Microbiologist II

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The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is seeking applicants with strong laboratory skills for a Microbiologist II position in the Public Health Bureau and Aquaculture in the water quality laboratory located at the Lamoine facility.

Opening Date: December 31, 2025

Closing Date: End of day January 14, 2026

Location: Lamoine

Position Number:

Class Code: 4219

Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical Unit)

Salary: $51,979.20 – $72,945.60 Per Year*

*(This includes a 5.5% Salary Adjustment)

This position will work with both the Water Quality laboratory and the Biotoxin laboratory as necessary.

• This position will lead daily laboratory sample processing, sample scheduling and work with the Scientist II to maintain all quality control for laboratory methods performed in compliance with Maine State Public Health Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP).
• Water Quality laboratory work includes analysis of fecal coliforms in seawater samples with membrane filtration, operation of autoclaves, dry over sterilization, critical temperature monitoring, preparation of media, and data entry.
• Biotoxin laboratory work involves enumeration of marine phytoplankton utilizing bright-field microscopy, shellfish tissue testing with high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV).
• The successful candidate will be required to learn HPLC-post column oxidation method for Paralytic Shellfish Toxin monitoring as well as contribute to validation of emerging biotoxin testing methods.

• This position requires basic laboratory skills including pipetting, solution preparation, knowledge of measurement units, mastery of simple laboratory calculations with basic PC software, and attention to detail.
• The successful candidate is self-motivated to recognize the tasks that need to be completed and to perform those tasks according to Standard Operating Procedures with limited supervision.
• The successful candidate is motivated to research new scientific methods for potential implementation into the program.

This position is required to work occasional weekends and holidays.

For questions specific to the position, please contact the Hiring Manager, David W. Miller, at: david.w.miller

A Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or related scientific field and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a related microbiological field. Responsible experience in microbiology may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preference will be given to those with laboratory experience in a regulatory setting. Knowledge of membrane filtration, HPLC, or PCR is preferred. Experience with Microsoft Access, R, Python, or other programming languages is a plus.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime‑exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85–100% of employee‑only premiums ($11,857.68–$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
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