Microbiologist I or II

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

About The Position

The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, is a public health laboratory that provides testing, service, research, and education. The Communicable Disease Division (CDD) supports disease prevention, control, and surveillance; reference and specialized testing; food safety; laboratory improvement and regulation; public health preparedness and response; training and education; and partnerships and communication. CDD performs more than 150 clinical diagnostic and surveillance tests and serves as a national or regional reference center for advanced molecular diagnostics and pathogens of public health concern. The position is part of the CDD Sequencing team and works under close supervision. The team supports advanced molecular diagnostics and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect, characterize, and genomically analyze pathogens of public health significance, including antimicrobial-resistant organisms, influenza, and other communicable disease agents. The employee performs molecular diagnostic and microbiological testing, including NGS-related procedures on clinical specimens and microorganisms. Work includes specimen processing, nucleic acid extraction and preparation, molecular assay workflows, conventional microbiological culture techniques, accurate documentation in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and preparation of laboratory worksheets and reports. The role also supports quality assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement to ensure reliable and reproducible results. Additional duties may include assisting with development, evaluation, and validation of molecular and sequencing methods; preparing and revising standard operating procedures; assisting with test costing and implementation; and providing technical instruction to laboratory personnel, students, and other healthcare professionals. The position contributes to genomic surveillance and laboratory capacity for public health detection, investigation, and response. The posting is offered at the Microbiologist I or II level, with title and salary determined upon hire based on experience. Microbiologist I performs microbiology laboratory testing services. Microbiologist II performs, develops, evaluates, and prepares testing services. Both levels support laboratory testing, research, reporting, quality practices, and related professional activities.

Requirements

Meet 42 CFR § 493.1489 qualifications for high-complexity testing personnel.
At least a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution in chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology; an official or copy of an official transcript showing the conferred degree is required as a condition of employment.
For degrees earned outside the United States, provide proof of qualification equivalency from a nationally recognized organization; course-by-course review is required for candidates demonstrating CLIA qualifications, and the candidate is responsible for related expenses.
Microbiologist I: Understanding of aseptic technique, conventional microbiology techniques, and molecular diagnostic testing.
Microbiologist II: At least 2 years of laboratory experience.
Microbiologist II: Hands-on molecular biology experience, including PCR, real-time PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and/or DNA/RNA quantification.
Ability to visually distinguish colors; a color vision screening test is required before an offer of employment.
Submit a current resume and a cover letter addressing relevant qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities, or experience.
Verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete Form I-9; the selected applicant must pass a criminal background check before an offer of employment.
WSLH does not sponsor work visas, including OPT, for this position.

Nice To Haves

Microbiologist I: Clinical and/or public health laboratory experience.
Microbiologist I: Hands-on molecular biology experience, including PCR, real-time PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and/or DNA/RNA quantification.
Microbiologist II: Clinical and/or public health laboratory experience.
Microbiologist II: Experience with NGS methodologies, including library preparation, sequencing, and sequencing-data quality control.
Microbiologist II: Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot molecular assays, sequencing workflows, and laboratory instrumentation.
Degrees in Microbiology, Genetics, or Molecular Biology are preferred.

Responsibilities

Isolate and maintain microorganism cultures from specimens and samples for identification and classification.
Propagate and maintain cell lines and cultures for microorganism isolation or assay procedures, following laboratory safety practices.
Perform, interpret, and report microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illness or to determine sources of environmental contamination.
Prepare specimens for scientific examination and analysis and/or prepare the laboratory for accreditation audits and inspections.
Develop and conduct biological research experiments using quality control and quality assurance practices and complying with regulatory standards and requirements.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and information management systems.
Prepare, review, verify, and report test-result data.
Prepare technical reports, make scientific recommendations based on findings, and present materials to stakeholder groups (Microbiologist II responsibility; listed at 0% for Microbiologist I).
Establish and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and communicate research updates.
Support and/or train new employees, students, and professional colleagues.
Participate in educational and outreach activities and other professional development.
Support new test development and validation studies and assist in bringing new technologies to the work unit.
Perform specimen processing, nucleic acid extraction and preparation, molecular assay workflows, conventional microbiological culture techniques, and NGS-related laboratory procedures.
Document work accurately in LIMS and prepare laboratory worksheets and reports.
Support quality assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement activities.
Assist with development, evaluation, and validation of molecular and sequencing methods; preparation and revision of SOPs; test costing and implementation; and technical instruction, as assigned.