Microbiologist 1 (35 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Microbiologist 1 within the DPH Laboratory Division.  This Microbiologist 1 will work under the Environmental Microbiology Supervisor performing a wide range of technical laboratory duties in the water and food testing sections. This Microbiologist 1 will support current testing and provide the CT SPHL with enhanced capability to implement additional testing of environmental samples (i.e., water, food, swabs, and sponges) during disease outbreak investigations. The CT SPHL will work toward building capacity to test for viruses, such as Norovirus, and pathogenic Escherichia coli from environmental sources. The introduction of these tests will enhance epidemiologic disease monitoring, surveillance, outbreak investigation, and disease control.

Duties and responsibilities will include, per but not be limited to:

• Performing microbiological and molecular testing of water, food and/or environmental swabs and sponges;
• Preparing test materials;
• Performing specialized techniques including chromogenic substrate coliform test, microscopy, Polymerase Chain Reaction and culturing procedures;
• Maintaining records;
• Ensuring quality control is performed and documented to include preparing final reports;
• Supporting all pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical, and quality assurance activities associated with testing procedures.

The Mission of DPH 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; and
• Promoting the equal enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, which is a human right and a priority of the state.

DPH accomplishes this through the implementation of its Strategic Plan which outlines the actions that DPH is taking to accomplish its Mission.

Located in Rocky Hill, CT, the State Public Health Laboratory offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth.  The Environmental Microbiology laboratory performs testing on milk and dairy products, water, food, and environmental samples.  The safe use and integrity of these products sold in the State of Connecticut is confirmed by chemical and bacteriological testing performed by FDA certified Microbiologists in the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory.  

This is a full-time, first shift, thirty-five (35) hour per week position with a typical work schedule of Monday through Friday with opportunities for flex scheduling. We offer a competitive benefits package, excellent health care, generous leave policies, retirement plan, and more! We also encourage a healthy work-life balance to all employees!

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

Performs microbiological and biochemical tests on human and animal specimens to identify or detect presence or absence of bacteriological agents of communicable diseases; makes microscopic, cultural and serological 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 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to support investigation of food and water borne outbreaks of disease; prepares reagents; utilizes universal laboratory precautions; utilizes computers related to laboratory instrumentation, quality assurance data and test reports; maintains records and prepares reports; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of current principles and practices of biomedical sciences and microbiological disciplines including bacteriology, parasitology, virology and others as they relate to public health; knowledge of equipment and instruments used in modern public health laboratories; knowledge of applicable analytical techniques; knowledge of quality assurance and quality control policies and procedures; knowledge of universal laboratory precautions; knowledge of basic laboratory hazards and safety; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; ability to perform standard biomedical science, microbiological and biochemical examinations; ability to utilize computer software.

Five (5) years of experience in a public health or clinical laboratory involving scientific work in the field of microbiology,biochemistry or molecular biology.

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 the General Experience.
3. Successful completion of the Connecticut Careers Trainee program in microbiology may be substituted for the General Experience.

1. Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests and 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 in this class 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.