Microbiologist II

Job Details: Job Location: Department of Health - Bureau of Laboratories - Exton, PA, Position Type: Full-Time, Education Level: Bachelor's Degree, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Medical Technician & Support, MHM Solutions, a Centurion Health company, is proud to be the provider of healthcare staffing solutions to state agencies within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  We are currently seeking a full time Microbiologist II to join our team at the Department of Laboratories– Exton office located in Exton, Pennsylvania. This position is under the direct supervision of Advance Molecular Detection (AMD) Coordinator. The candidate communicates and collaborates regularly with the Supervisor, Division Director, and other laboratory team members.

This position is under the direct supervision of a Microbiology Supervisor. The candidate communicates and collaborates regularly with the Supervisor, Division Director, and COVID laboratory team members.

The Microbiologist 2 specific duties are as follows:
•  Perform molecular techniques using real-time polymerase chain reaction or digital (PCR) for qualitative/quantitative detections of SARS-CoV-2 and other agents of public health significance on environmental samples (wastewater surveillance). This includes the use of automated extraction platforms, reagents preparation, and use of thermal cyclers to ensure rapid detection.
• Performs pre-analytical checks and water concentration processing steps such as filtering or centrifugation.
• Perform quality assurance checks in the analytical phase using the quality controls and internal controls and post analytical testing in interpretation and troubleshooting to ensure the accuracy of the test.
• Performs and evaluates new diagnostic procedures to determine the performance characteristics and/or suitability for this laboratory. Evaluate performance of new procedures, methods, equipment and reagents used in the testing when need to be improved or changed, including reading principles, protocols, perform validation and analyze results.

• Use laboratory information management system (LIMS) to accession specimens, manage the samples through the testing processes and report the laboratory testing results to ensure timely reporting to laboratory and public health partners.
• Participate in proficiency testing to ensure and maintain high quality standards of testing for molecular detection of different viruses and typing and subtyping to ensure compliance with CLIA regulations.
• Perform quality control checks on equipment, reagents, controls, and procedures to ensure the reliability of test results and protect the health of the public.
• Follow Bureau Quality Control and Quality Assurance Policies to ensure accurate results and outstanding customer service.
• Provide technical consultation and training on technical matters for new laboratory employees, public health agencies, students, and PA clinical microbiology laboratories to ensure their understanding of virology testing and surveillance.
• Provide customer service via telephone to submitting agencies by providing timely laboratory results and laboratory status update that aid in the decisions about diagnosis, effective treatments, and control efforts.
• Provide technical support to submitting agencies about specimen collections and Laboratory testing procedures to ensure the proper collection of the specimens in facilities and Public Health Local laboratories.
• Engage in educational activities aimed to increase technical knowledge and skills through literature searches and attendance at conferences. Shares with colleagues the information gained from external training opportunities to ensure that all staff has current up-to-date information.
• Adheres to safety policies as described in the Bureau of Laboratories Policy Manual, Chemical Hygiene Plan, and Bloodborne Pathogens Plan to ensure personal safety and the safety of others within the Bureau.
• Performs other related duties as required.
Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFCATIONS

On year of profession laboratory work experience in microbiology, and a bachelors degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
Or A graduate degree in microbiology
Certain positions will require a possession of a valid Pennsylvania drivers license.
Certain positions will require the successful completion of a background risk assessment check. 
Experience with sequencing a must.
Advance Molecular Detection is required

Shift: 40 hours a week – Monday - Friday 8-4:30

Location: 110 Pickering Way, Exton, PA 19341.

INDMHM