Microbiologist 3

Print

Microbiologist 3

Salary
$4,623.00 – $6,062.00 Monthly
Location
Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Agriculture
Job Number
2017-06035
Closing
Continuous
Description
An image without description
The Washington State Department of Agriculture services the people of Washington by supporting the agricultural community and promoting consumer and environmental protection.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Food Safety and Consumer Services (FS-CS) Laboratory has one permanent, full-time opportunity for a Microbiologist 3 in our Olympia, WA lab. This position performs routine to complex microbiological and biochemical analysis of food, dairy, water, feed and environmental samples for regulatory purposes. Through this work, the Microbiologist 3 supports the Food Safety and Consumer Services mission to protect the public health by providing data on foodborne pathogens to regulatory agencies.

We are searching for someone who has at least three years of professional experience in a microbiology laboratory well as keen interest in Food Microbiology. We offer a generous benefit package which includes 11 paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, retirement and insurance, health, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, training classes, and much more. While announcement will remain open until filled, we reserve the right to make a hiring decision at any time. It is to your advantage to apply early.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov

About the Position:
The successful applicant will be required to demonstrate and foster an attitude of being open and friendly to agency customers and coworkers, be willing to work to find ways to help customers solve problems as well as educate customers on the values of required actions.  Keep reading to find out more about the exciting work you will be doing!

  • Provides subject matter expertise, troubleshooting, and technical advice to Food and Feed Safety Officers, federal agency staff, and other laboratorians.

 

  • Performs bench testing as necessary to maintain competency and provide surge capacity.

 

  • Validates and implements new methodologies as approved by management.

 

  • Analysis of regulatory samples for pathogenic organisms using approved testing methods.
    • Conducts surveillance testing.
    • Conducts quality assurance testing in the technical sections.
    • Works under the requirements of ISO 17025:2005 Quality Management Systems for analysis.
    • Participates in teleconferences, meetings, seminars, training, and proficiency tests.

 

  • Assists with research, development, evaluation, and validation of new food testing methods or matrix extensions.
    • Assists with producing reports of findings from laboratory efforts to evaluate, and validate new food testing methods to the funder and/or publish these findings in peer-review journals.
    • Works on assignments involving small scale method development or validation.
    • During emergency situations, work to extend methods to new matrices in order to produce valid test results quickly in response to food borne outbreaks.

 

  • Performs standardized analysis of dairy, food and agriculture products with Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), HPLC, LC-MS, or other advanced instrumentation.

 

  • Assists with testing in other technical areas within the FS-CS Laboratory.
    • Performs analysis in accordance with the FDA 2400 forms, laboratory work instructions and SOPs.  Experienced with completing bench sheets and reports for review by the section supervisor.
    • Maintains dairy analyst certification by successfully participating in annual FDA Milk Proficiency Program and triennial FDA on-site evaluations.
    • Conducts testing for food-borne pathogens on food samples brought to the Microbiology Laboratory by staff of the Food Safety Program.

 

  • Provides assistance to the lab management and lab quality system.
    • Assists the laboratory management in grant application, proposal and annual report preparation, weekly testing reports review and preparation, and other admin duties.

 

  • Provides training to less experienced microbiologist and internships, and acts as laboratory safety officer and/or end-of-day lab check as needed.

What we are looking for:
Minimum Qualifications:

  • *Bachelor’s degree with a major in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, and/or other biological fields which shows knowledge of microbiology theory, principles, and practices and laboratory procedures, equipment, and instruments.
  • A minimum of three years of professional experience in a microbiology lab or similar lab science laboratory.
  • Must be able to obtain certification as an analyst in the Interstate Milk Shippers program.
  • Demonstrated experience training and/or overseeing the work of laboratory technical staff
  • Demonstrated experience reviewing laboratory test results and quality control data.
  • Demonstrated experience applying knowledge of various microbiology disciplines to modern instrumentation.
  • Demonstrated experience developing, evaluating, validating, verifying, and implementing new methods, procedures and instrumentation.
  • Demonstrated experience reading, synthesizing, and presenting information clearly orally and in writing.

*Equivalent education/lab experience may qualify based upon assessment from hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • An advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, public health or closed allied fields.
  • Five years of professional experience in a microbiology or similar lab science laboratory at a Microbiologist-2 or equivalent level.
  • Strong background in molecular biology, whole genome sequencing, HPLC, or LC-MS.
  • Experience with microbiological testing of dairy, feed/food in a regulatory laboratory, and experience with microbiological research projects and quality assurance projects.
  • Experience with grant writing and applications.

Supplemental Information:
This recruitment may be used to fill other Microbiologist 2 or 3 positions within the laboratory program.

The final candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal history background check prior to employment. Information received from the background check does not automatically make a candidate ineligible for employment.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. This means employees are required to pay regular union dues or non-association fees within 30 calendar days of their start date.

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:
*We abide by the ADA laws. Accommodations can be made if needed.
• Willing and able to work indoors, at a desk/workstation the majority of a work day, in an open office environment with possible conversation and other noise distractions.
• Willing and able to work in a tobacco, drug, and alcohol free environment.
• Willing and able to occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week and/or to adjust normally scheduled hours, which may include evening and weekends, to meet program needs and critical deadlines.
• Willing and able to occasionally travel throughout the state and nationwide which may include overnight stays, as required, while performing the duties of this position.
• Willing and able to legally operate a state or privately owned vehicle OR provide alternative transportation.
• Willing and able to able to stand for an extended period while working at the laboratory bench, and be able to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willing and able to work in an environment with hazards are typical and BSL2 lab hazards including contact with bacterial pathogens.
• Willing and able to use Routine lab equipment including PPEs (gowns, gloves, respirators) etc..

HOW TO APPLY:

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
• A letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;

              • A current resume detailing experience, education, and three professional references; and

• An unofficial transcript

To take advantage of Veteran’s preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout your social security number and date of birth before attaching.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state’s on-line recruitment system.

If you are unable to apply on-line, please contact Lyndsey Beaupre, Recruiter, at (360) 902-2020 or jobs@agr.wa.gov. Please include your last name and the position title in the subject line of your email.

The State of Washington actively supports diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who need assistance in the application process or who need this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2020 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest related level of education?

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Bachelor’s Degree and additional coursework
  • Master’s Degree
  • Master’s Degree and additional coursework
  • Doctorate Degree
  • Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
  • None of the above
02
Describe the focus of your degree and coursework that pertains to this announcement.
03
Do you have at least three (3) years of professional experience in a microbiology or similar science laboratory?

  • Yes
  • No
04
Describe your experience as it relates to this announcement. Include your years of experience, what types of analysis and how often you performed these, and describe any advanced equipment used. Answers such as “See Resume” will be considered incomplete.
05
Describe your microbiological experience analyzing foods and environmental samples. Include in response type of method and matrix. Answers such as “See Resume” will be considered incomplete.
06
Which of the following do you have at least three years of professional experience with? Check all that apply.

  • Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
  • PFGE
  • HPLC
  • LC-MS
  • Bioinformatics
  • Similar to above
  • None of the above
07
Describe your experience with the above. If you answered None of the Above, write NA.
08
Describe your experience with grant writing and application. If none, write NA
09
Describe your experience with ISO 17025 or other laboratory accreditation. What was your role, how does it impact your work? If no experience, write N/A.
10
How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?

  • Washington State’s career website: www.careers.wa.gov
  • Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com)
  • Washington State employee
  • Dept. of Agriculture’s career website: www.agr.wa.gov/employment
  • Agriculture Recruiter
  • College/university career fair or website
  • Diversity network meeting/event
  • Online job boards
  • Other

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504.

Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact