Molecular Microbiologist Analyst – (230002YN)

Overview

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced Molecular Microbiologist Analyst to perform high complex microbiological and molecular tests to identify and characterize pathogenic bacteria of both clinical and public health importance. This position performs molecular tests including real time PCR to identify bacterial agents including pathogenic agents during foodborne outbreaks, respiratory pathogens from clinical specimens, and identify gene targets known to confer antimicrobial resistance. May perform activities associated with sequencing of pathogenic bacteria isolated from clinical sources and food or environmental sources. Assists with development and implementation of new molecular test methods. Assists in training classes for clinical laboratory partners. Comply with all safety and security protocols. Performs related duties as required to include but not limited to participation/contribution to LIMS implementation and processes associated with building renovation.

This position will require work in the BSL-3 laboratory. In the context of work in a BSL-3 environment the successful candidate must understand the following:

• All Tier 1 Staff will undergo a security risk assessment (SRA), which includes signing a confidentiality statement, and renewal every three years.
• Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents.
• All Tier 1 designated staff who may be exposed to Tier 1 Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) must complete OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C), be evaluated and determined able to wear a respirator before working in any HSLI laboratory (Tier 1, non Tier1, and non SAT) that requires a respirator.
• All Tier 1 designated staff are subject to ongoing suitability assessment to ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding Tier 1 Select Agents. Failure to pass the SRA and/or suitability assessment required for access to Tier 1 BSAT may result in being laid off if no other resolution is reached.

Please note that this position is required to report to the office five days per week.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Performs specimen accessioning, determination of accept/reject criteria, and initiate sample analysis using sound scientific practice and technical skills.
• Performs diagnostic procedures for the isolation and identification of the causative agents of legionellosis, gonorrhea and pertussis.
• Performs molecular and microbiological tests on clinical specimens to aid in the investigation of foodborne outbreaks.
• Conducts tests for detection of antimicrobial resistance.
• Tests bacterial and viral pathogens of both clinical and public health importance by molecular microbiological methods such as nucleic acid amplification, real time PCR, and activities associated with sequencing.
• Follows the quality management program requirements to ensure that all certification and accreditation requirements, including training and competency, are met.
• Performs quality control/quality assurance activities including verification or validation, routine quality control, and proficiency testing, as assigned.
• Follows laboratory established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory defined acceptable levels of performance and documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory established performance specifications.
• Assists in preparation of validation plans and written summaries of results.
  Participates and respond to emergency events.

Required Qualifications:

• Understanding of basic microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques. These include knowledge of basic microbial culture techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays.
• Knowledge of the quality assurance practices (e.g., equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency, following standard operating procedures) specific to microbiology, immunological, and molecular biology test methods in a diagnostic setting.
• Ability to perform calculations, measurements and unit conversion calculations.
  Comprehension of the principles and policies governing professional ethics and rules of conduct.
• Means to effectively and professionally communicate orally and in writing and prepare concise technical reports.
• Knowledge of laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to certification and accreditation requirements to meet regulatory requirements.
• Capacity to coordinate assignments for microbiological sample storage, handling, and specimen retention, and packaging and shipping of infectious substances.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, journal articles, and other formal scientific materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations pertaining to the prevention and control of communicable diseases.
• Keen knowledge of the regulatory standards governing clinical and environmental laboratory testing.

About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS):

The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL).

Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment.

The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease. The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety. The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.

We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

More information can be found at: MA Department of Public Health.​

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the   Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #2

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory technology, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Based on assignment, applicants must meet related Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) requirements for High Complexity Testing.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.

Substitutions: 

I. A Bachelor’s degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, medical laboratory technology, or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

II. A Master’s degree or higher with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for the required experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Microbiologist II
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-305 South Street
Job: Science
Agency: Department of Public Health
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Mar 7, 2023, 9:55:58 AM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 65,323.70 – 96,067.40 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Sandra Semedo Sandra.C.Semedo@mass.gov – 6173524250
Bargaining Unit: 09-MOSES – Engineers/Scientists
Confidential: No
Hybrid Work Eligible: No