Microbiologist II Job Boston area,Massachusetts USA,Healthcare

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Microbiologist II (260005L3)

Job Description

Microbiologist II - ( 260005L3 )

Description

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced Microbiologist to join the Bio Watch Laboratory within the Virology Division. This position is located at the State Public Health Laboratory (MA SPHL). The Microbiologist performs molecular microbiological tests to identify and characterize pathogenic agents of both clinical and public health importance.

Please note:

This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

Perform sample accessioning, determination of accept/reject criteria, and initiate sample analysis according to programmatic and institutional requirements while maintaining chain-of-custody for the samples.

Perform PCR-based molecular assays to detect the presence of infectious biological agents and other agents of public health concern on human, animal, food, or environmental samples; this includes the application of the underlying concepts of performing real-time PCR determining cutoff thresholds and critically evaluate technical issues.

Prepare results generated for subsequent secondary review and release following verification by a second reviewer.

Perform testing and characterization of microbial pathogens using traditional and/or advanced molecular Methods.

Prepare results generated for subsequent secondary review and release following verification by a second reviewer.

Follow the local and federal quality management program requirements to ensure that all certification and accreditation requirements, including training and competency, are met.

Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s defined acceptable levels of performance.

Communicate with field collection team or other submitters according to procedures regarding sample collection, packaging, shipping, and transportation of specimens transported to the laboratory.

Perform quality control activities including verification or validation, routine quality control, and proficiency testing, as assigned, including performing reagent validation testing and preparation of documentation for supervisor review.

Maintain proficiency in aseptic and molecular diagnostics methods to ensure laboratory areas and reagents are contamination-free.

Perform routine laboratory and field collection equipment cleaning and maintenance; report equipment problems according to procedures in a timely fashion.

Comply with agency policy regarding safety, security, and protection in the working environment in accordance with the laboratory’s procedures and policies for biological, chemical, and radiologic agents within either biosafety level 2 or biosafety level 3 environments; observes safety precautions and practices and participates in disposal of hazardous waste.

Perform all laboratory work (e.g., testing procedures, safety protocols, quality assurance protocols) according to written standard operating procedures.

Follow the local and federal quality management program requirements to ensure that all certification and accreditation requirements, including training and competency, are met; follow strict protocols for accurate and complete entering and reporting of results within the laboratory information management system(s) and maintains documentation and records of testing and reporting according to federal program guidelines.

Once trained and competent, perform second reviewer duties, compliant with regulatory standards, to verify and release test results for all tests for which they employee has been deemed competent. The employee will be eligible to perform…