Microbiologist Series

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: February 12, 2025

Required documents uploaded by: February 12, 2025

Kansas Department of Health and Environment:

Our agency is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, who was appointed by Gov. Kelly in Dec 2021. KDHE is comprised of three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). We are the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof which allows us to take a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans.

About the Position

Who can apply: Anyone (External)

Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)

Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes

Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes

Compensation:

• Pay Range:
  • Microbiologist I - $28.18 per hour
  • Microbiologist II - $29.20 per hour
• Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage

Sick & Vacation leave

Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave

Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)

Fitness Centers in select locations

Employee discounts with the STAR Program

Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

The position (K0231118)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Microbiologist opening in Topeka. This position is with the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories and is strictly in office. The incumbent in this position will serve as testing personnel (high and moderate complexity testing), as defined by CLIA, for bacteriology and mycobacteriology areas.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Perform technical duties in the identification of bacteria and report results in an accurate and timely manner. Bacteriology testing involves laboratory isolation of bacterial pathogens from human clinical samples and identification of cultures using biochemical analysis, microscopy, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight spectroscopy (MALDI-ToF), PCR, and serological tests. Mycobacteriology testing involves isolation and identification of mycobacteria using culture, fluorescent microscopy, MALDI-ToF, and nucleic acid amplification. As delegated, assist with the evaluation and implementation of new and alternative test methods for bacteriology and mycobacteriology areas.

Assist with accessioning of samples and the processing of clinical specimens and cultures as needed. Help track consumables to ensure that supplies and reagents are maintained and ordered as needed. Ensure measures for safety are practiced and completed, including trash pickup, keeping lab benches clean, and restocking supplies. Perform quality control tests and maintain related records. Prepare and update written standard operating procedures and test methods as necessary to reflect current technology and methods. Participate in appropriate proficiency testing programs. Once eligible, serve as general supervisor or technical supervisor, as defined by CLIA, for applicable testing services and carry out the duties assigned to those roles.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or other related field. Must have at least 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of Biology, 6 semester hours of Chemistry, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination.
• Licensing & Certification:
  • Valid Driver's License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.
• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Microbiologist I
    • Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or other related field. Must have at least 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of Biology, 6 semester hours of Chemistry, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination.
  • Microbiologist II
    • Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or other related field. Must have at least 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of Biology, 6 semester hours of Chemistry, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination.
    • AND 1 years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
      • OR master’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry or other related field. Must have at least 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of Biology, 6 semester hours of Chemistry, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination.
    • AND must be a general supervisor (as defined by CLIA) within 6 months of hire.
      • OR take on a quality improvement project assigned by their manager to either enhance or expand the capabilities of the scientist and the laboratory.
      • OR must be cross-trained into an additional laboratory unit within 6 months of hire.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry or biochemistry.
  • PhD in microbiology, biology, chemistry or biochemistry.
  • ASCP certification in Microbiology or Medical Technician.
  • 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of Chemistry, 6 semester hours of Biology.
  • 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination.
  • One year experience in a clinical Microbiology laboratory.
  • Experience in identifying bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi.
  • Six months experience in the lead role for microbiology testing services in a CLIA regulated lab.
  • Experience in working under BSL-3 laboratory conditions.
  • Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

Recruiter Contact Information

Name: Ashley Webb

Email: Ashley.Webb@ks.gov

Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson St. Suite 580 Topeka, KS 66612

Job Application Process

• First Sign in or register as a New User.
• Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
  • Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
  • Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
  • Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

Transcripts

DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.