• Job Description

  Req#: 742229
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  The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced Microbiologist to serve as our next Sequencing Microbiologist in the Core Sequencing and Bioinformatics Lab. This role performs next generation sequencing methods on human and environmental specimens in response to viral pathogens of public health importance, including but not limited to SARS-CoV-2, WNV, and emerging threats, and works closely with colleagues in environmental microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and quality assurance.

  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):

  • Receive, log, store, and process nucleic acid extractions and initiate sample analysis using sound scientific practice and technical skills.
  • Perform, and supervise next generation sequencing methods in the Sequencing Core Laboratory to support surveillance and characterization of infectious disease outbreaks of pathogens of public health concern.
  • Follow the quality management program requirements to ensure that all certification and accreditation requirements, including training and competency, are met.
  • Work with the quality assurance team to ensure methods meet all relevant quality assurance standards.
  • 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, routine quality control, and proficiency testing, as assigned.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and report problems in accordance with procedures.
  • 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, and radiologic agents.
  • Perform all laboratory work (e.g., testing procedures, safety protocols, quality assurance protocols) according to written standard operating procedures.
  • Report results accurately and completely within the laboratory information management system(s).
  • Participate and respond to emergency events.
  • Maintains records for all testing performed.
  • Apply concepts and theories relevant to specific tests that are being conducted.
  • Evaluate quality control data prior to reporting results.
  • Conduct inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents to determine when such supplies and reagents must be ordered to ensure proper supply levels for testing.
  • Perform testing and prepare results for subsequent secondary review and release following verification by a Microbiologist of a higher grade.

  Required Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of the concepts and theories of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology.
  • Understanding of basic microbial culture techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays.
  • Demonstrated 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.
  • Comprehension 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.
  • Knowledge of laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to certification and accreditation requirements to meet regulatory requirements.
  • Capacity to read and interpret technical manuals, journal articles, and other formal scientific materials.

  Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to explain the provisions of the laws, rules and regulations governing a microbiology laboratory.

  Special Requirements:

  As part of the pre-hire process, you will be required to submit transcript(s) for review for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) verification process.

  If selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to submit an official transcript from each accredited academic institution to verify the above.

  Please note that we will be unable to move forward with your application for this position if you do not meet CLIA qualifications.

  Working Conditions:

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

  Participates in standby/on call rotation as required for response to emergent situations of public health importance.

  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 ADA Reasonable Accommodation 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. 2

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

  Minimum Entrance Requirements:

  Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory technology, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the 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, medical laboratory technology, or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

  II. A Master’s degree or higher with a major in microbiology, molecular biology, biology or equivalent scientific field may be substituted for the required 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!

  COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.

  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.

• About the company

  Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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