Mycobacteriology Laboratory Microbiologist

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced Microbiologist to perform complex testing for the isolation, identification, and susceptibility testing of Mycobacteria species from clinical specimens. The incumbent will be using procedures such as fluorescent acid-fast staining, solid and liquid culture methods, identification via mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF), drug susceptibility testing (DST), while adhering to all security and safety policies and in accordance with all established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Learn more about what it's like to work as a DPH Laboratory Professional .

Please note : This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week.

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

• Conduct microbiological, immunological, and molecular-based test methods on clinical specimens and bacterial isolates.
• Perform specimen accessioning, determination of accept/reject criteria, and initiate sample analysis using sound scientific practice and technical skills.
• Report results accurately and completely within the laboratory information management system(s).
• Follow the quality management program requirements to ensure that all certification and accreditation requirements, including training and competency, are met.
• Communicate with submitters according to procedures regarding specimen collections, packaging, shipping, and transportation of specimens to the laboratory.
• Perform quality control activities including verification - validation, routine quality control, and proficiency testing as assigned.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and report equipment problems in a timely manner according to procedures.
• Perform all laboratory work (e.g. testing procedures, safety protocols, quality assurance protocols) according to written standard operating procedures.
• Comply with agency policy regarding safety, security, and protection in the working environment in accordance with the laboratory's SOPs and policies.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the concepts and theories of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology.
• Understanding of basic microbial culture techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection methods.
• Demonstrated knowledge of quality assurance practices (e.g. equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method verification, staff competency assessments).
• Capacity to effectively and professionally communicate orally and in writing and to prepare concise technical reports.
• Means to follow established Standard Operating Procedures and work instructions, and the ability to work both individually and in a team environment.
• Ability to use a computer to conduct testing, manage databases, and produce written documents.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with laboratory techniques for isolation and handling of Mycobacteria species including Mycobacterium tuberculosis .
• Prior experience working within a BSL-2 and a BSL-3 laboratory.
• Prior experience working within a Biosafety Cabinet (BSC).
• Will ingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents.
• Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.

Special Requirements:

As part of the pre-hire process, you will be required to submit transcript(s) for review for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) verification process. If selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to submit an official transcript from each accredited academic institution to verify the above. Please note that we will be unable to move forward with your application for this position if you do not meet CLIA qualifications.

Working Conditions:

• This position will require work in the BSL-3 (Biosafety Level 3) laboratory.

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).

BIDLS Vision: Optimize the health of all people in Massachusetts and implement an equitable and just public health response by combatting infections and other public health threats.

BIDLS Mission: Use testing, analytical, and direct service capacities, grounded in data-, science-, and equity-driven public health principles, to share accurate information, provide timely guidance, and respond to infections and other public health threats, leveraging innovation and partnerships at the individual, family, community, and population levels.

DPH Mission and Vision:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.

We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.

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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

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 ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- [click to reveal phone number]510-4122 Ext. #4

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 two (2) 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. An Associate's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, or medical laboratory technology may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

II. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, medical laboratory technology or equivalent scientific field may substitute for the required experience.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

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!

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.