Microbiologist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced Microbiologist to join the BioWatch Laboratory within the Virology Division. This position is located at the State Public Health Laboratory (MA SPHL). The Microbiologist performs and supervises clinical diagnostic testing for a variety of infectious agents using conventional and molecular methods in the laboratory. The incumbent performs highly complex molecular microbiological tests to identify and characterize pathogenic agents of both clinical and public health importance. Please note: This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week. Learn more about what it’s like to work as a DPH Laboratory Professional.

Requirements

Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in a laboratory.
Understanding of general laboratory techniques and methods including sample collection.
Comprehension of the safety practices and procedures followed in the laboratory.
Awareness of the calibration and adjustment techniques applied to equipment used in the laboratory.
Familiarity of analytical testing methods and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Knowledge of proper safety methods used in the disposal of contaminated laboratory materials.
Knowledge of the techniques for handling and transportation of specimens used in a laboratory.
Ability to work in team environment.
At least five (5) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory technology or equivalent scientific field.
At least one (1) year must be in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
Must meet related Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) requirements for High Complexity Testing.
Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents.
Must be willing to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.
Must understand the requirements for working in a BSL-3 environment.
Must complete OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C), be evaluated and determined able to wear a respirator before working in any HSLI laboratory (Tier 1, non Tier1, and non SAT) that requires a respirator.
Must submit transcript(s) for review for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) verification process.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the analysis protocol and quality assurance in a laboratory.
Ability to explain, understand and follow the SOP, testing and regulatory guidelines, policies, laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the laboratory operations.
Means to follow written and oral instructions.
Potential to work independently.
Skilled to prepare statistical reports.
Capability to maintain accurate records.
Capacity to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
A Bachelor's degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology or medical laboratory technology, or related scientific field, may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
A Master's degree with a major in microbiology, molecular microbiology, biology or medical laboratory technology or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
A Doctoral degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, medical technology or related scientific field, may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Responsibilities

Perform and supervise the sample accessioning, determination of accept/reject criteria, and initiate sample analysis according to programmatic and institutional requirements while maintaining chain-of-custody for the samples.
Perform analysis and determine the validity of molecular test results for this laboratory within the Division.
Assure that incoming specimens are recorded, processed, and triaged appropriately while maintaining chain-of-custody for the specimens.
Perform PCR-based or sequence-based molecular assays to detect the presence of biological agents and other infectious diseases.
Maintain documentation on findings and follow strict protocols for entering and reporting test results within the laboratory information systems.
Maintain proficiency in aseptic methods and molecular diagnostics methods within either biosafety level 2 or biosafety level 3 environments.
Observe safety precautions and practices.
Perform testing and characterization of microbial pathogens using traditional and/or advanced molecular library
Perform PCR-based molecular assays to detect the presence of infectious biological agents and other agents of public health concern on human, animal, food, or environmental samples; including the application of the underlying concepts of performing real-time PCR determining cutoff thresholds and critically evaluate technical issues.
Prepare results generated for subsequent secondary review and release following verification by a second reviewer.
Perform sample archival process including interfacing with other agencies.
Provide backup to ensure adequate laboratory inventory and maintenance of 3 months of laboratory supplies.
Ensure that quality control, equipment maintenance, disposal of hazardous waste, and maintenance of collection apparatus are performed.
Determine experiments that need to be performed to analyze possible source(s) of problems (i.e. technical, equipment, etc.) and implement subsequent corrective action.
Participate in generating testing and surveillance summaries and prepare QA/QC reports for this laboratory.
Supervise and train laboratory personnel and others in laboratory procedures and safety protocols.
Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s defined acceptable levels of performance and document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
Ensure adequate laboratory staff coverage for 24/7/365 operations.
Provide laboratory support for field responses and investigations, as assigned by the supervisor.
Provide technical support to other labs as needed.
Follow local and federal quality management program requirements to ensure that all certification and accreditation requirements, including training and competency, are met.