Microbiologist II
This position is in the Bureau of Environmental Health Services, Environmental Microbiology Laboratory.
- Performs and interprets microbiological tests for samples in the environmental microbiology laboratory.
- Performs and interprets microbiological, chemical and physical tests on milk and dairy products, including tests for Added Water Determination, Butterfats, Total Solids Nonfat and Scharer-Rapid Phosphatase.
- Prepare tubes and reagents as necessary for sample analysis.
- The selected candidate must be able obtain and maintain the certifications required to analyze samples as required by EPA and FDA as soon as practical.
- Successfully participates in audits as required.
- Responsible for ordering in-house media, reagents, and supplies and provides assistance in the laboratory by performing other general duties as needed.
- Writes new SOPs and reviews current SOPs for updates.
- Reads and reviews SOPs and safety manual as needed and annually.
- Follows all safety procedures.
- Validates data for Environmental Microbiology and Milk and Dairy laboratories.
- Completes all required administrative tasks and documentation as required and requested. Performs other job duties as required or requested.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in microbiology or medical technology and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment.
- OR a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences with academic credits in biology, plus work experience in a setting related to the area of employment.
- A doctorate in Microbiology may be substituted for the required work experience.
Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must have excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Must be able to read and understand laboratory procedure manuals.
- Prior to possible selection for this position, candidates will have to attend an in-person interview.
- For the safety of the employee, the safety of others, and to comply with OSHA regulations, this position requires the ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to include, but not limited to boots, safety glasses, laboratory coats, and gloves.
Applicants must be able to complete the following duties with or without a reasonable accommodation:
- Move and change 150-pound gas cylinders using a hand truck.
- Stand for long periods of time, at a standard work counter.
- Identify precise gradient changes between colors.
Preferred Qualifications
- A master’s degree in microbiology;
- OR a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and one year of microbiology experience;
- OR a bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences with 16 hours in microbiology and two years of microbiology laboratory experience.
- Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in microbiology or at least 1-year work experience in a microbiology environmental laboratory or milk laboratory setting and is a certified Milk/Dairy analyst.