Microbiologist

Description Overview

Conduct daily serological, molecular, and PCR tests on clinical samples as well as perform bacteriological tests on water samples. Maintains laboratory inventory. Following FBI clearance will conduct Laboratory Response Network activities covering a 12 county area. Respond to infectious disease testing, training requests from hospital and first responder personnel for events relating to bio terrorism, chemical terrorism and other man‑made and natural disasters.

• Train technical personnel in the bacteriological and chemical analysis of fresh water, marine water, and wastewater samples in accordance with Standard Methods and established laboratory protocols
• Serve as the Technical Manager for the water quality program, ensuring all testing and documentation meet regulatory and accreditation requirements
• Implement projects, procedures, and strategies assigned by the Laboratory Manager or designee to support laboratory operations and public health initiatives
• Maintain laboratory inventory, including ordering, receiving, and stocking of supplies necessary for all testing activities
• Ensure program compliance with The NELAC Institute (TNI) standards; EPA regulations;
  Texas General Land Office (GLO) requirements for the Texas Beach Watch program; CDC guidelines; and Select Agent Program regulations under Laboratory Response Network (LRN) operations
• Perform highly complex laboratory analyses on materials suspected of containing weapons of mass destruction (WMD), interpret results, and report findings to local, state, and federal partners while maintaining strict chain‑of‑custody and documentation standards suitable for potential litigation
• Remain on‑call to respond to First Responder referrals involving samples suspected of containing biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear agents
• Conduct testing across all laboratory sections and successfully complete all required proficiency and competency assessments
• Perform Quality Control (QC), Quality Assurance (QA), and Proficiency Testing to support the integrity and accreditation of LRN activities
• Document QC/QA activities in accordance with the laboratory’s quality management system
• Maintain, calibrate, and perform routine upkeep on laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and accessories following manufacturer specifications and laboratory procedures
• Prepare laboratory media, clean and sterilize glassware, and support laboratory workflows through proper equipment maintenance
• Conduct water testing including Colilert, Enterolert, heterotrophic plate count (HPC), and chemical analyses
• Perform bacteriological water analysis and clinical diagnostic tests including RPR, TPPA, microscopy, bacterial culture, and GC/CT PCR in accordance with established SOPs
• Assist with and execute special projects aimed at protecting public health, and report results through electronic data systems as required
• Advise hospital laboratories and first responders on proper specimen collection, packaging, labeling, shipping, and chain‑of‑custody procedures for samples potentially involving biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear agents
• Complete and maintain BSL‑3 training and certifications; meet all requirements for Select Agent Program security clearance
• Complete ICS Command and first responder training; respond to public health emergencies when activated

• Exempt – Full‑Time – Grant Funded
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirement
• In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well‑being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS)
• Two (2) years of experience

• Required:
  
  A valid driver’s license is required; successful out‑of‑state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license within 90 days of hire
• Required within six (6) months of hire:
  Obtain Select Agent FBI security clearance

• Criminal Background Check:
  Yes
• Motor Vehicle Record Check:
  Yes
• Drug Screening:
  Yes
• Physical Exam:
  Yes

A recruitment consultant will evaluate all…