Microbial Sequencing Microbiologist – (240005XJ)

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced laboratory professional to serve as our Microbial Sequencing Microbiologist. This role performs whole genome sequencing of bacterial or fungal pathogens isolated from clinical, food, and environmental sources for the purposes of characterization and disease surveillance. The Microbial Sequencing Microbiologist performs sequence analysis using CDC PulseNet protocols or other established and verified pipelines, and assists in oversight of sequencing activities to ensure required QC metrics are met for bacterial or fungal pathogens. This role assists with the development, optimization, and validation of new and existing sequencing protocols. The Microbial Sequencing Microbiologist ensures sequencing data is uploaded to national repositories such as SRA and GenBank, as required, communicates results as needed with state, local, and federal partners, and complies with all safety and security protocols.

Learn more about what it’s like to work at the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences.

Please note: This position is expected to report to the office five (5) days per week.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Develop, perform and oversee next generation sequencing methods in the Sequencing Core Laboratory to support surveillance and characterization of infectious disease outbreaks of pathogens of public health concern.
• May utilize commercial and/or academic bioinformatics tools for whole genome, partial genome and metagenome sequence analysis.
• Monitor staff compliance with established policies and procedures for receiving, logging, storing, and processing nucleic acid extractions and initiating sample analysis using sound scientific practice and technical skills.
• Follow the quality management system requirements to ensure that all certification and accreditation requirements are met regarding training and competency, writing and updating test procedures, reporting results, reagent preparation and equipment maintenance for sequencing platforms and bioinformatics analysis software applications.
• Assign work and monitor quality indicators to ensure the accuracy of tests performed.
• Communicate with submitters according to procedures regarding specimen collection, packaging, shipping, and transportation of specimens transported to the laboratory.
• Perform quality control activities including verification or validation of new or updated test methods, routine quality control, and proficiency testing.
• Ensure that an adequate supply of reagents and supplies are ordered and available to perform test services.
• Ensure staff comply with agency policy regarding safety, security, and protection in the working environment in accordance with the laboratory’s procedures and policies for biological, chemical agents.
• Perform all laboratory work (e.g., testing procedures, safety protocols, quality assurance protocols) according to written standard operating procedures. Recommend updates when appropriate.
• Report results accurately and completely within the laboratory information management system(s).
• Participate and respond to emergency events.
• Evaluate quality control data prior to reporting results.
• Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment by determining when such supplies, equipment and chemicals must be ordered, and by writing purchases orders to maintain proper supply levels.
• Once trained and competent, employee will perform second reviewer duties, compliant with regulatory standards, to verify and release test results for all tests for which the employee has been deemed competent. The employee will be eligible to perform verify/release duties for all analysts regardless of classification level provided the employee is competent to perform the verify/release on the specific test.
• Participate in the interviewing and hiring process for new employees.
• Cross-train in other laboratory sections as necessary to meet operational needs of the laboratory.
• Develop presentations and participate in internal monthly staff meetings, interagency, and program-specific meetings.
• Provide laboratory data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state epidemiologists in a timely manner.
• Communicate workload problems, testing issues, equipment concerns in accordance with agency procedures.
• Attend national and regional scientific conferences as necessary, which may require out of state travel.
• Performs other duties as determined by the supervisor, Division Director, and/or management in response to program needs including but not limited to participation/contribution to LIMS implementation and processes associated with building renovation.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the concepts and theories of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology.
• Understanding of basic microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques. These include knowledge of basic microbial culture techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays.
• Knowledge of the quality assurance practices (e.g., equipment maintenance, proficiency testing, method validation, staff competency, following standard operating procedures) specific to microbiology, immunological, and molecular biology test methods in a diagnostic setting.
• Ability to perform calculations, measurements and unit conversion calculations.
• Knowledge of the principles and policies governing professional ethics and rules of conduct.
• Able to effectively and professionally communicate orally and in writing and prepare concise technical reports.
• Capacity to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents.
• Capable to coordinate assignments for microbiological sample storage, handling, and specimen retention, and packaging and shipping of infectious substances.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Able to read and interpret technical manuals, journal articles, and other formal scientific materials.
• Capacity to recommend updates to written standard operating procedures.
• Able to develop presentations for training and informing other laboratorians and partners.
• Capable to prepare fiscal, workload, quality assurance, technical and general reports.
• Able to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of personnel and available resources; monitoring work performance through periodic reviews and evaluations, determining personnel training needs and arraigning for such training, motivating personnel to work effectively and efficiently. Determining the need for disciplinary action and/or recommending initiation of disciplinary action.
• Capability to follow work instructions and either work independently or in a team environment.
• Knowledge of laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to certification and accreditation requirements to meet regulatory requirements.
• Ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise and understandable manner.
• Capacity to make effective oral presentations.

Special Requirements:

Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents. Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.

This position will require work in the BSL-3 laboratory. In the context of work in a BSL-3 environment the successful candidate must understand the following:

• All Select Agent registered, non-Tier 1 Staff will undergo a security risk assessment (SRA), which includes signing a confidentiality statement, and renewal every three years.
• Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents.
• All Select Agent registered, non-Tier 1 designated staff who may be exposed to Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) must complete OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C), be evaluated and determined able to wear a respirator before working in any HSLI laboratory (Tier 1, non Tier1, and non SAT) that requires a respirator.
• Failure to pass the SRA required for access to BSAT may result in being laid off if no other resolution is reached.

About the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS):

The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS), predominantly located in Jamaica Plain, provides public health response to infectious disease. These services include programmatic and epidemiologic response, as well as laboratory testing through the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL).

Infectious disease response services address concerns of the general public as well as those disproportionately affected by infectious disease through a variety of risk factors. BIDLS administers ongoing disease reporting for over 90 reportable diseases in the state. Disease reporting review and follow-up with clinical providers and local boards of health is a central function of the bureau. Surveillance activity is complemented by an extensive contracted service system. These services are funded through state and federal resources and include prevention education, community outreach screening for infectious disease, immunization services, health service navigation, medical case management, insurance enrollment, housing assistance, and referral and linkage to infectious disease treatment.

The SPHL provides scientific expertise and capacity to identify infectious agents, chemical agents, and other toxins that cause human disease.  The SPHL is an active partner in joint activities with other bureaus/agencies such as environmental health, food and drug, agriculture, disease prevention and health promotion programs, and public safety.  The SPHL is a reference laboratory of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent laboratory. SPHL staff work closely with laboratory and disease prevention programs at the CDC, and partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.

We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

More information can be found at: MA Department of Public Health​

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. # 4

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have (A) at least five (5) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory technology or equivalent scientific field, of which (B)  at least one (1) year must be in a supervisory or leadership capacity, or (C), any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Based on assignment, applicants must meet related Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) requirements for High Complexity Testing.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.

Substitutions: 

I. A Bachelor’s degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology or medical laboratory technology, or related scientific field, may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

II. A Master’s degree with a major in microbiology, molecular microbiology, biology or medical laboratory technology or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Doctoral degree with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, medical technology or related scientific field, may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Microbiologist III
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-305 South Street
Job: Science
Agency: Department of Public Health
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Jun 20, 2024, 9:20:49 AM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 77,396.02 – 113,577.62 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Luciana M. Hayner / Luciana.M.Hayner@mass.gov – 8573981891
Bargaining Unit: 09-MOSES – Engineers/Scientists
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No