Senior Microbiologist

The Microbial Diseases Laboratory (MDL) of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides reference, diagnostic and applied research activities for the detection, epidemiologic investigation, control and prevention of bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal and parasitic diseases in humans, food, water and other environmental sources.    

This position supports the California Department pf Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by providing public health laboratory testing identify and characterize mycobacterial, mycotic, and parasitic diseases.

Under the general direction of the Supervisor of the Mycology Unit , the Public Health Microbiologist II (PHM II) assists the Unit Supervisor in planning daily laboratory work, uses specialized conventional and molecular methods, develops and applies complex, non-standardized analyses; contributes and follows quality assurance procedures; and performs other functions typical pf a State reference laboratory such as technical consultation to local public health and clinical laboratorians, directors, physicians and officials of other State, local, and private agencies. The PHM II is primarily involved in identification and characterization of fungal organisms, including Coccidioides immits, and triage of CDC or reference laboratory test reports. The incumbent may provide coverage for M. tuberculosis drug-susceptibility and other mycobacterial testing.

This position requires the incumbent to maintain consistent and regular attendance; communicate effectively (orally and in writing) in dealing with the public and/or other employees; develop and maintain knowledge and skill related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, and adhere to departmental policies and procedures.

The candidate is expected to have advanced laboratory knowledge and skills in order to perform the duties of this position, including culture inoculation, use of conventional microbiological methods and bacterial staining techniques, ability to use a pipette, demonstration of good aseptic technique, knowledge and understanding of basic operation of general laboratory equipment, and demonstration of safe laboratory practices when handling infectious / hazardous materials. Work is performed in a Biological Safety Level (BSL)-3 laboratory; demonstration of safe BSL-3 practices and ability to wear necessary respiratory protection for moderate amount of time is required. For assigned molecular testing responsibilities, including PCR and sequencing, the PHM II must demonstrate good laboratory technique to avoid contamination or other test errors, basic knowledge of molecular methods and troubleshooting, and ability to work with various computer software applications in order to analyze results.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Public Health Microbiologist Certification.

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.