CDPH - Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) II (Zoonotic & Vector-borne Diseases Scientist)

California Department of Public Health

Job Title: Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) II

Work Location: Contra Costa County

Job Code: JC-495435

Application deadline: 10/27/2025

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is hiring a Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) II within our Center for Laboratory Sciences, (CLS) Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL), Zoonotic and Vector-borne Diseases Section (ZVBDS). In this role, you will serve as a ZVBD Scientist.

ZVBDS is one of four laboratory diagnostic testing sections in CLS VRDL. ZVBDS performs diagnostic and surveillance testing for rabies virus, hantavirus, endemic and exotic arboviruses, and other animal and vector-borne diseases to support clinical diagnosis, disease surveillance, and epidemiological investigations. ZVBDS employs a wide array of test methods, including serologic, fluorescent antibody, and molecular detection and virus variant typing assays, including molecular epidemiological studies of rabies and Sin Nombre hantavirus to provide valuable support to epidemiological investigations by pinpointing sources of human exposures.

The deadline to apply is October 27, 2025, at 11:59PM PT. Please reach out to Apply@cdph.ca.gov with any questions.

Responsibilities:

• Use specialized and advanced techniques; develop and apply complex, non-standardized virologic analyses; and perform reference testing for viruses and host immune response by direct viral detection including, but not limited to, specialized cell culture procedures, fluorescent labeled antibody assays, neutralization, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), sequencing, enzymatic-based assays, and general virus identification methods according to VRDL standard operating procedures

• Perform technical applied research and method development work, and assist in the development, evaluation, and application of highly specialized procedures for detection of viral antigens (or antibodies) in clinical specimens including, but not limited to, immunofluorescence assays, improved virus isolation procedures, PCR, and other molecular assays to ensure that VRDL maintains the most accurate, state-of-the-art diagnostic testing capabilities

• Develop and perform novel molecular detection assays, as well as whole genome sequencing, such as the Clear Labs rapid SARS-CoV-2 WGS and long-read Nanopore sequencing for other significant zoonotic and vector-borne viral pathogens of public health significance

• Maintain records of patient specimens and test results for virus detection, serology, and special studies; analyze test results using electronic spreadsheets and databases; review and interpret complex data and quality control results; and maintain electronic databases of laboratory results

• Participate in training of other technical staff, local laboratory staff, and microbiologist trainees in the use of standardized and specialized microbiological procedures

• Provide guidance on interpreting results, troubleshooting complex assays, and maintaining accuracy in standard methods, and provide technical consultation to local public health and clinical laboratorians

  
  

At CDPH, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.

New to State Service? The following steps will navigate you through the application process:

1. Create a CalCareer account by going to https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Login.aspx.

2. Confirm that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position you are wanting to apply for. A link to view minimum qualifications is listed on each job posting.

3. After confirming that you meet the minimum qualifications, take, and pass the corresponding examination. Most exams are available online and can be found on CalCareers under the Exam/Assessment Search tab. Please note, while candidates are welcome to apply to positions without taking the examination, candidates must pass the examination prior to appointment. Please review the minimum qualifications thoroughly, prior to beginning the examination.

4. Apply! Follow all directions and be sure to submit all requested documentation.
   

For more details on how to apply click here - Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) II