Senior Fish Health Microbiologist - Microbiologist 4 - Permanent - 2026-07261

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Make a difference in fish conservation and fish health statewide. In this role, you will lead a team of microbiology professionals, oversee critical laboratory, and provide essential fish health services supporting more than 80 hatchery facilities. Your expertise will help identify and respond to viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other microbes affecting fish populations while directly contributing to the health and sustainability of the state’s fish resources.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in science with major study in microbiology, pathobiology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, medical technology, or closely allied field.
Including at least 20 semester or 30 quarter credit hours in college coursework in microbiology or related fields.
Six (6) years of experience working in microbiology laboratories with demonstrated working knowledge of the following:
Molecular methods (PCR, sequencing, and protocol development)
Bacteriology, virology, chemistry, parasitology, mycology, immunology
Laboratory terminology, techniques, and equipment including standard analyses, microscopic examinations and histological staining methods used in the identification of microbes
Microbiology research methods and requirements
Report preparation and sources of data on current microbiology research
At least one (1) year of leadership or supervisory duties including conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work and evaluating performance.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of organization and operation of microbiology laboratories including diagnostic tests and techniques in fields of serology, and microscopy; current microbiology research for salmonids and other finfish; scientific report writing for salmonids and other finfish.
Experience: Planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and evaluating work of technical/professional laboratory personnel.
Working cooperatively with personnel of state, local public, and private laboratories to perform research studies.
Writing and establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Working in a biosafety level 2 (BSL) facility or certified laboratory.

Responsibilities

Plan, supervise, and coordinate all laboratory activities within the WDFW Microbiology Laboratory, including the design and implementation of microbiological investigations.
Plan, assign, prioritize, and evaluate the work of microbiology laboratory staff to ensure timely completion of diagnostic testing, surveillance activities, and research projects.
Conduct performance evaluations, establish performance expectations, and provide ongoing feedback and corrective action when necessary.
Lead regular staff meetings to communicate priorities, procedural updates, quality assurance findings, and organizational initiatives.
Supervise all work of the microbiology staff at all subdisciplines (e.g., virology, bacteriology, microscopy, biochemistry, molecular genetics).
Ensure laboratory activities meet established biosecurity and agency safety standards.
Ensure all equipment is functioning to specification, maintains inventory of laboratory supplies, and is responsible for accounts payable database.
Adapt existing technologies to address emergent problems and conducts quality analysis/control and final review of new protocols.
Maintain continual surveillance over tests performed to assure adherence to proper technique and necessary standards of accuracy.
Implement virological, bacteriological, biochemical, molecular genetics, and gross methods to detect pathogens and parasites.
Sample processing, plating, steaking, maintenance of cell culture and cell lines, culture isolation, and the cryopreservation of viral positives and cell lines.
Conduct microscopy, RNA and DNA extractions, qPCR, PCR, RT-PCR, Sanger and genomic sequencing, viral cytopathic effect (CPE) identification of certifiable aquatic animal pathogens, biochemistry assays (e.g., ELISA), antibiotic sensitivity testing, API testing, necropsies, and maintaining logs.
Write (or review and validate for staff), and distribute laboratory reports and data to WDFW management, WDFW fish health and hatchery staff, fish health co-managers and co-operators, including tribal, local, state, federal, and international fish health partners.