Microbiologist 3 (DOH3846)

Salary
$4,623.00 – $6,062.00 Monthly
Location
King County – Shoreline, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Health
Job Number
DOH3846
Closing
10/26/2017 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
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Microbiologist 3

About the Position and Microbiology
 
This Microbiologist 3 is the lead worker in the Biowatch/Emergency Response unit of the Microbiology Laboratory. The position supports the mission of protecting public health in Washington state by leading microbiologists and technicians in the performance of 1) Responding to public health emergency events including but not limited to Ebola, MERS CoV, Influenza, etc.; 2) Biowatch program which receives environmental samples 365 days/year for testing to rule out agents of bioterrorism; 3) Receiving samples from law enforcement and other first responders for testing to rule out agents of bioterrorism; 4) Arborviral testing. The person in this position reports to the Bioterrorism Response Coordinator at WAPHL.
 
This is a full-time permanent Microbiologist 3 (Micro 3) within the Division of Disease Control and Health Statistics (DCHS), Public Health Laboratories (PHL), Office of Microbiology.  This recruitment may be used to fill other Micro 3 positions within this office.
 
About DOH and our Employer of Choice Initiatives
 
Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works with federal, state, tribal, and local partners to help people in Washington stay healthy and safe.  Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide education to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies. To learn more about the agency, visit DOH and DOH Infographic (Download PDF reader).   
 
DOH is a great place to work and has implemented several “Employer of Choice” initiatives, including: 

  • We are committed to diversity and inclusion. DOH fosters an inclusive environment that encourages all employees to bring their authentic selves to work each day. We strive to hire, develop, and retain a competent and diverse workforce that is reflective of the customers we serve. (Click to view the DOH “Diversity is Rising” video.)
  • We have an engaging Wellness@Health program which offers programs that support healthy behaviors and work/life balance. Our program provides wellness education, access to healthy food, physical activity classes, stress relief, and many other resources to support a healthy you.
  • We support a healthy work/life balance by offering flexible/alternative work schedules, and mobile and telework options.  (Depending upon job duties.)
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What will you be doing? – Duties include: 

  • Monitoring analysis progress and work flow, problem solving and communication with stakeholders.
  • Preparation and analysis of specimens.
  • Ensuring proper lab quality control systems are functioning properly.
  • Training other Microbiologists in all aspects of Bioterrorism/emergency response, Biowatch and Arboviral testing.
  • Performing data acquisition and review.


What we’re looking for:
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  (NOTE:  Experience may have been gained concurrently.) 

  • A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology or in another biomedical laboratory science WHICH INCLUDES 20 semester or 30 quarter hours in Microbiology; AND three (3) or more years (full-time equivalency) of experience in a microbiology laboratory.


OR 

  • A Master’s degree in Microbiology or a closely allied field; AND two (2) or more years (full-time equivalency) of experience in a microbiology laboratory.


OR 

  • A Ph.D. in Microbiology or a closely allied field; AND one (1) or more years (full-time equivalency) of experience in a microbiology laboratory.


AND

  • Two (2) or more years (full-time equivalency) of experience with real-time Polymerase Chain Reactions (real-time PCR) using AB instrumentation and ELISA assays.
  • Demonstrated experience in the following:
  • Applying knowledge of various microbiology disciplines to modern instrumentation.
  • Training and overseeing work of, laboratory technical staff.
  • Planning microbiological studies including instrumentation and method development.
  • Presenting technical information clearly, both orally and in writing.
  • Working in Biosafety level 3 laboratories.


SPECIAL NOTE:  Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.  AND, prior to gaining permanent status (in the position), incumbent must also undergo and pass an FBI Security Risk Assessment. 
 
Preference may be given to candidate’s who have the following DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  (NOTE:  Experience may have been gained concurrently.) 

  • Demonstrated experience in the following:
  • Working in a public health laboratory.
  • Working with biothreat agents.
  • Performing verification and validation studies.
  • Working with Select Agent and CAP regulations relating to Biowatch labs and Bioterrorism/Emergency Response BSL3 laboratories.


Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions
 
With or without an accommodation, I am willing and able to do the following: 

  • Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  • Prior to gaining permanent status (in the position), must undergo and pass an FBI Security Risk Assessment.
  • Work Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm.
  • Work outside of assigned core work hours on short notice in response to outbreaks and emergency response; willingness to work weekends and occasional holidays.
  • Willingness to be on-call.  The on-call person is required to respond within one hour of notification.
  • Travel to training, meetings, and conferences both in and out of the state.
  • Stand or sit for long periods of time.
  • Work at a computer for extended periods of time.
  • Move packages or materials weighing up to 40 lbs.
  • Work in Biosafety level 2 spaces with full personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to PAPRS, double gloving, front gowns, etc.
  • Work in the Biosafety level 3 lab spaces with full PPE including but not limited to PAPRS, double gloving, Tyvek suits, etc.
  • Work with infectious specimens and samples.
  • Work in uncomfortable conditions (warm, humid, or smelly), if necessary.
  • Undergo vaccinations for laboratory contaminants as determined and required by management.
  • Communicate with DHS Biowatch program, DOH epidemiology, local health departments and vendors.
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding information accessed or discussed while performing the duties of the position.


Note:  This position is covered by an “Agency Shop” provision.  Therefore, as a condition of employment, the incumbent of this position must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the union a representational or other fee within 30 days of the date you are placed into pay status.
 
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is an equal opportunity employer.  DOH strives to create a working environment that is inclusive and respectful.  It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of our workforce.  Applicants wishing assistance or alternative formats in the process should contact Cher Williams at (360) 236-4545, Cher.Williams@doh.wa.gov or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1.
 
Application Process
 
Individuals interested in applying for this position should select the “Apply” button and submit the following:  

  1. A current detailed applicant profile; AND attach your detailed Letter of Interest that addresses the “Required and Desired Qualifications” (as listed above) and Resume to your profile.
  2. Three (3) or more professional references, to be included in your profile.  Please include at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised other staff) a subordinate.
  3. Responses to the Supplemental Questions.


IMPORTANT:  DO NOT attach transcripts OR other documents that are not requested in the Application Process, or that are password protected.  These type of documents cause errors when downloading application materials and will not be forwarded to the hiring supervisor.  VETERANS, please feel free to attach a copy of your DD214.

Supplemental Information

Important information regarding the Application Process and the Supplemental Questions

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process and Supplemental Questions in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration. 

NOTE:  Education and experience selected, listed and/or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the detailed applicant profile submitted.

Agency
State of Washington
Address
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504.

Phone
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