Microbiologist 1 or 2 DOH8545 - PROJECT

Description

Microbiologist 1 or 2 PROJECT

We’re hiring for either a Microbiologist 1 or 2 depending on qualifications.

This is a project position funded through July 31, 2025, with the possibility of extending through additional funding.

This position reports in-person and onsite daily to the Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, WA.

What You Will Do:

The Washington State Department of Health Laboratory is on a mission to protect and improve the health of residents across Washington State. In this vital on-site role within the Environmental Microbiology Lab, you will contribute directly to public health by conducting essential environmental testing. Your work will include viral pathogen testing in wastewater for SARS-CoV-2, RSV, Mpox, and Influenza A/B, as well as environmental testing for Legionella, West Nile Virus, and marine water quality for the Shellfish Program. You'll also assist with sample accessioning, inventory management, and sample preparation, while ensuring laboratory equipment is monitored, supplies are restocked, and workspaces are clean and organized.

Supporting lead scientists with accurate reporting and filing analysis results is another key part of this role. If you're seeking an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, collaborate with passionate scientists, and grow your expertise in environmental research, this position offers a chance to be part of a mission-driven team making a difference in public health.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform routine molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2, Legionella, West Nile virus, and other pathogens using standardized methods.
• Conduct sequencing of environmental samples (e.g., wastewater) for SARS-CoV-2.
• Ensure quality control of reagents and accurate analysis and timely reporting of all submitted samples.
• Perform standardized bacteriological testing on marine and drinking water samples for total and fecal coliforms, E. coli, and other microorganisms.
• Conduct quality control testing on media used in bacteriological testing and monitor sterilization effectiveness in autoclaves.
• Enter test results into the laboratory database (LIMS) and prepare reports for review and submission.
• Perform daily monitoring, maintenance, and cleaning of laboratory equipment to ensure compliance and proper functionality.
• Follow quality assurance standards and document media control results, notifying supervisors of any issues.
• Support updating of SOPs and maintain laboratory accreditation requirements.
• Maintain lab workspaces and ensure equipment is clean, functional, and properly maintained.

You Will Be Successful at the DOH If:

• You embrace cultural humility by honoring diverse perspectives and cultures.
• You are committed to equity and inclusion, removing barriers, championing social justice, and fostering a sense of belonging.
• You use an outward mindset to make impactful contributions, blending your personal expertise with collaborative achievements.
• You excel at problem-solving and crafting effective solutions while communicating clearly across different mediums.
• You are dedicated to customer service and navigate diverse interactions to build strong organizational relationships.
• Your technical competence shines, making you an invaluable asset to our team!

Location and Flexibility

Join our onsite team to collaborate directly with colleagues and be part of our dynamic workplace environment. This position requires working onsite and in-person at our Public Health Laboratory located in Shoreline, WA.

What We’re looking for – Required Qualifications:

We value all relevant experience, whether paid or unpaid and your diverse experiences can make a difference in this role. To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the required qualification options listed and any additional qualifications included in the required qualifications section. Education can substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.

To enter at the Microbiologist 1 level: (NOTE: Incumbents that are hired at the Microbiologist 1 level will advance to the Microbiologist 2 level after completing two (2) years of satisfactory service as a Microbiologist 1.)

• 
  Option 1: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another related field which includes 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms.

• 
  Option 2: Two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory including 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution which includes either 24 semester hours of microbiology – OR – 24 semester hours of science courses that include six (6) semester hours of chemistry, six (6) semester hours of biology, and twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or public health in any combination.

To enter at the Microbiologist 2 level:

• Option 1: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell biology, Biology, Chemistry, or another related field WHICH INCLUDES 20 or more semester hours or quarter hours equivalent in microbiology, or a subject related to the study of microorganisms. AND the following experience:
  • Two (2) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory.
  • A master’s degree in the aforementioned areas will substitute for 1 year of experience.
  • A PhD in the aforementioned area will substitute for 2 years of experience.

