Microbiologist​/Microbiologist DOH

Microbiologist 1/Microbiologist 2 DOH
9006 This is a full‑time onsite position located at our Public Health Laboratory in Shoreline, WA.

We are hiring for one 7‑month temporary (non‑permanent) position and one Permanent position, both located at the Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline, WA. The position may be filled at the Microbiologist 1 or Microbiologist 2 level depending on qualifications.

• Prepare environmental and clinical specimens for analysis.
• Perform manual and automated DNA/RNA extraction, filter cutting, and specimen log‑in.
• Survey suspicious packages as part of emergency response testing.

• Perform culture‑based methods to detect and identify bacterial pathogens.
• Perform qPCR to detect and identify bacterial and viral pathogens.
• Use Time Resolved Fluorescence and Mouse Bioassay to detect toxins.
• Conduct MALDI‑TOF analysis to identify toxins.
• Learn and apply new technologies and assays as assigned to address emerging disease threats.

• Assist the lead with quality control and quality assurance activities, including media and reagent QC, completed accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain laboratory equipment through regular temperature monitoring, real‑time PCR platform calibration, and eyewash flushing.
• Use Media Lab for document review and competency assessment
• Assist the lead(s) in training other microbiologists on the pre‑analytical, analytical, and post‑analytical aspects of the work.

• Enter submitter information and testing results into laboratory databases; currently StarLIMS, Access Reference Database, and LRN Results Messenger.
• Support surge events in other laboratory sections when needed.
• Contribute to project work such as process improvement and method validation or verification.

Few jobs connect the bench to the community as directly as this one. The testing you perform helps detect biological threats, supports outbreak response, and gives public health partners the information they need to act quickly. You will be part of the Department of Health's mission to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington, and your work will make a difference in the lives of people across the state.

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1: Two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory that includes 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses
- OR - 24 semester hours of science courses that includes Six (6) semester hours of chemistry, Six (6) semester hours of biology, and Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination

AND Laboratory training that meets one of these criteria:
Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ASHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS - OR
- At least three (3) months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the incumbent performs high complexity testing.

Option 2: Bachelor's degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another basic medical science,
which includes 20 or more…