Public Health Microbiologist 1 (PCN 061232M)

State of Alaska•Anchorage, AK

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This Individual Position is Exempt from the Hiring Freeze. Qualified Applicants are Encouraged To Apply. Welcome to the Department of Health! We’d be delighted to have you join our team. If you envision yourself in this role and are ready to start an exciting career with us, apply today! This position is open to Alaskan Residents only. Please check out the residency definition to determine if you qualify. This position is currently located in Anchorage. What you will be doing: In this role at the Anchorage State Public Health Laboratory, you will perform testing for tuberculosis, foodborne and waterborne illnesses, sexually transmitted infections, parasites, and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. You will act as a “General Supervisor” as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) 1988 (42 CFR 493). This position also conducts a variety of analytical and scientific procedures to determine the disease state of patients using robust detection and susceptibility methods. This may include characterizing other bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and viral pathogens found in clinical specimens such as tissues, body fluids, excreta, lesions, or reference cultures from partnering hospitals . Our organization, mission, and culture: The mission of the Division of Public Health is to protect and promote the health and well-being of all Alaskans. Our core values guide everything we do: Accountability – We use human, financial, and environmental resources responsibly. Respect – We provide services to all Alaskans without discrimination or judgment. Potential – We believe in helping every Alaskan reach their full potential for health and in building strong, healthy communities. Integrity – We act with honesty and ethics in all that we do. Scientific Excellence – We are dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and using the best available data to inform public health policy.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree or higher from an accredited institution in Medical Technology, Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Biological Science, or Chemistry, with training and/or course work in Medical/Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
Experience conducting, analyzing, and evaluating clinical microbiological tests.
Knowledge of the environment, plant and animal living tissue, cells, organisms, and entities, including their functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the composition, structure, and properties of substances, and of the chemical processes and transformations, including uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Thoroughness when performing work and conscientiousness about attending to detail.
Ability to integrate best research practices with clinical expertise and patient values for optimum care and participate in learning and research activities to the extent feasible.
Ability to apply knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, methods, and tools associated with protecting and improving the health of people and their communities, including promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases.
Must be immunized against infectious diseases.

Nice To Haves

Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: uses a logical, systematic, sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.
Flexibility: Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with uncertainty.
Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.

Responsibilities

Perform testing for tuberculosis, foodborne and waterborne illnesses, sexually transmitted infections, parasites, and antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Act as a “General Supervisor” as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) 1988 (42 CFR 493).
Conduct a variety of analytical and scientific procedures to determine the disease state of patients using robust detection and susceptibility methods.
Characterize other bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and viral pathogens found in clinical specimens such as tissues, body fluids, excreta, lesions, or reference cultures from partnering hospitals.