Make a difference
We are hiring two Microbiologist 1 positions in the Antibiotic Resistance Lab Network (ARLN) lab. As a Microbiologist, you will work to ensure that methods and conclusions of microbiological tests performed by other microbiologists are technically correct, and maintaining policies, procedures, training, and compliance with CAP guidelines within the lab. The positions will also cross-train and support staff within the Reference lab.

These positions are responsible for accurate and timely performance of assigned laboratory work. You will be responsible for laboratory maintenance activities such as ordering/stocking, quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), equipment calibration, verifications, proficiency testing, data entry, and specimen processing. Additionally, you will support of other areas in the Washington State Public Health Laboratories (PHL) under certain circumstances such as when disease outbreaks occur. These positions is work in compliance with College of American Pathology (CAP) guidelines and under the guidance of the section Leads and Supervisor.

The candidate pool will be utilized to fill two permanent positions. Both positions work onsite full-time at the Public Health Laboratories.

Work that matters
Public health promotes and protects the health of the people of the state of Washington in the communities where they live, learn, work and play. We realize that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begins with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices.

About us
The Department of Health (DOH) works with others to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state. We are committed to our cornerstone values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement (EIE) to reenergize our commitment to health for all — creating policies and conditions so everyone can live their healthiest lives. We cannot embark on this journey alone. We must collaborate with communities, community-based organizations, local public health entities, governmental partners, health care providers and systems, the private sector, Tribal Nations, and many, many more. Infusing our agency’s values into how we transform our services, go about our activities, and strengthen our core work, is critical to the bright and robust future ahead. Learn more about our Transformational Plan.

Why DOH? We offer

• One of the most competitive benefits package in the nation that is designed to meet the needs of you and your family. Beyond the traditional benefits such as Health, Life Insurance, Retirement, and related benefits, we offer Flex Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Assistance, Deferred Compensation, and so much more.
• A commitment to work/life balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for many positions.
• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion that fosters an inclusive environment.
• Employees earn between 14 and 25 days of paid vacation per year, depending on the length of employment.
• A wellness program that offers education, access to healthy food, and fitness classes.
• An infant at Work Program based on the long-term health values of breastfeeding newborns and infant-parent bonding.
• Employee resource groups that provide forums for employees to gather and share ideas about matters that affect their personal and professional lives and support career development.
• DOH is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Learn more about this program.
• Receive a One Regional Card for All (ORCA) card for public transportation.
• The salary listed includes 5% premium pay due to the duty station of this position being located in King County.

Our Ideal Candidate
Has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understand how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. They demonstrate resilience and outward behaviors even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, chemisty, biochemistry, zoology, or a related science.
• Ability to train and oversee work of laboratory technical staff.
• Ability to develop, evaluate, validate, and implement new methods, procedures, and instrumentation.
• Ability to read, synthesize, and present technical information clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to review laboratory test results and quality control data.

It’s a plus if you have

• Experience in Bacterial identification by both classical methods and molecular methods.
• Experience in antimicrobial resistant testing.
• Experience in PCR and/or other molecular technologies.
• Experience with CLIA, CAP, or ISO quality management systems.
• Certified as Microbiologist (ASCP) or Medical Technologist (ASCP).

Application Process
Intrigued? Click “Apply” to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:

• A cover letter (without personal pictures) describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are interested in this position.
• A current resume (without personal pictures).
• Three (3) or more professional references, to be listed in your profile under the references section, which includes at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) someone you have supervised or led.

Attachments: Do not attach any documents that include photos, letters of recommendation, or private information (social security number, year of birth, transcripts, etc.).

Veteran Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is an equal opportunity employer. DOH strives to create a working environment that is inclusive and respectful. We prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability.

If you have questions, need alternative formats, or need assistance, please contact Zach Covington at (360) 236-2406, Zach.Covington@doh.wa.gov, or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1. Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages).

This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions
With or without accommodation, I am willing and able to:

• Use a microscope for up to two hours.
• Lift up to 40 pounds.
• Use appropriate PPEs including respiratory protection.
• Be fitted for a respirator which will require that this individual pass a medical evaluation and training.
• Hazards are typical lab hazards including contact with bacterial/fungal pathogens and all hazards associated with handling human specimens (BBP).
• Work Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm.
• Work rotational on-call Monday through Sunday.
• Attend conferences and meetings up to two times per year.
• Receive vaccinations due to potential exposure to certain agents within the laboratory.
• Work a full-time 40-hour work week but must be willing to occasionally adjust work-schedule to meet business needs, which may include evenings and weekends.
• Legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle OR provide alternative transportation while on state business.
• Participate in emergency response exercises and emergency events/high-priority assignments as assigned.

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Supplemental Information

This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.

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