Microbiologist

As a Microbiologist 2 with the Department of Health (DOH) in the Bureau of Laboratories, you will take part in important work that helps identify and track infectious diseases across the Commonwealth. This role gives you the chance to use advanced laboratory methods in a fast-paced and mission-focused setting. You will collaborate with skilled professionals who are committed to public health and scientific accuracy.

Your contributions help deliver timely and trusted results that support the health of communities throughout Pennsylvania.

This position supports public health by performing laboratory testing and analysis on clinical and environmental samples, including bioterrorism and foodborne agents. The work involves advanced microbiology methods, detailed documentation, and collaboration with partner agencies. As a Microbiologist 2, you will perform the following duties:

• 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

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday, with a 60-minute lunch
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

• Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
  • One year as a Microbiologist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
  • 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; or
  • A graduate degree in microbiology.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

• This position will require the successful completion of a background risk assessment check, after hire.

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• You must pass a background investigation.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and click on Veterans.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth…