Microbiologist

Heluna Health•Richmond, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The California Emerging Infections Program (CEIP) is managed by Heluna Health, a non-profit organization dedicated to public health research. CEIP operates through cooperative agreements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), collaborating with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, and multiple local health departments. Under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor for the Reference Bacteriology Unit at the Microbial Diseases Laboratory, CDPH, the Microbiologist is responsible for testing samples received in connection with various surveillance projects conducted by CEIP. Responsibilities encompass the testing and transportation of specimens and isolates submitted by clinical laboratories participating in CEIP surveillance initiatives. Tasks include the receipt, processing, culturing, and confirmation (as necessary) of isolates. Surveillance projects focus on microorganisms such as Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Hemophilus spp., Neisseria spp., Candida spp., Enterobacterales (including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales [CRE]), and Clostridium difficile. The Microbiologist will perform duties related to the receipt, testing, and transportation of specimens for the CEIP ABCs project. Additional responsibilities include data entry, specimen freezing and/or processing in accordance with standardized protocols and preparing specimens for storage and shipment to CDC for further analysis and characterization.

Requirements

At least six months’ experience working with microbial pathogens in an industry or clinical or public health microbiology laboratory setting
Knowledge of sterile technique and universal precautions for working with bacterial pathogens
At least one year experience of computer skills using Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, email
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings
Ability to complete projects in a timely manner
Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals
Demonstrated attention to detail
Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course work in chemistry, microbiology, medical microbiology and molecular biology is required
Experience using a PC and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office
Meticulous attention to detail
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Capacity to work independently or in a team environment
Able to transmit data securely (i.e., to HIPAA compliant secure FTP sites or via encrypted email)
Training and certification of packaging and shipping of infectious agents.
Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory equipment

Nice To Haves

Possession of a current Public Health Microbiologist Certificate is preferred

Responsibilities

Specimen receipt and data entry for laboratory information management systems (LIMS), including preparing specimen for storage and shipment, specimen shipping, maintaining culture collection.
Preparation and quality control testing of media and reagents.
Maintenance of laboratory equipment, including scheduling repairs as necessary.
Autoclave, disinfect, and disposal of contaminated materials and infectious agents.
Culture and identification of bacterial pathogens for non-diagnostic applications using conventional and molecular techniques.
Preparation of test reports, result summaries, SOPs, and other relevant documents, including reporting of relevant results and communications with internal and external partners.
Maintains inventories and accurate records of laboratory supplies and bacterial isolates.
Tracks and orders laboratory supplies related to CEIP isolate processing.
Assists in the preparation of purchase requests and order tracking.
Participation in seminars and other scientific meetings as requested.
Performs other related duties as assigned.