Job Description:

SUMMARY

The Drinking Water and Radiation Laboratory Branch (DWRLB) seeks a Senior Microbiologist (Wastewater Genomic Surveillance) candidate to begin work immediately to support CDPH’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The work will focus on the environmental detection of SARS Cov-2 using PCR-based molecular platforms. The successful candidate will perform important laboratory testing to detect and identify the SARS-CoV-2 virus and related variants in wastewater as a surveillance tool for potential outbreaks. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in a biological science AND must either be a certified Public Health Microbiologist or have microbiological laboratory experience. The incumbent should be experienced in working with microorganisms, exercise standard precautions, and be very experienced with PCR-based methods. Maintaining an organized, neat, and clean work environment, working well in a team environment, and being organized and detail-oriented are essential.

The position is located in Richmond, CA.  

Salary range: $6,426/month to $9,800/month

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs, interprets, and reports complex diagnostic and reference testing for viral detection in environmental samples, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing methods according to SOPs. 


• Reports laboratory test results using LIMS or other related database systems.


• Coordinates lab result reporting and formatting with other CDPH Divisions and CDC.


• Ensures adherence to 2016 The NELAC Institute (TNI) Quality Assurance protocols and standards.


• Maintains laboratory records of specimens, viral stocks, and reagents.


• Performs other related duties as assigned

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and extensive experience with laboratory work environments, sterile technique, and PCR-based molecular methods is highly desirable.


• Experience with standard precautions for working with potentially infectious environmental specimens.


• Ability to perform micromanipulations such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory instrumentation and equipment.


• Demonstrated attention to detail.


• Solid written and verbal communication skills.

Education/Experience

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with course work in chemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology

 Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist certificate preferred, or eligibility for the Public Health Microbiologist training program

 Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Access, Excel, Powerpoint, MS Outlook, Teams, WebEX, GraphPad Prism, BioRad QuantaSoft and CFX96).


• Ability to effectively communicate verbally.


• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings.


• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals.

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 30 lbs

Push/Pull                                 Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

See                                            Constantly

Taste/ Smell                            Not Applicable

Not Applicable          Not required for essential functions

Occasionally             (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently                 (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly                 (5+ hrs/day)

 

 WORK ENVIRONMENT

General office and laboratory setting, indoors, temperature controlled

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

 

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