Microbiology Teaching Assistant

The Public Health Microbiology Teaching Assistant provides both didactic and laboratory bench training to develop and maintain the workforce for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Laboratories and California Public Health Laboratory Network.

Duties include conducting a series of courses to meet the State of California requirements for Public Health Microbiologist certification and related topics to maintain laboratory workforce safety, shipping certification and competency requirements and developing new training for COVID-19 laboratory testing.

The scope of training may include Laboratory Safety, Virology (including COVID-19), Serology, Molecular Testing, Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, Environmental Microbiology, and Laboratory Regulations.

Part-time and full-time positions available.

Salary Range: $36.53 to 39.42 an hour depending on experience and qualifications.

To be considered, please provide a resume and 2 professional references with the application.

This position is funded through June 30, 2026 and may be extended if funding is available.

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

• Works under direction of Public Health Microbiology Trainers and subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop and update instructional materials and present curricula required for workforce training.
• Develops, provides content, and delivers instruction for lectures and laboratory training modules.
• Provides timely and appropriate feedback to trainees.
• Assists with development and administration of assessment tools.
• May serve as SME for specific training components and provide technical expertise for developing new training components, including COVID-19.
• Applies knowledge of biosafety to implement appropriate safeguards for required in-person instruction modules.
• Assists with laboratory orientation and ensuring compliance with laboratory procedures and policies.
• Provides material for distance learning modules for COVID-19 and other training subjects and assists with their implementation and evaluation.
• Organizes and maintains electronic training document sites and recorded laboratory procedure training videos to be accessible to trainees and instructors.
• Maintains technical knowledge, expertise and troubleshooting skills by review of the literature, consultation with peers, internet searches and other activities as directed.
• Assists with identifying, purchasing, and organizing needed training supplies including media and PPE.
• Participates in the review and updating of training policy and procedures.
• Assists with training program reports and documents as requested to CDPH and Public Health Laboratory leadership to meet agency and grant requirements and deadlines.

• Perform other duties as requested by the Branch Chief and Public Health Microbiology Trainers

• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Experience with health education approaches and techniques, including designing communications conveying complex results interpretable by a variety of audiences
• Ability to present results orally and in written form to both a scientific and a lay audience
• Ability to work with technical staff
• Ability to develop relationships with and work with stakeholders
• Knowledge of public health practices and the application of health education principles and skills for the promotion of health and the prevention of disease and disability
• Familiarity with occupational and environmental health issues, including how to perform risk assessments and convey safety information
• Knowledge of educational resources and how to utilize them
• Knowledge of current developments in public health such as COVID-19 and other emerging pathogens

• Possession of Bachelor’s degree in a related area, required.
• Advanced degree in public health, science, or related field, preferred.
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience as…