CDPH - Public Health Microbiologist (PHMII)
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- 16 hours ago
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California Department of Public Health
Job Title: Public Health Microbiologist (PHM II)
Work Location: Contra Costa County
Job Code: JC-500517
Application deadline: 12/17/2025
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is hiring a Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) II within our Center for Laboratory Sciences (CLS), Infectious Disease Laboratory Division (IDLD), Microbial Diseases Laboratory (MDL) Branch.
MDL provides reference diagnostic and surveillance testing, and applied
research activities for the detection, epidemiologic investigation, control and prevention of bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal and parasitic diseases.
The deadline to apply is December 17, 2025, at 11:59PM PT. Please reach out to Apply@cdph.ca.gov with any questions.
Responsibilities:
Perform diagnostic testing for a variety of microorganisms including, but not limited to, primarily mycobacterial, parasitic, and fungal pathogens, and receive specimens and perform data entry into the MDL Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Perform specimen processing, and conduct tests for identification and/or characterization of pathogens using conventional microbiology methods, molecular methods including, but not limited to, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), and whole cell analysis with Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)
Accurately interpret and record test results and prepare reports in LIMS for supervisory review in a timely manner, and maintain databases and use validated bioinformatics pipelines and software for data analysis
Document the test results and applicable quality control information accurately and completely, and accurately maintain laboratory records for technical, safety, and quality activities
Communicate professionally with colleagues, supervisors and internal/external clients; participate in proficiency testing and competency assessments; provide applicable technical guidance, training, and oversight of staff and PHM trainees, as assigned; and assist with other staff competency assessments
Strictly adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and follow pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processes and procedures [e.g. Clinical Laboratory Improvements Act (CLIA)] and biosafety practices and procedures
Perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures and equipment maintenance to ensure optimal performance and documentation of test processes and to fulfill the requirements of CLIA regulations and QA/QC policies established in the laboratory
Maintain inventory of essential chemicals, reagents, and disposables, and prepare and order laboratory supplies, reagents, and media for testing and research purposes
Assist with the development of, and updates to, laboratory SOPs and QA forms and requests for data; generate technical reports related to grants and projects; and may present data to internal and external partners
Special Requirements:
*License: Candidate mush have a California Public Health Microbiologist Certification issued by the state of California
Vaccination recommended. Work performed in high-containment BSL-3 conditions with required use of respirator (N-95 or PAPR). May be tasked to assist other laboratory Sections / Programs in the event of surge or staffing shortage.
The deadline to apply is: 12/17/2025
Create a CalCareer account by going to https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Login.aspx.
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.
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.
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)