Microbiologist , Antibiotic Resistance​/Reference Laboratory DOH

This is a full-time onsite position located at our Public Health Laboratory in Shoreline, WA.

As a Microbiologist 2 in the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory, you will perform specialized testing to detect and characterize antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi that can pose serious public health risks. Working across the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (ARLN) and Reference Laboratory, you will use methods such as antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PCR, MALDI-TOF, whole genome sequencing, and biochemical testing to identify organisms and provide accurate, timely results.

Your work will go beyond running tests. You will review results and quality control data, troubleshoot technical issues, maintain testing quality, and contribute to the validation and implementation of new laboratory methods. You will also share your expertise by training and mentoring other laboratory staff and helping strengthen practices across the lab.

The results produced by this team help public health partners understand and respond to antibiotic resistance and emerging threats such as Candida auris and carbapenemase-producing organisms. During outbreaks and other public health emergencies, you may also provide testing support in other areas of the Public Health Laboratories.

• Perform antimicrobial and antifungal susceptibility testing, organism identification, and screening for antibiotic-resistant and emerging pathogens.
• Use laboratory methods including PCR, MALDI-TOF, whole genome sequencing, biochemical testing, AST, and AFST to analyze submitted specimens.
• Review testing results, quality control data, and supporting documentation to ensure results are accurate and ready for release.
• Investigate testing, assay, and quality control issues, identify root causes, and work with laboratory staff to resolve technical problems.
• Maintain laboratory quality through QC/QA activities, proficiency testing, equipment maintenance and calibration, inventory, and accurate documentation.
• Develop and perform validations, verifications, and risk assessments for new or updated laboratory methods, equipment, and processes.
• Train and mentor microbiologists, laboratory technicians, students, and fellows on testing methods, procedures, and good laboratory practices.
• Maintain competency across applicable testing methods and provide bench and surge testing during outbreaks, staffing needs, and other public health response activities.

• Put your microbiology expertise to work on complex testing. You’ll use a range of advanced methods while building expertise across both the ARLN and Reference Laboratory.
• Have a voice in how the lab works. You’ll troubleshoot challenging testing issues, contribute to new methods and processes, and share your knowledge with other laboratory professionals.
• Help detect emerging public health threats. Your work provides information public health partners rely on to identify and respond to antibiotic-resistant organisms and other infectious disease threats.
• Strengthen public health laboratory capacity. By maintaining high-quality testing, mentoring others, and supporting outbreak response, you’ll help ensure Washington has reliable laboratory services when they are needed most.

You’re a microbiologist who enjoys both the technical and problem‑solving sides of laboratory work. You’re comfortable working across different testing methods, digging into unexpected results, and maintaining high standards for quality and accuracy. You communicate well with colleagues, share your expertise with others, and value working on a team where different perspectives and experiences strengthen…