Microbiologist

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Job Description - Microbiologist (260005L1)

Job Description

Microbiologist - ( 260005L1 )

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 and supervises clinical diagnostic testing for a variety of infectious agents using conventional and molecular methods in the laboratory. The incumbent performs highly complex 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.

Perform and supervise the 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 analysis and determine the validity of molecular test results for this laboratory within the Division.

Assure that incoming specimens are recorded, processed, and triaged appropriately while maintaining chain-of-custody for the specimens.

Perform PCR-based or sequence-based molecular assays to detect the presence of biological agents and other infectious diseases.

Maintain documentation on findings and follow strict protocols for entering and reporting test results within the laboratory information systems.

Maintain proficiency in aseptic methods and molecular diagnostics methods within either biosafety level 2 or biosafety level 3 environments.

Observe safety precautions and practices.

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

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; including 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 sample archival process including interfacing with other agencies.

Provide backup to ensure adequate laboratory inventory and maintenance of 3 months of laboratory supplies.

Ensure that quality control, equipment maintenance, disposal of hazardous waste, and maintenance of collection apparatus are performed.

Determine experiments that need to be performed to analyze possible source(s) of problems (i.e. technical, equipment, etc.) and implement subsequent corrective action.

Participate in generating testing and surveillance summaries and prepare QA/QC reports for this laboratory.

Supervise and train laboratory personnel and others in laboratory procedures and safety protocols.

Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s defined acceptable levels of performance and document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviates from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.

Ensure adequate laboratory staff coverage for 24/7/365 operations.

Provide laboratory support for field responses and investigations, as assigned by the supervisor.

Provide technical support to other labs as needed.

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

Knowl…