Microbiologist III (211745)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Microbiologist III 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 HPLC, Digital Microfluidics, PCR, Colorimetric and Fluorometric assays, ELISA 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, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Lysosomal Storage Disorders and Cystic fibrosis.  Scientists in Newborn Screening laboratory will also learn the blood metals testing procedures with ICP-MS.

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

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 laboratory. 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 Newborn Screening Program to ensure the laboratory data contained in the database is precise and accurate. Ensures laboratory is CLIA compliant by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), performing monitors described in QA SOP’s, validate changes, and document approval of results, etc. Review and help with update SOPs annually using current and good laboratory practices.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology or Chemistry or other related fields. A total of 24 semester hours must be completed in the sciences which include a minimum of 6 semester hours completed in Biology, a minimum of 6 semester hours completed in Chemistry and a minimum of 12 semester hours completed in a combination of Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or Medical Technology.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Master’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Medical Technology.
• PhD in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Medical Technology.
• Prefer previous laboratory or clinical experience, or previous patient care experience.
• Six months of experience in microbiology.
• Two years of experience in a CLIA approved clinical laboratory.
• Two years of experience in a neonatal genetic screening laboratory.
• Understanding of testing through all pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical parameters.
• Knowledge and experience with PCR and sterile practices.
• Knowledge and experience in immunofluorescence assays (IFA, ELISA, or EIA) testing formats.
• Knowledge and experience with multi-channel pipettors.
• Knowledge and experience with Mass spectrometry, HPLC, and ICP-MS.
• Packing and shipping regulatory experience.
• Leadership/team building experience.
• Epidemiology/Public Health/other collaborative experience.
• Previous laboratory experience or previous experience with patient care.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

 

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 when emailing.

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

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.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions.”

Contact Information:

[email protected]