STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Microbiologist 2 (35 Hour)

Recruitment #180911-7390HC-001

Introduction

Within the Department of Public Health, Public Health Laboratory, Biological Sciences, TB/STD, this Microbiologist 2 position will support laboratory testing in the TB/Mycology and Bacteriology Units. Responsibilities include testing clinical specimens and cultures for the detection, identification and characterization of mycobacteria, yeast and enterobacteriaceae from clinical specimens and cultures, operation and maintenance of instrumentation and quality control duties.

Selection Plan

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Deb Lyons at Deborah.Lyons@ct.gov, (860)509-7180.

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

o Experience with microbiological and molecular testing methods and techniques for the detection, identification and characterization of mycobacteria and yeast from cultures and clinical specimens.

o Experience and knowledge utilizing and maintaining clinical laboratory testing equipment and instrumentation.

o Experience with various microbiology identification methods and techniques for the identification of enterobacteriace from clinical specimens.

o Experience with antimicrobial susceptibility testing (disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration) methods.

o Experience with Quality Assurance, Quality Control and laboratory safety policies and procedures, including an understanding of standard laboratory precautions and Biosafety Level 2 and Biosafety Level 3 laboratory practices.

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 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.