Description
Microbiologist 1 or 2 (Multiple Positions)
This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions, both project and non-permanent.
The project position is currently funded through July 31, 2024.
The non-permanent position is anticipated to last up to 12 months from hire.
Who We Are: The PHL – Empowering Health and Protecting Communities
The Washington State Public Health Laboratories (PHL) provides essential support to local health jurisdictions and healthcare providers in disease monitoring and outbreak response. Serving as the reference laboratory, PHL identifies rare diseases such as Rabies, Hantavirus, and West Nile virus, along with analyzing clinical samples for statewide outbreaks and shellfish contamination. With a focus on public health, PHL plays a critical role in safeguarding
What You Will Do
Join Biowatch/Emergency Response Laboratory as either a Microbiologist 1 or 2. In this role, you’ll perform critical surveillance and diagnostic testing for high-risk pathogens, including environmental monitoring 365 days a year. Your work will directly support emergency response efforts, collaborating with first responders and health professionals to contain potential biothreats. By delivering accurate and timely results, you’ll be on the front lines of safeguarding communities across Washington State from infectious disease outbreaks.
Day-to-day, you’ll work closely with a small team of microbiologists, rotating through lab assignments managed by experienced leads and supervisors. You’ll also coordinate with other key sections like Quality Assurance and Facilities, as well as external partners including law enforcement and local health jurisdictions. If you’re committed to teamwork, thrive under pressure, and have a passion for public health, this is the perfect opportunity to contribute your skills while making a lasting impact.
Expectations And Responsibilities
- Prepare and analyze environmental and clinical samples, including DNA/RNA extraction, specimen log-in, filter cutting, and suspicious package surveying.
- Detect and identify bacterial and viral pathogens using culture methods, PCR, Time Resolved Fluorescence, MALDI-TOF, and mouse bioassay.
- Stay current with and apply new technologies and methods to address emerging disease threats.
- Help maintain lab quality by assisting with Quality Control and Quality Assurance tasks, including media, reagent checks, and equipment maintenance like temperature monitoring and PCR platform calibration.
- Train other microbiologists on lab processes and support document reviews and competency assessments in Medialab.
- Follow all lab safety practices, report incidents as needed, and help keep the lab running safely.
- Enter data into lab systems like StarLIMS, LabVantage, and others. Support other lab areas during high-demand events.
- Work with first responders and law enforcement as needed and take on project work like process improvements and method validations.
You Will Be Successful at the DOH If:
- You embrace cultural humility by honoring diverse perspectives and cultures.
- You are committed to equity and inclusion, removing barriers, championing social justice, and fostering a sense of belonging.
- You use an outward mindset to make impactful contributions, blending your personal expertise with collaborative achievements.
- You excel at problem-solving and crafting effective solutions while communicating clearly across different mediums.
- You are dedicated to customer service and navigate diverse interactions to build strong organizational relationships.
- Your technical competence shines, making you an invaluable asset to our team!
Location and Flexibility
Join our onsite team to collaborate directly with colleagues and be part of our dynamic workplace environment. This position requires working onsite and in-person at our Public Health Laboratory located in Shoreline, WA.
What We’re Looking For – Required Qualifications
We value all relevant experience, whether paid or unpaid and your diverse experiences can make a difference in this role. To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the required qualification options listed and any additional qualifications included in the required qualifications section. Education can substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
Microbiologist 1
(NOTE: Microbiologist 1 will advance to the Microbiologist 2 level after completing two (2) years as a Microbiologist 1.)
Option 1: 2 or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory including 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses -
OR - 24 semester hours of science courses that includes Six (6) semester hours of chemistry, Six (6) semester hours of biology, and Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination
AND Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria: Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS -
OR - At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent performs high complexity testing.
Option 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science,
WHICH INCLUDES 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms.
Microbiologist 2
Option 1: 4 or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory including 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses -
OR - 24 semester hours of science courses that includes Six (6) semester hours of chemistry, Six (6) semester hours of biology, and Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination
AND Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria: Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS -
OR - At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent performs high complexity testing.
Option 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science,
WHICH INCLUDES 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms; AND two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory.
- A Master's degree in the aforementioned areas will substitute for 1 year of experience
- A PhD in the aforementioned area will substitute for 2 years of experience
Preferred Qualifications:
The qualifications below are what would make you a strong fit for this role. While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.
- ASCP Certification
- Experience in the following:
- Working in a CAP/CLIA regulated Clinical Laboratory.
- Working in an ISO regulated Environmental Laboratory.
- Working in biosafety level 3 laboratories.
- Performing next generation sequencing.
Benefits and Lifestyle
We prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "Why DOH" by visiting Work@Health .
We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington health.
Conditions Of Employment
I am prepared, with or without accommodations, to do the following:
Work Setting And Hazards
- You’ll be working on-site in the lab because of the type of duties involved.
- Expect to stand or sit for long periods and work at a computer for extended hours.
- You may need to lift and move packages or materials weighing up to 40 lbs.
- You’ll work in Biosafety Level 2 areas wearing full protective gear, which can include eye protection, lab coats, respirators, double gloves, and more.
- In Biosafety Level 3 labs, you’ll wear full protective equipment, such as Tyvek suits, respirators, double gloves, and protective booties.
- You’ll be handling infectious samples and working in conditions that might be warm, humid, or have unpleasant odors.
- You’ll need to undergo a health assessment and respirator training (both provided by DOH) to work in the BSL3 lab.
- Required vaccinations for lab-related risks will be based on an assessment.
- Be ready to work outside your usual hours on short notice during outbreaks and emergencies.
Schedule:
- This is a full-time position (40 hours per week). During training, you’ll work Monday to Friday, 8 hours a day, with slight variations in start/end times around 8 am to 5 pm.
- Once training is done, you’ll get a long-term schedule, likely including one weekend day and rotating holiday work.
- Flexible schedules (like 9/80s or 4/10s) may be considered. You’ll also be on standby, usually 7 days a month, but this can vary.
Travel Requirements:
- You might have to travel occasionally for job-related training, conferences, or meetings—expect 0-2 trips per year.
- If driving for state business, you’ll need to legally operate a vehicle or arrange alternative transportation.
Tools and Equipment:
- You’ll use various lab tools, such as biosafety cabinets, computers, pipettes, PCR machines, automated analyzers, and other microbiology equipment.
Customer Interactions:
- You’ll interact with customers like clinics, local health departments, state epidemiologists, and potentially first responders, law enforcement, and federal partners like CDC, FDA, and USDA.
Other:
- You’ll need to pass a Department of Justice/FBI security risk assessment and a Washington State Patrol background check.
- Representation: This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Application Directions
To apply, click "Apply" and complete the application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and at least three professional references (including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led, if applicable). Do not include private information such as social security numbers or year of birth.
Make sure to document your years of experience in this field or area of work along with any tools, applications, software, etc. listed in the qualifications section of this job posting.
Do Attach The Following
- Resume
- Cover letter
- References
- DD-214 (if applicable)
DO NOT include or attach the following:
- REMOVE personal photos – DO NOT submit any documents containing personal photos.
- Transcripts
- Certifications or Diplomas
- Projects or Portfolios
- Letters of Recommendation
Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.
DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need accommodation in the application or selection process, or need information in an alternative format, contact
Shawnelle Goalder at shawnelle.goalder@doh.wa.gov . For general DOH recruitment questions, email the
Talent Acquisition Team at employment@doh.wa.gov . Deaf or hard of hearing contact Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1; individuals outside of Washington State contact Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6874.
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
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Supplemental Information
This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.
Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.