CDPH MDL
Job Summary
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by performing quality, timely provision of highly complex public health laboratory testing for the diagnosis and epidemiologic investigation of a range of bacterial diseases of great public health importance in the State of California.
Under technical leadership of the Research Scientist III Vaccine Preventable Pathogens & Molecular Bacteriology Unit Lead, the Public Health Microbiologist I (PHM I) performs bacterial pathogen identification using both classical and molecular methods, and reports results to submitters. The PHM I conducts quality control, assists with test validation and verification studies to implement new test methods, uses the MDL Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), updates protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and applies good safety practices in the workplace. Due to the nature of the essential functions of the position (see below), the candidate must be able to transfer large numbers of testing materials (medium plates, tubes, and cultures, etc.) from one location to another (refrigerators, incubators, and testing benches, etc.) in a timely and safe manner to maintain test integrity. The candidate is expected to have basic laboratory knowledge and skills in order to perform the duties of this position, including: culture inoculation and Gram stain, ability to use a pipette, demonstration of good aseptic technique, knowledge and understanding of basic operation of general laboratory equipment (incubators, freezers, autoclave), and demonstration of safe laboratory practices when handling infectious / hazardous materials.
The incumbent works under the Chief of the Bacterial Diseases Section.
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