Microbiologist

The California Emerging Infections Program (CEIP) is managed by Heluna Health, a non-profit organization dedicated to public health research. CEIP operates through cooperative agreements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), collaborating with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, and multiple local health departments.

Under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor for the Reference Bacteriology Unit at the Microbial Diseases Laboratory, CDPH, the Microbiologist is responsible for testing samples received in connection with various surveillance projects conducted by CEIP. Responsibilities encompass the testing and transportation of specimens and isolates submitted by clinical laboratories participating in CEIP surveillance initiatives. Tasks include the receipt, processing, culturing, and confirmation (as necessary) of isolates.

Surveillance projects focus on microorganisms such as Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Hemophilus spp., Neisseria spp., Candida spp., Enterobacterales (including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales [CRE]), and Clostridium difficile. The Microbiologist will perform duties related to the receipt, testing, and transportation of specimens for the CEIP ABCs project. Additional responsibilities include data entry, specimen freezing and/or processing in accordance with standardized protocols and preparing specimens for storage and shipment to CDC for further analysis and characterization.

Pay rate is: $35.10 per hour.

Applicant must submit cover letter to be considered.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Specimen receipt and data entry for laboratory information management systems (LIMS), including preparing specimen for storage and shipment, specimen shipping, maintaining culture collection.
• Preparation and quality control testing of media and reagents.
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment, including scheduling repairs as necessary.
• Autoclave, disinfect, and disposal of contaminated materials and infectious agents.
• Culture and identification of bacterial pathogens for non-diagnostic applications using conventional and molecular techniques.
• Preparation of test reports, result summaries, SOPs, and other relevant documents, including reporting of relevant results and communications with internal and external partners.
• Maintains inventories and accurate records of laboratory supplies and bacterial isolates.
• Tracks and orders laboratory supplies related to CEIP isolate processing.
• Assists in the preparation of purchase requests and order tracking.
• Participation in seminars and other scientific meetings as requested.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• At least six months’ experience working with microbial pathogens in an industry or clinical or public health microbiology laboratory setting
• Knowledge of sterile technique and universal precautions for working with bacterial pathogens
• At least one year experience of computer skills using Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, email
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings
• Ability to complete projects in a timely manner
• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals
• Demonstrated attention to detail

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course work in chemistry, microbiology, medical microbiology and molecular biology is required
• Possession of a current Public Health Microbiologist Certificate is preferred
• Experience using a PC and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Capacity to work independently or in a team environment
• Able to transmit data securely (i.e., to HIPAA compliant secure FTP sites or via encrypted email)

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• Possession of a current Public Health Microbiologist Certificate is preferred but not required.

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Training and certification of packaging and shipping of infectious agents.
• Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand                                                  Frequently
• Walk                                                   Frequently
• Sit                                                       Frequently
• Handling / Fingering                        Frequently
• Reach Outward                                 Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder                     Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend               Occasionally
• Lift / Carry                                         Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs.
• Push/Pull                                            Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs.
• See                                                         Constantly
• Taste/ Smell                                         Not Applicable

Key: 

Not Applicable              Not required for essential functions

Occasionally                 (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently                       (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly                     (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Laboratory setting, indoor and airflow and temperature controlled
• Heluna is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

EEOC STATEMENTIt is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.