MICROBIOLOGIST

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

Under the direction of the Deputy Laboratory Director, the Microbiologist performs moderate to high complexity testing of clinical and environmental specimens for the detection of microorganisms using biochemical, immunological, and molecular methods for the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) laboratories, clinics, and programs. This position requires working with highly pathogenic microorganisms in a Bio-safety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory, following federal guidelines.

Technical

• Use conventional microbiological and serological techniques and advanced molecular methods to identify and detect microorganisms, including testing phases and follow-up. 
• Manage, analyze, and report samples through all phases of testing including pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical.
• Report and release test results and provide notifiable results. Identify, resolve, and document problems related to technical duties and responsibilities.

Laboratory Quality

• Participate in Health Department, Clinical Service Branch, and Laboratory Section meetings.
• Follow established inventory management processes, including receipt and inspection processes.
• Recognize and report corrective actions relative to non-conforming events (NCE) in laboratory processes; participate in root cause analysis and identification of corrective actions to be taken.
• Participate in Continual Quality Improvement (CQI) efforts, including Competency Assessment (CA), Annual Proficiency Testing (PT) and corrective action investigations, and root cause analysis.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Comply with laws, regulations, and guidance governing all aspects of laboratory testing, including testing, safety, and patient confidentiality.
• Maintain and demonstrate competency annually in all assigned work areas.
• Comply with regulations and guidelines governing laboratory testing.
• Participate in performance of method validation/verification process.
• Perform and provide reports on proficiency testing.
• Comply with policies, processes, and procedures regarding protected information (HIPAA).
• Participate in regulatory audits.
• Maintain technical records, assist with data requests, and provide technical support to clients.
• Follow OSHA safety guidelines, Blood borne Pathogen Standards, Standard precaution guidance, and Laboratory Safety Manual.
• Recognize and report all safety incidents and hazards to management.
• Use the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for specific laboratory hazards.

Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• The Microbiologist must be willing and able to do the following:
  • Wear a particulate respirator (N95 or higher), and have a respirator fit test annually;
  • Have a TB skin test annually;
  • Participate in the Federal Select Agent Program (Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002);
  • Obtain FBI background clearance; and
  • Lift up to 25 pounds.
• This is a first-shift position; however, public health and security emergencies may require Microbiologists to be available during non-standard hours and/or weekends.
• While performing the duties of this job, employees may be exposed to infectious agents or toxic laboratory chemicals.

1. Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, public health microbiology, medical technology, or a closely related biological science from an accredited college or university.
2. Two years of recent laboratory experience as a professional level microbiologist, including at least one year independently conducting microbiological testing in a clinical, environmental, or public health agency.
3. Valid driver's license at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To receive credit for college, transcripts are required and must be received by the application period closing date. College transcripts should be attached to your online application. Applications without transcripts attached will be considered incomplete and will be rejected. Your transcript must be legible and include your college/university name, your name, the degree completed (if applicable) and the date completed.

• One of the following nationally recognized certifications within one year of employment:
  • Microbiology (M) – American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification
  • Molecular Biology (MB) – American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification
  • Specialist in Microbiology (SM) – American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification
  • National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (ASM)
• Experience in molecular diagnostics and techniques.
• Skill in using specialized computer applications, particularly Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), inventory control management, and sequence analysis software.

• Knowledge of general microbiology, public health, and infectious disease.
• Demonstrable skills and experience in diagnostic conventional and molecular microbiology procedures, safety, and quality controls.
• Working knowledge in using highly complex equipment (e.g., thermocyclers, DNA sequencers, microscopes, biosafety cabinets) in a clinical or public health laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of laboratory bio-safety and bio-security.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics and statistics, and ability to make accurate calculations.
• Ability to read, follow, and interpret complex documents, Standard Operating Procedures, and publications.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a synergistic professional team.
• Interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with diverse staff, external agencies, and the public.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one's own.
• Oral communication skills in order to present and convey information effectively.
• Written communication skills in order to document work and create reports.
• Skill in using standard computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, and the Internet.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Judgment and decision-making skills.
• Planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to stay abreast of best practices in microbiology through ongoing professional development and continuing education activities.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to respond to sensitive inquiries or complaints effectively.
• Honesty, integrity, and ability to maintain patient and laboratory confidentiality.

The current salary range (2FN) is $48,294-$67,616 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $49,743-$69,644 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance •Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass    

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations and the Milwaukee Health Department reserve the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE: The examination will be held as soon as practical after Monday, June 1, 2020. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobaps.com/MIL.
• Applications and transcripts should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

  EEO = 206  

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.