents.
Participate in and respond to emergency events.
Apply relevant concepts and theories to tests being conducted and evaluate quality-control data before reporting results.
Assist with developing new test methods and collect data for quality assurance indicator reporting.
Perform other duties in response to program needs, including work in additional Microbiology laboratories after successful completion of training in assigned areas.
Participate or contribute to LIMS implementation and processes associated with building renovation.