Description
Microbiologist 1 or 2 DOH (Multiple Openings)
We are hiring for 1 permanent position and 1 project position funded through July 2025.
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
In this Microbiologist position within the Antibiotic Resistance Lab Network (ARLN) lab, you'll be crucial to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of microbiological testing. You'll work on-site to verify that testing methods and results are correct, maintain lab procedures and training, and ensure compliance with CAP guidelines. You'll also have the opportunity to support and cross-train with other lab staff, contributing to a team that is ready to respond to public health emergencies.
Your role will involve a range of laboratory tasks including quality control, equipment calibration, data entry, and specimen processing. You'll help maintain lab supplies, support other areas of the Washington State Public Health Laboratories as needed, and work closely with section Leads and Supervisors to adhere to CAP standards. If you’re passionate about public health and excited to work in a dynamic lab environment, this role offers a key opportunity to make an impact.
Expectations And Responsibilities
- Perform Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST), Antifungal Susceptibility Testing (AFST), and identify bacteria and Candida species using methods like MALDI-TOF, PCR, and WGS.
- Conduct culture-based methods for gram-negative bacteria and Candida species.
- Review and document all data before releasing results, ensuring Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) standards are met.
- Assist with developing and validating new procedures, performing risk assessments, and testing new StarLIMS modules.
- Maintain accurate records, restock supplies, and perform routine lab maintenance and proficiency testing.
- Troubleshoot technical issues with assays and ensure equipment is properly calibrated and maintained.
- Provide support in CAP preparation and handle customer service inquiries from submitters and stakeholders.
- Maintain personal proficiency in bench testing, especially during staff shortages or surge events.
- Validate and implement new methodologies as approved, including developing plans and documenting studies.
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. As long as you meet one of the required qualification options listed and any additional qualifications included, we welcome your application. Your diverse experiences can make a difference in this role.
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.
- Experience in Bacterial identification by both classical methods and molecular methods.
- Experience in antimicrobial resistant testing.
- Experience in PCR and/or other molecular technologies.
- Experience with CLIA, CAP, or ISO quality management systems.
- Certified as Microbiologist or a Medical Technologist.
- Experience using standard office software, such as Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, etc.
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 need to work on-site in the lab because of the nature of the job.
- You might be standing or sitting for long periods, working with a microscope for up to two hours, or at a lab bench for extended times.
- You may need to lift or move packages up to 40 pounds.
- Hazards include typical lab risks, such as exposure to bacterial or fungal pathogens and handling human specimens. You’ll need to follow safety protocols, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and might be required to wear a respirator, with training and medical evaluation provided by DOH.
- You may occasionally work over 40 hours a week or outside regular hours in response to outbreaks or emergencies.
Schedule
- Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Occasionally, you may need to work extra hours or outside these times for emergencies.
- After training, you’ll be given a long-term schedule, with possible flexibility including 9-80 or 4-10 schedules.
Travel Requirements
- You might travel infrequently for job-related training, conferences, or meetings, about 0-2 trips per year.
- When driving for state business, you need to be able to drive a state or personal vehicle or arrange alternative transportation.
Tools And Equipment
- You’ll use a variety of lab equipment, including biosafety cabinets, computers, pipettes, PCR machines, and other microbiological tools.
Customer Interactions
- You’ll communicate with DOH epidemiologists, local health departments, vendors, and specimen submitters.
Other
- You must participate in health emergencies and training as part of the DOH emergency response team.
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.
This position is located in King County. A 5% salary increase is included in the advertised pay.