Supervising Microbiologist (35 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Rocky Hill, CT

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH) has an opening for a Supervising Microbiologist to join their team. This position will oversee the pre-analytical and post-analytical processes within the Quality Assurance and Scientific Support Services Division at the CT State Public Health Laboratory. The role ensures support staff are trained and competent in pre- and post-analytical procedures, including specimen receipt, preparation, routing, sterilization, cleaning, media preparation, infectious waste disposal, and distribution of collection outfits. The Supervising Microbiologist will also communicate with hospital staff and other submitters regarding specimen issues. This is a rewarding career opportunity in the public sector, offering professional growth, development, and a healthy work/life balance within a collaborative team environment.

Requirements

Nine (9) years of experience in a public health or medical laboratory involving scientific work in the field of microbiology, biochemistry or molecular biology.
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the working lead level in the field of microbiology.
College training in the natural sciences may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
A Master's degree in the natural sciences may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
Considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; laboratory facilities, methods, applications, examinations, equipment, instrumentation and material; current theories, principles and practices of biomedical sciences, microbiological and biochemistry disciplines including aquaculture, bacteriology, parasitology, virology and others as they relate to public health; requirements of regulatory and accrediting bodies; quality assurance and quality control policies and procedures.
Knowledge of common statistical techniques and ability to make sophisticated calculations.
Knowledge of universal laboratory precautions.
Considerable Skills in microbiological, biochemical, and chemical analytical methods.
Considerable Skills in diagnostic techniques.
Considerable Skills in data gathering and data analysis.
Interpersonal skills.
Oral and written communication skills.
Ability to perform advanced biomedical, microbiological and biochemical examinations.
Ability to interpret test results in the context of patient history and epidemiology of disease or agent.
Ability to conduct analytical, consultative and research activities.
Ability to maintain current knowledge in field of expertise.
Ability to utilize computer software.
Supervisory ability.

Nice To Haves

Experience with laboratory accreditation/certification regulations (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act and CAP) and the development, validation, and implementation of new diagnostic tests and writing standard operating procedures in accordance with CLIA requirements
Experience supervising, training and evaluating professional and support staff, in addition to communicating complex scientific methods
Experience with prioritization of workflow when presented with multiple demands and time critical activities, as well as ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to specimen collection, storage, and transport
Experience maintaining quality control and safety programs and ensuring all quality assurance requirements are in compliance
Experience with microbiological, biochemical, and/or chemical analytical methods and diagnostic techniques
Experience writing grants and reporting elements for grant supported activities
Incumbents working in this class in the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture Division must be certified under section 19a 36a33(b) of the Connecticut Public Health Code as an Environmental Laboratory Director and under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration National Shellfish Sanitation Program.
Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.
Incumbents in this class may be required to have specific education and/or experience to meet various certification and/or licensing requirements.
Incumbents may be required to undergo and successfully complete security background checks.

Responsibilities

Schedules, assigns, oversees, and reviews work of staff
Provides staff training and assistance
Conducts performance evaluations
Determines priorities and plans unit work
Establishes and maintains unit procedures
Develops or makes recommendations on development of policies and standards
Acts as liaison with other operating units, agencies and outside officials regarding unit policies and procedures
Maintains quality control and safety programs and ensures all quality assurance requirements are met
Ensures use of universal laboratory precautions by staff
Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and guidelines
Prepares reports and correspondence
Coordinates data processing for unit
Conducts complex or specialized as well as routine microbiological, biomedical, molecular and biochemical analysis as necessary to ensure prompt processing of specimens
Maintains knowledge of current developments and changes in field of expertise
Evaluates new test procedures
Reviews and approves final reports
Utilizes computers to operate and maintain instrumentation and to access, interpret, modify and report test results
Ensures laboratory operations are within budget guidelines
Participates in the development of proposals for grant monies
Evaluates and certifies state shellfish laboratories for FDA compliance
May testify in court
Performs related duties as required