Microbiologist (209570)

Job Description and Responsibilities:

Our agency is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, who was appointed by Gov. Kelly in Dec 2021. KDHE is comprised of three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). We are the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof which allows us to take a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Microbiologist opening in Topeka. Incumbent must pay extreme attention to details. Evaluate and prepare samples for analytical testing. Perform and coordinate complex biochemical and immunological analyses to detect infants at risk for genetic disorders. Cross train in all instrumentation and methodologies in the Neonatal Chemistry Laboratory. This includes, but is not limited to, Isoelectric Focusing and/or HPLC, AutoDelfia, PCR, Galactosemia, Biotinidase, and MS/MS. The conditions tested for include but may not be limited to: Amino Acid disorders (including Phenylketonuria), Fatty Acid disorders, Organic Acid disorders, Hemoglobinopathies, Galactosemia, Biotinidase deficiency, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, and Cystic fibrosis.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

When in Blood Metals rotation, perform lead analysis on whole blood and blotter paper specimens by ICP-MS for the state childhood lead prevention program, as well as providing analysis and/or backup for other bio-monitoring programs.  Responsible for analyzing these samples by ICP-MS accurately and efficiently using the appropriate approved methodology.  Perform calibration, maintenance, and data reporting.  Use special techniques and precautions, due to the matrix and low reporting levels inherent to this method.  Create, update, and/or maintain all Test Methods and Standard Operating Procedures for the blood lead program.  Provide supervisor with spreadsheet of all orders and purchases made for blood lead analysis in order to maintain an accurate and effective budget.

Incumbent will develop new analytical methods and perform validations in a clinical laboratory environment. Be familiar with federal guidelines and regulations regarding testing. Knowledgeable regarding statistical analysis of data. Experienced in writing reports, validations, and SOP’s. Be open to ideas and be an active listener.

Report results in a timely and efficient manner maintaining quality assurance.  Assure appropriate quality control samples are performed to confirm the reliability of data.  Maintain a comprehensive quality assurance/quality control program for the Health Chemistry Laboratories.  This QA/QC program utilizes extensive record keeping and documentation, written and computerized.  Proper statistical methods are employed to determine accuracy and specificity of the assays.  Maintain the computerized database for the Neonatal Screening Program to ensure the laboratory data contained in the database is precise and accurate.  This data is used for reporting the results for the Neonatal Screening Section and therefore must be kept up to date and correct at all times.  Ensures laboratory is CLIA compliant by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), performing monitors described in QA SOP’s, validate changes, and document approval of results, etc.  Review and help with update SOPs and Test Methods annually using current and good laboratory practices.

Troubleshoot and maintain in good working order all technical and scientific instruments used in the section.  Calibrate all technical and scientific instruments as needed. Assist with biological and chemical safety and help to maintain the laboratory in a safe and clean condition.  Assist with technical problems, program development, validation studies, and the monthly submitter performance summary.  Assist in the training of new staff once general trainer status is reached. Maintain quality assurance records for all assays.  Report results in a timely and efficient manner.  Many of the samples analyzed will be for regulatory purposes for compliance with CDC, EPA, CLIA or state regulations.  As mandated by these regulations, assures that the procedures and quality control measures are strictly adhered to. Maintain up-to-date QC/QA records and PT charts for review and evaluation.

Qualifications: 

Education:

The minimum level of education and experience required to perform the job.

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology or Chemistry or other related fields. Experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency, which include 24 semester hours of science (6 semester hours of Biology, 6 semester hours of Chemistry, and 12 semester hours of a combined total of Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related science)

Licensing & Certification: 

• Valid Driver’s License – Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver’s license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Minimum 3 years laboratory experience required, in which 1 year is clinical laboratory experience, and 1 year is method development and validation experience, or a combination thereof
• Experience in MS/MS and/or LC-MS/MS required

Preferred Qualifications: 

Any additional skills, experiences, or qualifications that would be beneficial, but aren’t strictly necessary.

• Master’s degree in Biology, Chemistry or Biochemistry, Medical Technologist
• PhD in Biology, Chemistry or Biochemistry, Medical Technologist
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Laboratory experience with emphasis in Health Chemistry
• Epidemiology/Public Health/other collaborative experience
• Leadership/team building experience
• Packing and shipping regulatory experience
• Experience with LC Mass spectrometry and HPLC
• Understanding of MS/MS
• Knowledge and experience in immunofluorescence assays (IFA, ELISA, or EIA) testing formats
• Understanding of the theory behind the metabolic disorders tested
• Understanding of testing through all pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical parameters
• Two years of experience in a neonatal genetic screening laboratory
• Two years of experience in a CLIA approved clinical laboratory
• Six months of experience in microbiology
• Newborn Screening experience preferred

About the Position: 

• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes

Employment Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

How to Apply:

Specific instructions for applying, which might include submitting a resume, cover letter, list of references, or completing an online application.

• Please include the Job ID number (209570) when emailing.

Job Application Process:  Only applications submitted within our State of Kansas Careers Portal will be considered.

• First Sign in or register as a New User at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs
• Complete or update your contact information on the State of Kansas Careers Portal > My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed for each specific job posting.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
  • Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
  • Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
  • Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Contact Information:

[email protected]

Salary Range

$ 22.14 to 27.50