Molecular Microbiologist Jobs

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks an experienced Molecular Microbiologist to oversee daily operations of the Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, including the wastewater Surveillance section. This role supervises highly complex testing of clinical and environmental samples to support routine, surveillance and outbreak activities, and will collaborate and coordinate work-flow and testing personnel with other laboratory sections and Divisions including Clinical Microbiology, Food and Dairy Laboratories, Biothreat Response Laboratory and the Sequencing Division. The Molecular Microbiologist ensures compliance with all regulatory agencies to meet requirements, including CLIA regulations and the ISO 17025 standard where appropriate, and complies with all safety and security protocols. This role maintains registration status with the CDC Select Agent and Toxin Program. The Molecular Microbiologist performs related duties as required to include but not limited to participation/contribution to LIMS implementation and processes associated with building renovation.

Learn more about what it’s like to work at the State Public Health Lab.

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:

• Working conditions include potential exposure to infectious agents in a BSL3 laboratory.
• All staff who may be exposed to infectious agents in the BSL-3 laboratory 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.

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

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

• Establish workload, workflow and resource relationships to maximize productivity; conduct regularly scheduled staff meetings; recruit, interview and hire staff.
• Support Division Director with development of grants, program activities and services, and research project collaborations and publications.
• Serve as subject matter expert and provide technical guidance and administrative leadership to Molecular Microbiology Laboratory including the Wastewater surveillance section; to include various RNA and DNA extraction platforms and protocols and various PCR platforms and protocols for CLIA validated testing and also as a quality measure for downstream testing.
• Communicate with both internal and external collaborators in a timely manner; provide guidance and on lab policies and testing guidelines and evaluate special testing requests; respond to inquiries about laboratory testing results; write memos and reports; testify in court or at hearings regarding test results as required.
• Adhere to all regulations for the CDC Select Agent and Toxin program including respirator fit testing and all relevant training. Observe all relevant state and federal regulations; comply with agency policy regarding safety and security; participate and respond to emergency events.
• Participate in meetings and working groups with internal and external partners; attend local and national meetings, conferences, lectures and trainings; conduct technical seminars and trainings as appropriate.
• Supervise, coordinate, perform and review all tasks associated with Molecular Microbiology testing using current approved protocols, sound scientific practice, technical and communication skills to comply with regulatory requirements, to include all pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical tasks, for routine, surveillance and outbreak testing.
• Maintain knowledge of state and national policy as well as technical expertise to evaluate, develop and implement new testing protocols and platforms that adhere to regulatory and industry recommendation and ensure quality improvement in testing services. Recognize, address and communicate contingencies of the laboratories to the Division Director in real time.
• Serve as point of contact for IT, including LIMS maintenance and development for Molecular Microbiology Laboratories.
• Oversee a robust quality management system in the laboratories to include all activities necessary to insure precise and accurate testing to meet policy, industry standards, accreditation and regulatory requirements, including CLIA regulations and ISO 17025 as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

• Able to supervise personnel including setting goals, supporting growth, monitoring performance, determining and addressing individual needs to support department success and morale; determining and recommending initiation of disciplinary action.
• Capacity to recognize and respond to contingencies in real time in response to work environment and program needs.
• Ability to plan and assign work according to capabilities of subordinates, workload and availability of resources to maximize productivity and coordinate testing across multiple lab sections.
• Knowledge of the concepts, theories and best practice techniques of microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology, including the ability to perform calculations; knowledge of operational needs of the Molecular Microbiology Laboratory including Wastewater surveillance to include testing protocols, accreditations, and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of a robust quality management system specific to Molecular Microbiology and Wastewater surveillance testing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Capable to explain the provisions of the laws, rules and regulations governing a molecular 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.

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. #2

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.