Heluna Health - Microbiologist

Heluna Health

Job Title: Microbiologist (California Emerging Infections Program)

Work Location: California Microbial Disease Laboratory (Richmond, CA 94804, USA)

Under the direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor of the Reference Bacteriology Unit, Microbial Diseases Laboratory of CDPH, the Microbiologist performs duties to test samples received by the unit including multiple surveillance projects conducted by CEIP. The duties include those associated with the testing and transportation of specimens for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and the receipt, processing, and confirmation (as needed) of isolates of Candida spp., Enterobacterales, including carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), and Clostridium difficile submitted by clinical laboratories participating in surveillance projects conducted by CEIP. The Microbiologist will perform duties associated with the receipt, testing, and transportation of specimens for the CEIP ABCs project. The Microbiologist will also freeze and/or process specimens as outlined in standardized protocol for storage and shipping to CDC for further testing and characterization.

Applicant must submit a resume and cover letter with the application.

Pay rate: $32.50 per hour

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Specimen receipt and data entry for laboratory information management systems (LIMS), including preparing specimen for storage and shipment, specimen shipping, maintaining culture collection.

• Preparation and quality control testing of media and reagents.

• Maintenance of laboratory equipment.

• Autoclaves, disinfects, and disposes of contaminated materials and infectious agents.

• Culture and identification of bacterial pathogens for non-diagnostic applications using conventional and molecular techniques.

• Preparation of test reports, result summaries and other relevant documents, including reporting of relevant results and communications with internal and external partners.

• Maintains inventories and accurate records of laboratory supplies and bacterial isolates.

• Assists in the preparation of purchase requests and order tracking.

• Participation in seminars and other scientific meetings as requested.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• At least six months’ experience working with microbial pathogens in an industry or clinical or public health microbiology laboratory setting

• Knowledge of sterile technique and universal precautions for working with bacterial pathogens

• At least one year experience of computer skills using Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, email

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing

• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings

• Ability to complete projects in a timely manner

• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals

• Demonstrated attention to detail

Education/Experience

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course work in chemistry, microbiology, medical microbiology and molecular biology is required

• Possession of a current Public Health Microbiologist Certificate is preferred

• Experience using a PC and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office

• Meticulous attention to detail

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Capacity to work independently or in a team environment

• Able to transmit data securely (i.e., to HIPAA compliant secure FTP sites or via encrypted email)

Certificates/License/Clearances

None required.

Other skills, knowledge, and abilities

• Training and certification of packaging and shipping of infectious agents.

• Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory equipment

For more details on how to apply click here - Microbiologist (California Emerging Infections Program)