Job Description:

SUMMARY 

California’s Microbial Diseases Laboratory is responsible for the diagnostics, education, and applied research programs for identification, surveillance, control, and prevention of bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases originating in humans. 

Under the direction of the Supervisor of the Genotyping Unit, Foodborne & Waterborne Diseases Section of the Microbial Diseases Laboratory Program, the microbiologist performs duties associated with the receipt, processing, culture, and genetic fingerprinting of bacterial isolates. The position will require on-the-job training and certification in Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for participation in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention PulseNet Network outbreak surveillance program. The position is Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week; weekend, holiday, and overtime may be required during a public health emergency.  

The hourly range for this position is $32.30 to $37.70 per hour depending on experience/qualifications. 

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Cultivate bacterial pathogens and quality control strains.


• Perform genetic fingerprinting of bacterial pathogens using WGS and other molecular techniques.


• Analyze genomic sequences using BioNumerics software.


• Participate in proficiency testing and maintain PulseNet certification in WGS.


• Maintain the database of genetic information, participate in reporting of the results, and communicate effectively with internal and external partners.


• Comply with Quality Management system established in the laboratory.


• Validation testing of new equipment, methodologies, and software for next generation sequencing-based detection and characterization of bacterial isolates.


• Specimen receipt and data entry into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).


• Preparation and quality control testing of media and reagents.


• Calibration, maintenance and parallel testing of laboratory equipment.


• Ordering and monthly inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents.


• Attendance at training and informational meetings/webinars/conference calls related to PulseNet workflow.


• Perform other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory instrumentation and equipment.


• Knowledge of standard biosafety precautions for working with potential infectious material, sterile technique, and molecular methods (PCR; sequencing).


• Experience performing molecular biology techniques, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), sequencing, and DNA extraction is preferred, but not required.


• Minimum of one year of experience handling infectious agents in a microbiology laboratory setting.

 Education/Experience

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course work in microbiology and molecular biology is required.

 Certificates/Licenses

• None

 Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, email)


• Ability to effectively communicate verbally


• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings


• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Stand: Frequently


• Walk: Frequently


• Sit: Frequently


• Handling / Fingering: Frequently


• Reach Outward: Occasionally


• Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally


• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally


• Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs


• Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs


• See (Vision): Constantly


• Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

KEY 

• Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions


• Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)


• Frequently = (2+ - 5 hrs/day)


• Constantly = (5+ hrs/day) 
  

 WORK ENVIRONMENT 

General office and laboratory setting, indoors, temperature controlled

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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