• 
  Option 2: Four (4) or more years of experience in a Microbiology or Molecular laboratory including 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

The qualifications below are what would make you a strong fit for this role. While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

• One (1) or more years of experience with qPCR and/or ddPCR.
• One (1) or more years of experience with next generation sequencing.
• One (1) or more years of experience with bacterial isolation and identification.

Benefits and Lifestyle

We prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "Why DOH" by visiting Work@Health.

Who We Are:

The PHL: Empowering Health and Protecting Communities!

The Washington State Public Health Laboratories (PHL) provides essential support to local health jurisdictions and healthcare providers in disease monitoring and outbreak response. Serving as the reference laboratory, PHL identifies rare diseases such as Rabies, Hantavirus, and West Nile virus, along with analyzing clinical samples for statewide outbreaks and shellfish contamination. With a focus on public health, PHL plays a critical role in safeguarding communities and addressing potential health threats.

We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington health.

Conditions of Employment:

I am prepared, with or without accommodations, to do the following:

Work Setting and Hazards:

• You’ll be working on-site in the lab as the job requires hands-on tasks.
• You may need to work longer hours or adjust your schedule to address public health needs.
• Occasionally, you’ll need to work over 40 hours per week and outside of your regular hours.
• You’ll work with high-risk organisms, so certain vaccinations are required to protect you.
• You'll need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection.
• You may work around radioactive materials.
• You may need to be fitted for a respirator, which includes passing a medical evaluation and training. Both are provided by DOH.
• You must have full color vision for accurate testing and analyses.
• You’ll need to stand for up to 4 continuous hours while processing samples.
• You should be able to move or lift materials up to 40 pounds.
• You’ll work in a chemical lab setting with proper lighting and equipment, including biosafety cabinets and fume hoods.

Schedule:

• Your regular hours are Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5pm, and will include one weekend day (either Saturday or Sunday).
• Occasionally, you may need to work outside of regular hours or exceed 40 hours a week, depending on public health needs.
• After training, you’ll be assigned a long-term schedule, with potential flexibility such as 9-80s or 4-10s.

Travel Requirements:

• Infrequent travel (1-3 events per year) may be required for training, conferences, or meetings.
• You may need to travel alone or with others, possibly staying overnight or for a few days.
• If driving for work, you must be able to legally operate a state or private vehicle, or arrange alternative transportation.

Tools and Equipment:

• You’ll use standard to complex lab equipment and PPE, including respiratory protection.
• You may also use specialized software for testing and data analysis.
• Customer Interactions:
• You’ll interact with clinical labs, state and county health officials, and staff from other states.
• You’ll work with clients such as Washington State Ferries, the University of Washington, and shellfish growers.

Other:

• You’ll need to wear lab-appropriate attire and PPE like gloves, respiratory protection, and a lab gown.
• DOH is a first-response agency, so you may be called to assist during public health emergencies and related training.

• Representation:This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

We're committed to a fair and equitable recruitment process. We only consider information submitted through our formal application. We do not accept emailed resumes, cover letters, or supplemental information and will not share any emailed information with the hiring manager.

To apply, click "Apply" and complete the application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and at least three professional references (including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led, if applicable). Do not include private information such as social security numbers or year of birth.

Make sure to document your years of experience in this field or area of work along with any tools, applications, software, etc. listed in the qualifications section of this job posting.

Do attach the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• References
• DD-214 (if applicable)

DO NOT include or attach the following:

• REMOVE personal photos – DO NOT submit any documents containing personal photos.
• Transcripts
• Certifications or Diplomas
• Projects or Portfolios
• Letters of Recommendation

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need accommodation in the application or selection process, or need information in an alternative format, contact Shawnelle Goalder at shawnelle.goalder@doh.wa.gov. For general DOH recruitment questions, email the Talent Acquisition Team at employment@doh.wa.gov. Deaf or hard of hearing contact Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1; individuals outside of Washington State contact Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6874.

Supplemental Information

• This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

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

• Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.

• This position is located in King County. A 5% salary increase is included in the advertised pay.