Microbiologist

Position Title

Microbiologist 2 – Department of Health, Bureau of Laboratories

As a Microbiologist 2 with the Department of Health in the Bureau of Laboratories, you will help identify and track infectious diseases across Pennsylvania. The role involves performing advanced microbiology testing and analysis on clinical, environmental, foodborne and bioterrorism samples, as well as collaborating with partner agencies to deliver timely, trusted results.

110 Pickering Way, Exton, Pennsylvania, 19341 – Chester County, PA

$60,538.00 - $92,010.00 Annually

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

• Microbiology Testing: Conduct conventional and molecular testing for infectious agents in biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories.
• Sample Analysis: Examine clinical, environmental, food, and water specimens related to bioterrorism events and infectious disease surveillance.
• Technique Application: Use advanced laboratory methods such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Matrix‑Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization‑Time of Flight (MALDI‑TOF), Time‑Resolved Fluorescence (TRF), and toxin assays.
• Specimen Handling: Prepare specimens for shipment, receive new specimens, assign accession numbers, and deliver materials to appropriate areas.
• Quality Control: Carry out quality control activities across testing phases and maintain required documentation and equipment records.
• Training Support: Provide technical guidance to new staff, public health partners, students, and clinical laboratories.

• Full‑time employment, 37.5 hours per week.
• Work hours:
  
  8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with a 60‑minute lunch break.
• Telework: Telework is not an option for this position.
• Salary: In some cases the starting salary may be non‑negotiable.

• One year as a Microbiologist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title).
• One year of professional laboratory work experience in microbiology, and a bachelor’s degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
• A graduate degree in microbiology.
• Applicants who are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree will be considered to have met the educational requirements.

• Successful completion of a background risk assessment check, after hire.

• You must pass a background investigation.
• You must meet the Pennsylvania residency requirement.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.