The Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory at the Department of Public Health (DPH) offers an exciting opportunity for an individual with a strong science background to work as part of a team that performs molecular diagnostic assays to detect the presence of biological agents and other infectious diseases in environmental samples as a BioWatch Laboratory Microbiologist. Testing is fast-paced and requires that incoming specimens are recorded, processed, and triaged appropriately while maintaining chain-of-custody associated with the specimens. Staff are trained to work in both biosafety level 2 and 3 environments and may cross-train to provide surge testing for other laboratories. Additional duties include quality control, proficiency testing, equipment maintenance, disposal of biohazardous waste, and maintenance of collection apparatus. The Microbiologists may provide laboratory support for field responses and investigations as assigned by the supervisor. Learn more aboutwhat 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):_ * Perform sample accessioning, determination of accept/reject criteria, and initiate sample analysis according to programmatic and institutional requirements while maintaining chain-of-custody for the samples. * Performs PCR-based molecular assays to detect the presence of infectious biological agents and other agents of public health concern on human, animal, food, or environmental samples. This includes the application of the underlying concepts of performing real-time PCR determining cutoff thresholds and critically evaluate technical issues. Prepare results generated for subsequent secondary review and release following verification by a second reviewer. * Follow the local and federal quality management program requirements to ensure that all certification and accreditation requirements, including training and competency, are met. * Follows the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s defined acceptable levels of performance and documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications. * Communicate with field collection team or other submitters according to procedures regarding sample 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. Including performing reagent validation testing and preparation of documentation for supervisor review. * Maintains proficiency in aseptic and molecular diagnostics methods to ensure laboratory areas and reagents are contamination-free. * Perform routine laboratory and field collection equipment cleaning and maintenance. Report equipment problems according to procedures in a timely fashion. * 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 within either biosafety level 2 or biosafety level 3 environments. Observes safety precautions and practices and participates in disposal of hazardous waste. * Perform all laboratory work (e.g., testing procedures, safety protocols, quality assurance protocols) according to written standard operating procedures. * Follow strict protocols for accurate and complete entering and reporting of results within the laboratory information management system(s) and maintains documentation and records of testing and reporting according to federal program guidelines. * Once trained and competent, employees 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. * Must ensure adequate laboratory staff coverage for 24/7/365 operations including participation in on-call rotation. Provides laboratory support for field responses and investigations as assigned by the supervisor and may participate and respond to emergency events or surge testing capacity as required. * Assist in maintenance of proper supply levels through notification of a microbiologist of a higher grade when supplies or working stocks reach established order threshold limits. _Required Qualifications:_ * Knowledge of the concepts and theories of microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, basic microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques (microbial culture techniques, biochemical tests, serology, sequencing, and nucleic acid-based detection assays). * Understanding of laboratory certifications and accreditations to ensure adherence to certification and accreditation requirements to meet regulatory requirements. * 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. _Preferred Qualifications:_ * Experience with concepts and theories of microbiology and molecular biology including quantitative Real-Time PCR. * Competency and demonstrated understanding of standard biosafety and biosecurity practices. * Ability to follow work instructions and either work independently or in a team environment. * Knowledge of the principles and policies governing professional ethics and rules of conduct. * Effective and professional communication both verbally and in writing, and ability to prepare concise technical reports. * Ability to use a computer to conduct research, oversee databases, and produce written documents. _Special Requirements:_ * Willingness to work under conditions of potential exposure to infectious agents. * Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire. * As part of the pre-hire process, you will be required to submit transcript(s) for review for theClinical 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. * 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: o All Tier 1 Staff will undergo a security risk assessment (SRA), which includes signing a confidentiality statement, and renewal every three years. o Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents. o All Tier 1 designated staff who may be exposed to Tier 1 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. o All Tier 1 designated staff are subject to ongoing suitability assessment to ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding Tier 1 Select Agents. Failure to pass the SRA and/or suitability assessment required for access to Tier 1 BSAT may result in being laid off if no other resolution is reached. _Working Conditions:_ * The BioWatch Laboratory is staffed seven days per week. The incumbent will initially work a Monday-Friday schedule, and upon completion of training will shift to a rotating schedule. * The work schedule may include weekends to ensure laboratory staff coverage for 24/7, 365 days of operation. _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:Department of Public Health | Mass.gov _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 visithttp://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 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. *Job: Science *Organization: Department of Public Health *Title: *BioWatch Laboratory Microbiologist Location: Massachusetts-Boston-305 South Street Requisition ID: 240000AI