STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Microbiologist 2 (35 Hour)

Public Health Lab – Microbiology - Advanced Molecular Diagnostics

Recruitment #171106-7390HC-001

Introduction

Within the Department of Public Health, Public Health Laboratory (located in Rocky Hill), this Microbiologist 2 position will work under the direction of the supervisor of the Advanced Molecular Diagnostics unit to ensure support for molecular diagnostic activities critical for timely outbreak surveillance and response to the emergence of new pathogens.

Duties will include working with CDC and other Microbiology units within the Public Health Laboratory to validate and implement methods for whole genome sequencing, new real-time PCR, and other molecular diagnostic assays.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Departments of Agriculture and Public Health this class is accountable for performing the more difficult and complex biochemical, microbiological or molecular examinations and analyses of a variety of specimens and substances.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs routine as well as new and unusual or difficult examinations and analyses utilizing sophisticated instrumentation; performs microbiological and biochemical tests on human and animal specimens to identify bacteriological agents or locate evidence indicative of presence or absence of communicable diseases; makes microscopic, cultural, serological and other examinations of a variety of human specimens; performs bacteriological and biochemical analyses of water, wastewater, sewage effluent and sludge, seawater, seafood, dairy products and other foods; performs microbiological and other biochemical assays for inborn errors of metabolism; performs DNA amplification tests to detect various viral and bacterial agents; provides testing such as culture, antigen detect assays, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to support investigations of food and water borne outbreaks of disease; prepares reagents; utilizes universal laboratory precautions; utilizes computers to operate and maintain instrumentation, quality assurance data and test results; prepares reports and maintains records of investigations; may testify in court; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of current theories, principles and practices of biomedical sciences and microbiological disciplines including bacteriology, parasitology, virology and others as they relate to public health; considerable knowledge of current laboratory methods, equipment, instrumentation and material; knowledge of quality assurance and quality control policies and procedures; knowledge of common statistical techniques and ability to make sophisticated calculations; knowledge of universal laboratory precautions; knowledge of basic laboratory hazards and safety; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to perform routine and advanced biomedical, microbiological and biochemical examinations; ability to interpret test results in the context of patient history and epidemiology of disease or agent; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of experience in a public health or clinical laboratory involving scientific work in the field of microbiology, biochemistry or molecular biology.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the junior working level in the field of microbiology. For state employees this is interpreted at the level of Microbiologist 1.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training in the natural sciences may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in the natural sciences may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with culture and molecular diagnostic techniques for the detection, identification, or characterization of pathogenic bacteria or infectious viral agents such as Influenza, respiratory viruses, and HIV;
• Experience validating and implementing new or developing methods and procedures for the detection and identification of bacterial and/or viral pathogens;
• Experience with prioritization of work flow when presented with multiple demands and time critical activities;
• Experience with Quality Assurance, Quality Control and laboratory safety policies and procedures, including an understanding of Biosafety Level 2 and Biosafety Level 3 laboratory practices;
• Experience writing up-to-date standard operating procedures for clinical diagnostic protocols, preparing written data summary or method validation reports as well as communicating effectively with internal and external clinical laboratory clients and healthcare providers regarding laboratory policies, procedures, test methods performed and interpretation of analytical results.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests and/or immunizations for communicable diseases.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to have specific education and/or experience to meet various certification and/or licensing requirements.
3. Incumbents may be required to undergo and successfully complete security background checks.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

The Department of Public Health aims to provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and advancement, fostering an environment committed to supporting individuals in all protected classes. If you require an aid/accommodation to participate fully and fairly, please contact the Human Resources Office
at (860) 509-7177.