Microbiologist 2 (35 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH) is hiring! We are currently seeking two qualified individuals for the position of Microbiologist 2. These positions will work in the Department of Public Health's Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Division.

These Microbiologist 2 positions will support molecular and serology activities critical for timely outbreak surveillance, diagnostic and response to emerging pathogens including working with CDC to validate methods for whole genomic sequencing, and implement new real-time PCR molecular assays and serology. Development of continually advancing and expanding molecular and serological testing technologies for the detection, identification, and characterization of viral and bacterial pathogens is critical to the mission of the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health's mission is to protect and improve the health and safety of the people of Connecticut by

• Assuring the conditions in which people can be healthy
• Preventing disease, injury, and disability
• Promoting the equal enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, which is a human right and a priority of the state.

Are you ready for the next step in your career? Interested in joining the outstanding team at the Connecticut Department of Public Health and making a difference in our State? We encourage you to apply today! These positions are conveniently located in Rocky Hill, CT. The work schedule is typically Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week.

We participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan, as well as paid time off! The Department of Public Health also offers free parking with shuttle service, educational support, and continuous access to training.

These positions will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. 

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account. 

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error. 

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position. Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. 

Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.  

Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Chelsea Moore at Chelsea.Moore@ct.gov.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

• Experience validating and implementing new or developing methods and procedures for the detection and identification of bacterial and/or viral pathogens.
• Experience with serological assays such as Enzyme Immunoassay and Immunofluorescent techniques for the detection of HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis and vaccine preventable diseases.
• Experience writing up-to-date standard operating procedures for clinical diagnostic protocols including data summary or method validation reports.
• Experience with prioritization of workflow when presented with multiple demands and time critical activities.
• Experience with Biosafety Level 2 and Biosafety Level 3 laboratory practices.
• Experience communicating with internal and external clinical laboratory clients and healthcare providers regarding laboratory policies, procedures, test methods and interpretation of analytical results.

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.

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

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.